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Aims to describe how the concept of sustainable development, with a focus on the ecological dimension, can be applied practically in an institution for higher education and research. The institution used as an example is Mälardalen University in Västerås, Sweden. Encompasses literature studies and conclusions from practical experience in implementing and maintaining the environmental management system at Mälardalen University. Begins with a review of the concept of sustainable development based on the report “Our common future”, presented by the Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. Then briefly summarises “Agenda 21”, the document from the Rio conference in 1992. Then describes the sector principle, which has been adopted in Sweden by its Riksdag (the Swedish parliament) and government. Then reviews European, regional, and national strategies for a sustainable development within the bounds of higher education and research, followed by a report of the University's work to translate these strategies into practice. The report describes the University's work to integrate the environmental management system within the bounds of training and research and daily operations.