The Sustainability Award is an initiative by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) and the Ministry of Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK) aimed at recognizing and promoting outstanding contributions from higher education institutions towards sustainable development. This award highlights the crucial role of universities as centers of innovation and education in addressing complex global challenges within the planet's ecological limits.

The award is presented in four categories — Learning, Research, Institutionalization, and Cooperation — to recognize various initiatives that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a reward of €3,000 for Gold and €1,000 for Silver in each category, the award not only honors exceptional projects but also inspires others to intensify their sustainability efforts. Furthermore, selected winners will be honored at a networking event on November 26, 2024, where they will receive unique trophies designed by artist Anatol Stelzhammer, crafted from upcycled materials to symbolize sustainability. The application process will open on April 2, 2024, inviting all university members to submit their projects online.