This article presents a bibliometric analysis of energy consumption (EC) in higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on scientific trends. The study aims to identify key characteristics of research on EC in HEIs, analyze current academic trends, and explore the main factors influencing EC in universities. The research period spans from 2006 to 2022, covering a 16-year timeframe with a significant increase in publications on the topic. The study uses a systematic literature review approach, employing the Herfindahl–Hirschman index (HHI) to measure the diversity and concentration of bibliometric aspects. The analysis reveals that the topic of EC in HEIs has been studied primarily through technical disciplines, with limited involvement of social sciences. The USA, China, and the UK are the leading countries in scholarly output on this topic. The University of Sheffield is the leading university in terms of publishing papers, while Energy and Buildings is the most utilized journal. Zhonghua Gou is the most productive author, and Mehreen S. Gul and Sandhya Patidar are the most cited authors. The study identifies several factors influencing EC in HEIs, including building function, research intensity, and disciplinary orientation. These factors are similar to those affecting energy consumption in other sectors. The research also highlights the importance of behavioral factors, such as occupant behavior, in influencing energy consumption in HEIs. The study emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research, particularly in social sciences, to better understand and address energy consumption in HEIs. The findings suggest that universities should focus on reducing energy wastage through awareness campaigns and effective management practices. The study concludes that the topic of EC in HEIs is still in its early stages, with significant opportunities for further research and policy development.This article presents a bibliometric analysis of energy consumption (EC) in higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on scientific trends. The study aims to identify key characteristics of research on EC in HEIs, analyze current academic trends, and explore the main factors influencing EC in universities. The research period spans from 2006 to 2022, covering a 16-year timeframe with a significant increase in publications on the topic. The study uses a systematic literature review approach, employing the Herfindahl–Hirschman index (HHI) to measure the diversity and concentration of bibliometric aspects. The analysis reveals that the topic of EC in HEIs has been studied primarily through technical disciplines, with limited involvement of social sciences. The USA, China, and the UK are the leading countries in scholarly output on this topic. The University of Sheffield is the leading university in terms of publishing papers, while Energy and Buildings is the most utilized journal. Zhonghua Gou is the most productive author, and Mehreen S. Gul and Sandhya Patidar are the most cited authors. The study identifies several factors influencing EC in HEIs, including building function, research intensity, and disciplinary orientation. These factors are similar to those affecting energy consumption in other sectors. The research also highlights the importance of behavioral factors, such as occupant behavior, in influencing energy consumption in HEIs. The study emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research, particularly in social sciences, to better understand and address energy consumption in HEIs. The findings suggest that universities should focus on reducing energy wastage through awareness campaigns and effective management practices. The study concludes that the topic of EC in HEIs is still in its early stages, with significant opportunities for further research and policy development.