Purpose: This study aims to identify how the sustainability of Brazilian Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology is implemented. Design/methodology/approach: The research is descriptive and quantitative, and questionnaires were used to collect data, which were applied to the campuses and deans of the 38 IFs. The sample selection resulted from a sampling calculation for a finite population, which considered the five Brazilian regions, reaching 248 respondents. To analyze the collected data, descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate the mean, standard deviation ([sigma]) and coefficient of variation of each of the seven axes of the questionnaire and also of the axes and regions jointly; and the sustainability indicator was defined. Findings: A majority of the analyzed FIs were considered to be medium or highly sustainable. The classifications achieved by the FIs demonstrate that sustainability practices are reasonably present in a significant number of campi and Principals' Offices. Practical implications: This study contributes by creating a data collection instrument to measure the sustainability practice, not only in educational institutions but also in any type of institution; and the sustainability indicators created, which make it possible to classify organs and entities in accordance with sustainable initiatives implemented by them. Originality/value: This study's authors can highlight the mapping of sustainability implementation in the Brazilian Federal Institutes analyzed, which, owing to the sample used, allows for the verification of similarities and differences in these practices between the five Brazilian regions, in addition to making comparisons possible.