Belmont's Green IQ: How Residential Students Understand Sustainability
Publication Date
Winter 12-2024
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
<-- Please Select One -->
Department
Public Health, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Christian Williams
WELL Core Type
Environmental Wellness
SPARK Session
10:15-11:45 Poster: Public Health Scientific Inquiry
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Introduction
Sustainability initiatives in higher education play a crucial role in fostering pro-environmental behaviors, yet research suggests that student engagement remains inconsistent. This study examines the relationship between Belmont University students’ attitudes toward sustainability and participation in campus-led sustainability efforts.
Methods
Using a mixed-method, cross-sectional design, student knowledge, behaviors, and perceptions of sustainability were assessed through a survey (n=155) distributed via Qualtrics. Participants were recruited through collaboration with the university’s residential housing office and pre-existing relationships.
Results
Results reveal a significant gap between awareness and action: while 95.8% of respondents recognized the importance of sustainability, only 14.56% reported active involvement in campus initiatives. Additionally, 43.89% of students reported no visible signs of sustainability on campus, and a majority were uncertain about Belmont’s implementation of sustainable operational practices, including construction and energy conservation – two of the university’s most successful sustainability efforts. These findings align with prior research emphasizing a disconnect between institutional sustainability efforts and student awareness (Msengi et al., 2019). Barriers to engagement include limited communication about initiatives, a lack of recycling infrastructure, and minimal integration of sustainability into coursework, consistent with studies highlighting convenience and awareness as key behavioral determinants (Kautish and Sharma, 2019). Upper-level students showed lower engagement, underscoring the need for targeted outreach.
Conclusion
Addressing these challenges through enhanced communication, increased visibility, and curriculum integration could bridge the gap between knowledge and action. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on student sustainability engagement and offer insights for universities seeking to increase participation in environmental initiatives.
Recommended Citation
Hamm, Alexandra R., "Belmont's Green IQ: How Residential Students Understand Sustainability" (2024). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 259.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/259
