Every two to three years since 2008, AASHE has conducted a survey of sustainability professionals employed in higher education. These surveys collect information from sustainability staff as well as more specialized positions such as recycling & waste staff and energy management staff. This report presents the results of the 2026 Higher Education Sustainability Staffing Survey and serves as an update to our 2023 report. It examines the nature of sustainability positions at colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and other countries, providing insights into salaries, funding, supervision, job satisfaction, challenges, and more.
The results of this survey may not fully represent the current circumstances of higher education sustainability staff given recent events. Nevertheless, the results are useful in understanding how the field has evolved over time and is adjusting in response to funding and political challenges in regions across North America and beyond.
