Sustainability and sustainable development are crucial for aligning development with environmental preservation. Many researchers aim to define sustainability and apply it to human activities, underscoring the pivotal role of educational institutions. Therefore, universities should leverage their influence to promote understanding of sustainability and its practical objectives. This research aimed to assess the sustainability awareness among students and staff at the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI) in their daily actions, to prompt discussions on whether the institution fulfills its role as an educator and if the community applies this knowledge to minimize negative impacts. A survey comprising 25 questions yielded 150 responses, revealing that The UNIFEI community tends to favor less drastic changes, such as turning off taps while brushing teeth and reusing packaging, while neglecting actions like choosing cleaner energy sources and fuels. Additionally, 58% of the respondents believe the university positively influences the adoption of sustainable practices in their daily routines. However, many still perceive sustainability as distant and beyond their personal responsibility. The study underscores the importance of universities in promoting comprehensive understanding of sustainability, given its current limited dissemination and application in everyday life.