Emerald | International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education | Table of Contents

Is ‘Being Green’ a determinant of participation in University sustainability initiatives?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Felita Figueredo, Yelena Tsarenko) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - the purpose of the paper is to determine whether student’s willingness to participate in sustainability programs is dependent solely on their perception of being green or the presence of other factors is accountable for this relationship. Design/methodology/approach - Responders are 168 students from one of the largest Australian universities. Bootstrapping procedure using SPSS was utilised for assessing and comparing indirect effects in multiple mediator models was used to analyze data and test hypothesized relationships.Findings - While general attitude towards the environment is important, it is the existence of mediators such as informational and promotional activities in conjunction with sustainability concern have an effect on willingness to participate in university sustainability initiatives. Therefore if institutions want to increase the level of participation from their students they must initiate a campaign in which overall concern for the environment is increased as well as a series of initiatives with a high locus of control which foster an attitude of being green and encourage participation in activities with a greater degree of commitment.Originality/value - this is the first study set in an Australian university which analyses factors that affect degree of student participation in university initiated sustainability activities.

Communicating sustainability: a content analysis of website communications in the United States

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Aurali Dade, David M. Hassenzahl) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in the United States communicate sustainability through their websites. Specifically, we compare how and to what extent sustainability is communicated through an institution-wide sustainability websites versus operational and academic department websites.Design/methodology/approach - This paper describes the results of a content analysis of over 700 websites at IHEs in the United States which were selected in a stratified random sample. Each website was coded with responses entered into a data matrix. The data in the matrix were then evaluated and compared for important factors related to communicating about campus sustainability. Findings - Although there has been an increase in the number of commitments to sustainability by IHEs, at the time of this content analysis the commitment was not reflected on the websites of the IHEs sampled. Given the common use of websites at IHEs in the United States to communicate to large groups, colleges and universities should ensure that their websites reflect actual practice.Practical implications - The findings from this study may encourage IHEs in the United States to better communicate their practice related to sustainability. The implementation of the sustainability communication component in AASHE STARS may also play an important role in increased and better communication about campus sustainability.Originality/value - This study describes the first large scale content-analysis of university websites evaluating sustainability characteristics. This paper gives a starting point and recommendations for IHEs who wish to enhance communication about sustainability through their websites.

Understanding and advancing campus sustainability using a systems framework

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Stephen Mark Posner, Ralph Stuart) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - University campuses behave as complex systems, and sustainability in higher education is best seen as an emergent quality that arises from interactions both within an institution and between the institution and the environmental and social contexts in which it operates. A framework for strategically prioritizing campus sustainability work is needed.Design/methodology/approach - First, a conceptual model is developed for understanding institutions of higher education as systems. Second, a leverage points framework (Meadows, 1999) is applied to experiences at the University of Vermont in order to evaluate campus sustainability efforts. Finally, real-world examples are used to analyze and prioritize campus sustainability leverage points for advancing organizational change. Findings - This systems thinking approach identifies key leverage points for actions to improve sustainability on campus. The leverage points framework is found to be valuable for 1) evaluating the potential of individual programs to produce system-wide change, 2) coordinating individual programs into a strategic effort to improve the system, and 3) making connections between campus and the surrounding social and environmental contexts. Advancing campus sustainability is found to be strengthened by particular ways of thinking and an organizational culture committed to continuous improvements and learning improved ways of doing business based on environmental and social, as well as institutional, benefits.Originality/value - Campus sustainability workers must develop a prioritization process for evaluating which ideas to move forward on first. Systems thinking can cultivate our ability to consciously redesign and work with the systems that are in place, to intentionally pursue organizational improvements, and to plan and coordinate sustainability programs with potential for big changes.

Students’ perceptions on environmental management of HEIs and the role of social capital: A case study in the University of the Aegean

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of the present study is to contribute to the discussion introducing the concept of social capital as a significant parameter influencing students’ perceptions concerning greening initiatives in HEIs.Design/methodology/approach - A theoretical analysis is presented concerning the possible links of social capital components with students’ perceptions on environmental management initiatives. Furthermore, the results of an empirical study are presented exploring these issues from the perspective of students both through quantitative and qualitative social research methods.Findings - The empirical study reveals that students' social capital is connected with their perceptions for the environmental management of the University.Originality/value - The paper is a first attempt to empirically explore the influence of students’ social capital on their perceptions for environmental management initiatives in Higher Education Institutions

Creating a Sustainable University and Community through a Common Experience

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Omar S Lopez) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This article provides an overview of Texas State University’s Common Experience, an innovative initiative that engaged tens of thousands of people in shared consideration of sustainability as a single topic during academic year 2010-2011. Design/methodology/approach - The discourse begins with an overview of the Common Experience from a pedagogical perspective based on five principles of effective instructional practice identified by the National Research Council (NRC) in their synthesis of the research from the fields of cognitive, developmental and educational psychology, and brain research on how people learn. Based on a case study research design, the article next provides detailed descriptions of course-based and non-course Common Experience activities, including examples from the yearlong initiative. The discourse then focuses on important elements organizers should consider when planning non-course activities, followed by a description of the planning process needed to replicate the initiative at other institutions.Findings - Based on five principles of instructional practice, the Common Experience is a pedagogical innovation designed to cultivate a common intellectual conversation across the campus, to enhance students’ participation in the intellectual life of the campus, and to foster a sense of community across the campus and extended community. In so doing, the Common Experience in sustainability inspired people on campus and in the community to change behavior and social policy, build scientific understanding, connect local environmental issues to global themes, and reshape values—components crucial to sustainability education.Originality/value - The Common Experience is more likely to yield progress toward finding solutions to sustainability problems because it promotes engagement and input from all stakeholders within the campus and surrounding community through shared vision and face-to-face dialogue in a variety of contexts.

Implementation of alternative transport networks in University campuses: The case of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - In order to alleviate the impacts of traffic congestion that undermine the mobility and accessibility conditions of the Aristotle University campus, the paper aims at the presentation and description of a complementary network of alternative modes (i.e. pedestrian and bicycle) and the appropriate measures for its successful implementation in the campus.Design/methodology/approach - The methodological approach of the paper is twofold: a) the overview of good practices for implementing cycling and pedestrian networks in European University campuses in an attempt to identify an integrated activity framework compatible to the European approach and b) a questionnaire survey for the assessment of the modal split for trips towards and from the campus and the current mobility and accessibility conditions for pedestrians and cyclists in the Aristotle University campus.Findings - The successful implementation of alternative transport networks in University campuses depends on the specific features of each campus in relation to the urban transport network and the commuting characteristics of staff and students. In the case of the Aristotle University campus, the modal split shows that 2/3 of campus related trips are conducted by motorised transport while the share of bicycle use is very low. In order to promote cycling and walking in the campus a combined approach must be adopted based on five fields of activity: a) Policy, b) Research, c) Design, d) Support and promotion and e) Monitoring.Research limitations/implications - The paper derives from the research initiatives of the Aristotle University’s Sustainable Mobility Committee, which was founded in order to promote sustainable solutions for the campus’s transport system.Originality/value - The paper provides a common and integrated activity framework for the implementation of an alternative transport network in a University campus based on the extensive overview of European experience. Furthermore, it develops for the first time a full proposal for the implementation of a pedestrian and bicycle network in the Aristotle University campus, which is one of the oldest and largest campuses in Greece.

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