A systematic literature review of sustainable cloud computing adoption in higher education institutions covering architectures, critical factors, and green IT practices

Abstract The rapid expansion of cloud computing has transformed the digital infrastructure of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), offering new opportunities for scalability, flexibility, and resource efficiency. However, the increasing reliance on cloud-based systems has raised concerns about long-term sustainability, environmental impact, and institutional readiness. This study presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) that synthesizes current research on sustainable cloud computing adoption within HEIs. The review aims to identify (1) the types of cloud architectures and deployment models adopted, (2) the critical factors influencing post-adoption sustainability from technological, organizational, and environmental perspectives, (3) the implementation of green computing and sustainable IT practices, and (4) existing research gaps and future directions. Following PRISMA guidelines, 58 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2019 and 2025 were analyzed using a mixed descriptive–narrative synthesis approach. Building upon the pre-2019 foundational phase, the findings of the analyzed 58 studies reveal a clear transition across two modern phases: the Expansion Phase (2019–2023) and the Sustainability Phase (2024–2025), reflecting the evolution of cloud adoption in HEIs from digital transformation efforts to green and sustainable implementations. Moreover, the analysis highlights the growing integration of green cloud architectures and the importance of institutional policies, leadership, and cultural readiness in sustaining adoption. This study contributes a comprehensive understanding of sustainable cloud computing in higher education and identifies the critical variables needed to develop a conceptual framework for future empirical research toward greener and more resilient IT ecosystems.