There is growing interest among higher education institutions (HEIs) to embrace sustainability agenda in their operations, processes and academic programs. However, there are no clear guidelines on how sustainability is interpreted in various accreditation frameworks. This research examines the components of an effective sustainability matrix in HEIs. Using qualitative data and cross section analysis of selected HEIs and accreditation frameworks, this research reports the five major focus areas, governance and sustainable leadership, academic curriculum and learning, operations and environmental impact, research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination, and community engagement and outreach and the strategic pillars of sustainability matrix in HEIs. The focus areas are checklists for effective implementation of sustainable initiatives at HEIs.