International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)
The International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) is a Swiss-based non-profit membership network serving 80+ higher education institutions globally. It facilitates peer exchange on sustainable campus operations through Communities of Practice, annual conferences, regional chapters, and Excellence Awards.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersLausanne, Switzerland
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) does
The International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) is a Lausanne, Switzerland-based non-profit membership organization founded in 2007 that serves as an international forum for higher education institutions focused on sustainable campus operations, integration of sustainability into research and teaching, and broader societal impact. The network operates from a small Secretariat of 7 staff hosted at EPFL and serves 80+ member institutions across six continents, with dedicated regional chapters in Latin America (ISCN-LATAM, created 2019) and Southeast Asia (endorsed 2026).
ISCN's core offerings include the Membership Program, seven thematic Communities of Practice (Campus as a Living Lab, Biodiversity, Scope 3 Emissions, Sustainability Governance & Leadership, Sustainability Education, Sustainability Reporting, and Sustainability Communications), the annual ISCN Excellence Awards, a Fellows Program, and the ISCN Resources knowledge library (including the Green Guide for Universities and Net Zero on Campus materials). The underlying platform consists of a public website, member directory, virtual Communities of Practice spaces, and regional chapter websites (notably latam.international-sustainable-campus-network.org). ISCN also convenes flagship annual conferences (Cape Town 2026 upcoming) and co-organizes initiatives such as the Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion at UN Climate Conferences (COP16, COP30), which featured 58 events, 16 sponsors, and 50+ participating universities at COP30.
ISCN's business model is a recurring institutional membership subscription for universities and colleges, supplemented by partnership and sponsorship contributions tied to events such as the COP pavilion and annual conferences. Membership pricing is not publicly disclosed. The organization has no external investors, no funding rounds, and operates with a Board, Advisory Committee, and Secretariat governance structure. Strategic positioning is anchored in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and formal UNFCCC engagement, reinforcing its role as the primary international peer network dedicated specifically to higher education sustainability.
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)
- Legal name
- International Sustainable Campus Network
- Website
- https://international-sustainable-campus-network.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) is a Swiss-based non-profit membership network serving 80+ higher education institutions globally. It facilitates peer exchange on sustainable campus operations through Communities of Practice, annual conferences, regional chapters, and Excellence Awards.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education Sustainability Network
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)
Keywords
Where International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lausanne
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Institutional Membership Fees: ISCN operates as a membership-based organization for higher education institutions worldwide. Institutions pay membership fees to join the network and access resources, best practices sharing, and collaborative opportunities for sustainable campus development.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ISCN operates a membership-based international network providing higher education institutions with an international forum to exchange information, ideas, and best practices for sustainable campus operations, integrating sustainability in research and teaching, and making positive societal impact. Its core offerings are an Institutional Membership Program, seven thematic Communities of Practice, the annual ISCN Excellence Awards, annual international conferences, a Resources/Publications library, a Fellows Program, and regional Chapters (ISCN-LATAM, ISCN Southeast Asian Chapter).
Product overview
ISCN is a membership-based network organization offering a platform for higher education institutions to exchange information, ideas, and best practices for sustainable campus operations. The core offerings include the Membership Program, thematic Communities of Practice, ISCN Excellence Awards, annual International Conferences, Resources/Publications, and Fellows Program. The network also operates regional Chapters (ISCN-LATAM Chapter and Southeast Asian Chapter) that provide localized forums for collaboration. ISCN also organizes or co-organizes initiatives such as the Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion at UN Climate Conferences (COP). The organization serves as an international forum connecting over 100 member universities worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ISCN Membership Program An institutional membership subscription that enables colleges and universities to participate in the ISCN network, access the member directory, engage in Communities of Practice, attend conferences, and contribute to global sustainability collaboration. The membership is targeted at higher education institutions worldwide.
- ISCN Excellence Awards An annual recognition program for ISCN member institutions that honors outstanding achievements in campus sustainability, with award categories spanning campus operations, research, and teaching integration. The awards are open to member institutions.
- ISCN Annual International Conference An annual international conference (upcoming: Cape Town 2026) that convenes higher education institutions to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and network on sustainable campus operations. Targeted at member institutions and prospective members.
- ISCN Resources Library A digital knowledge library of publications, guides, and reference materials for higher education institutions covering sustainable campus topics, including the Green Guide for Universities, Whole-Institution Approach materials, SDG implementation guides, and Net Zero on Campus resources. Available to member institutions and the public.
Companies that use International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organizations (RINGO) Constituency to UNFCCCcoreRINGO served as a core organizing partner for the Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion at COP30, alongside ISCN and other global partners. The collaboration elevated higher education's role in the UNFCCC process.
- Higher Education Climate Network of Networks (NoN)coreNoN collaborated with ISCN, RINGO, and member institutions to organize the Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion at COP30. The network aims to strengthen higher education engagement in climate action.
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp)coreUnicamp served as a key sponsor and coordinating partner for the Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion at COP30. Their dedication and coordination were instrumental in shaping the Pavilion.
