AUTHOR=Swe Wint Mon , Ribau Teixeira Margarida , Smuleac Laura , Nunes Luís M. TITLE=Ecodesign and environmental assessment: a synergy for higher education institutions JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sustainability VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2025 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainability/articles/10.3389/frsus.2025.1550102 DOI=10.3389/frsus.2025.1550102 ISSN=2673-4524 ABSTRACT=This article explores how ecodesign can help enhance environmental assessment methods (EAMs) employed by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Current EAMs primarily offer resource management evaluations or sustainability rankings but lack holistic and actionable solutions for institutional improvements. The proposed method integrates ecodesign tools, such as Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), environmental benchmarking, and parametric design tools, with existing EAM frameworks. This synergy allows HEIs to quantitatively assess their environmental and social impacts while identifying targeted strategies for improvement. By embedding ecodesign into institutional practices the approach provides a structured pathway to align HEIs with global sustainability goals, fostering innovation and continuous improvement. The paper emphasizes a multi-tool integration strategy, offering a cohesive solution to advance sustainability comprehensively within HEIs.