When you picture a student touring a college campus, you probably imagine them checking out the library, the dorms, maybe even the dining hall. But today’s prospective, students are paying attention to something less obvious: how sustainable their campus really is.
Sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. A 2024 QS International Student Survey found that 88% of prospective students consider sustainability an important factor when deciding where to study. Nearly half even said they’d choose a sustainable university over one ranked among the world’s top 100. That’s a remarkable shift in priorities (QS).
Students want to see that their school is serious about the future. They’re noticing things like energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy on campus, and visible progress reports. In fact, more than two-thirds said they measure a university’s sustainability by what’s happening on the ground, such as modern lighting, greener buildings, and waste reduction efforts, not just statements on a website.
Carrying Those Expectations Into the Workplace
What’s really interesting is how those values carry forward. When students graduate, they don’t leave that mindset behind but rather bring it straight into the job market.
According to Deloitte’s 2024 global survey, nearly 70% of Gen Z and millennial workers factor a company’s environmental record into their career decisions. About one in five employees have already left their jobs over environmental concerns (Deloitte). That can’t be ignored.
For employers, this is a wake-up call. Young professionals are looking for more than a paycheck. They want to know the organization they’re working for aligns with their values. Energy efficiency, visible progress toward climate goals, and responsible use of resources all send a clear signal: we’re serious about the future. In today’s competitive hiring market, this can be the factor that tips the scale.
Consumers Are Asking the Same Questions
We’re seeing this expectation play out in the marketplace as well. Gen Z and millennials say they’re willing to pay more for products that are made responsibly, and nearly a quarter research a company’s environmental policy before making a purchase (Deloitte).
So, whether you’re a university trying to attract students, a business trying to recruit talent, or a brand hoping to build loyal customers, the takeaway is the same: authenticity in sustainability and energy efficiency matters.
The Bottom Line: Efficiency Pays
Energy efficiency benefits more than image; it strengthens the balance sheet too. Modernizing buildings helps universities save millions in utility costs, while businesses that embrace efficient systems cut overhead and improve employee comfort.
Even retailers see value by lowering energy spend across stores while strengthening their sustainability story for consumers.
The bottom line? Efficiency creates a rare win-win: it supports environmental goals and delivers measurable cost savings that stakeholders can’t ignore. The institutions that embrace this reality not only look more attractive to students, employees, and customers, but they also free up resources to reinvest where it matters most.
How Atrius Can Help
Atrius makes energy efficiency tangible and measurable for universities, employers, and brands. Our customers can easily track energy use, cut unnecessary costs, and prove progress toward sustainability goals, all while delivering real savings that impact their bottom line.
At the end of the day, it’s not enough to say sustainability matters. Customers, employees, and stakeholders want to see real results, whether that’s a stronger reputation, a healthier culture, or money saved.
Want to see how your organization can turn energy efficiency into a visible advantage? Contact our team today to schedule a demo.