- Tecnológico de MonterreycoreTecnológico de Monterrey was a key sponsor and partner for COP30 Pavilion, with dedicated team members coordinating the initiative. Currently serving as Vice Presidency of ISCN-LATAM Chapter.
- Rede Brasileira de Instituições de Ensino Superior para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (UniSustentável)minorUniSustentável sponsored the Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion at COP30, representing Brazilian institutions committed to sustainable development in higher education.
- Red Universitaria de Campus Sostenibles (RUCAS)coreRUCAS led the development of the Cali Charter from Universities for Nature in partnership with ISCN and Nature Positive Universities. The Charter addresses biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through actionable steps for universities.
- Nature Positive Universities (NPU)coreNPU partnered with ISCN and RUCAS to develop the Cali Charter from Universities for Nature, providing a framework for universities to integrate biodiversity and sustainability into operations, governance, and community engagement.
- Cintana AllianceminorUniversidad Internacional del Ecuador (UIDE) joined the Cintana Alliance in 2021, enabling affiliation with Arizona State University and access to a consortium of high-impact universities.
- Arizona State University (ASU)minorASU provides world-class affiliation to Universidad Internacional del Ecuador through the Cintana Alliance, enabling students and faculty access to learning and scientific development opportunities.
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)coreISCN has formal engagement with UNFCCC through participation in COP events and organization of the Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion, elevating higher education's voice in climate negotiations.
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)coreISCN aligns its activities and member institutions' sustainability efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, integrating SDG frameworks into campus sustainability practices.
- United Nations Global CompactminorMultiple ISCN member institutions (Universidad Espíritu Santo since 2010, Universidad Hemisferios) have joined the UN Global Compact and its national networks, aligning with sustainability principles.
- UI GreenMetric World University RankingsminorUniversidad Hemisferios participates in UI GreenMetric World University Rankings since 2019, providing global benchmarking for campus sustainability performance.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- UniSustentável: UniSustentável is a Brazilian network of higher education institutions committed to sustainable development, serving as a regional counterpart to ISCN-LATAM in Brazil specifically.
- Red Universitaria de Campus Sostenibles (RUCAS): RUCAS is a Latin American university network for sustainable campuses and led development of the Cali Charter alongside ISCN. It serves the same member institutions as ISCN-LATAM but with a more regional LATAM-only focus.
Direct peers
- Second Nature: Second Nature operates climate commitment and carbon neutrality networks for higher education (e.g., the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments), directly overlapping ISCN's scope on climate action and campus sustainability.
- Nature Positive Universities (NPU): NPU is a global coalition of universities committing to nature-positive outcomes. ISCN already partners with NPU on the Cali Charter, and NPU competes for member attention and sustainability commitments within the same higher-ed niche.
- Higher Education Climate Network of Networks (NoN): NoN coordinates climate-focused networks in higher education globally. ISCN is already a collaborator with NoN on COP programming, and both serve as meta-networks connecting university sustainability initiatives.
- Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE): AASHE is the most direct comparable: a membership-based association for colleges and universities focused on campus sustainability, operating the STARS rating program and hosting an annual conference. It competes head-on with ISCN for the same institutional member base, particularly in North America.
- UI GreenMetric World University Rankings: UI GreenMetric is a university sustainability ranking run by Universitas Indonesia that benchmarks global higher-ed institutions on campus sustainability, overlapping closely with ISCN's benchmarking and best-practice exchange mission.
Others
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): GRI is a standards body for sustainability reporting whose frameworks many ISCN member institutions use. It is adjacent rather than competitive, supplying tools that ISCN's Sustainability Reporting Community of Practice helps members apply.
- Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN): SDSN is a UN-hosted network mobilizing global scientific and technological expertise for the SDGs, including higher education initiatives. It is adjacent to ISCN's mission around SDG integration in research and teaching.
Broad incumbents
- UN Global Compact: The UN Global Compact is a much broader voluntary initiative for organizations (including universities) aligning with UN principles on sustainability. It overlaps with ISCN's SDG-alignment work but addresses all sectors, not just higher education.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) social profiles
Digital presenceInternational Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)
What does International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) do?
ISCN operates a membership-based international network providing higher education institutions with an international forum to exchange information, ideas, and best practices for sustainable campus operations, integrating sustainability in research and teaching, and making positive societal impact. Its core offerings are an Institutional Membership Program, seven thematic Communities of Practice, the annual ISCN Excellence Awards, annual international conferences, a Resources/Publications library, a Fellows Program, and regional Chapters (ISCN-LATAM, ISCN Southeast Asian Chapter).
Is International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) a public or private company?
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) founded?
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) based?
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) make money?
One revenue line is on record: institutional Membership Fees.
Who are International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)'s main competitors?
Regional players on record are UniSustentável and Red Universitaria de Campus Sostenibles (RUCAS). Direct peers are Second Nature, Nature Positive Universities (NPU), Higher Education Climate Network of Networks (NoN), Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Others are Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). UN Global Compact is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) have an API?
No public API is recorded for International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN).
What industry is International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) in?
International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)'s product category is Higher Education Sustainability Network. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHACAA, Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies). Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.