Universities' contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) increasingly hinge on Green Human Resource Management (Green HRM), which enables routine pro-environmental behaviour across the organisation. This research examines the relationship between Green HRM and institutional SDG performance in Latvian higher education using an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods design comprising surveys, institutional indicators, and interviews with university administrative representatives. At the organisational level, HR leaders assess Green HRM practices; at the individual level, staff report employee green behaviour and perceived leadership commitment; institutional SDG performance is captured through environmental and educational indicators. A cross-level model tests mediation via employee green behaviour and moderation by leadership commitment and policy coherence. Interview evidence highlights environmental shocks and digitalisation (e-documents, waste-sorting stations, drinking-water points, LED/sensor retrofits) that reduce friction for greener choices; governance and signalling (eco councils, a designated sustainability lead, and HR policy guidelines supporting SDGs) that legitimise action; and capability–opportunity gaps (ad hoc staff training, incomplete KPI/monitoring systems, and data constraints) that limit the translation from behaviour to outcomes. One case sets a climate-neutrality target by 2050 and pilots mobility challenges, while another reports fully electronic document workflows; formal incentives remain limited, although recognition and leadership role-modelling are influential. The research specifies AMO-based university pathways and offers actionable guidance for aligning HR bundles with SDG objectives.

The research was part of the project "Green human resource management for sustainable development of Latvian higher education institutions" (grant No. RTU-PA-2024/1-0096) within the framework of the European Union Recovery and Resilience Mechanism-funded project No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/003.

Authors:
Jana Erina, Riga Technical University, Latvia
Inese Lusena-Ezera, Riga Technical University Liepaja Academy, Latvia
Diana Liduma, Riga Technical University Liepaja Academy, Latvia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Jana Eriņa is an Associate Professor and Lead Researcher at Riga Technical University, Latvia. Her interests span HRM, innovation economics, project management, and digitalization; her current project examines Green HRM in higher education.

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