Estudiantes de CUNEF Universidad plantan árboles en la Sierra de Madrid

Sustainability

Sustainability is deeply embedded in the values that define CUNEF Universidad’s mission: academic excellence, integrity, responsible leadership and social commitment.

Impact and Sustainability in our vision

For CUNEF Universidad, sustainability is a transverse axis that connects education, research and institutional management with social and environmental wellbeing.

This vision is based on the following values:

Responsibility and ethics

In every academic, social and environmental decision.

Una mano sostiene un corazón, simbolizando amor y cuidado.

Respect and diversity

To promote inclusion and equality across the university community.

La imagen representa una hoja estilizada en color azul.

Excellence and commitment

Through continuous improvement and sustainable innovation.

La imagen representa un diseño abstracto con un patrón de cuadrados dispuestos en filas.

Collaboration and participation

Working hand in hand with society, companies and public administrations.

Committed to a sustainable future

CUNEF Universidad is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approved by the United Nations in September 2015, and as such has several initiatives in place within 13 of the 17 goals set by the UN. These goals, which are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda, aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

03

Good health and well-being

04

Quality education

05

Gender equally

06

Clear water and sanitation

07

Affordable and clean energy

08

Decent work and economic growth

09

Industry innovation and infrastructure

10

Reduced inequalities

11

Sustainable cities and communities

12

Responsible consumption and production

13

Climate action

16

Peace, justice and strong institutions

17

Partnership for the goals

Philosophy and institutional culture

Sustainability is embedded in CUNEF Universidad’s institutional DNA. Our philosophy is based on shaping leaders to enable them to make a positive impact through knowledge, innovation and ethics. The university’s 2025–2027 Sustainability Strategy is a roadmap designed to align our actions with the 2030 Agenda, the principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education).


This culture translates into the integration of ESG principles into academic programmes and research lines, and into responsible management of resources, campus, and infrastructure. Additionally, the university encourages a culture of respect, inclusion and coexistence, and values diversity of thought, background and experience as the basis for shared learning. All of this alongside a firm commitment to transparency and accountability which involves regularly sharing reports and impact indicators.


Strategy and lines of action

CUNEF Universidad’s sustainability strategy and institutional actions are structured around four major commitments.

Impact Days

Every year, CUNEF Universidad holds its “Impact Days”, a two-day conference aimed at the university community that focuses on the transformative role of companies and institutions in today’s economy and society as a whole.

With this type of activity, CUNEF Universidad aims to promote rigorous thinking and interdisciplinary dialogue on the great challenges of our time, as well as to ensure that its university community is equipped to lead the positive impact demanded by companies, institutions and society as a whole with responsibility, ethics and a global vision.

See more about Impact Days 2026
Una mano sostiene una hoja verde en medio de un entorno natural iluminado.

CUNEF Universidad’s sustainability strategy is structured around key commitments that guide its institutional actions

The results of these actions are tangible and measurable, and show clear progress towards a more sustainable, inclusive and committed university.

Results and impact

The results of these actions are tangible and measurable, and show clear progress towards a more sustainable, inclusive and committed university:

  • Environmental and accessibility certifications (ISO 14001, Zero Waste, AIS 5 Stars).
  • International alliances with 150 universities across 36 countries.
  • More than 50 active members in the Volunteering Club. 
  • 100 chairs donated to a school in Benin, in collaboration with FUNDEBE.
  • 1,000 trees planted in the mountains of Madrid to offset CO2 emissions, in cooperation with the NGO Plántalo.
Una vista aérea de dos árboles verdes en un campo marrón.

The results of these actions are measurable and show clear progress towards a more sustainable and inclusive university

Our campuses, certified by AENOR and AIS

The campuses of CUNEF Universidad hold AENOR certifications for Zero Waste and Environmental Management. In addition, the Almansa Campus has obtained the international 5-star accessibility accreditation awarded by AIS (Accessibility Indicator System).

AENOR Certifications

ISO 14001:2015 Certificate

Certificate of Implementation

AIS Certifications – Almansa Campus

Building A

Building B

Building C

Building D