Assessing the Knowledge on Sustainability and Barriers to Daily Sustainable Practices Among Faculty and Students in Higher Education: the Case of Eastern Illinois University

  • Joel Edem Holison

Student thesis: Master's ThesisMaster of Science (MS)

Abstract

The concept of sustainable development gained prominence with the publication of the Brundtland Report, which emphasized economic progress without jeopardizing future generations' well-being. Following that, the Education for Sustainability (EfS) program was created by the United Nations to raise sustainability awareness. However, the transition to sustainable living is fraught with difficulties, including a lack of knowledge, financial constraints, infrastructure gaps, and political ideologies. This study focuses on sustainable practices among Eastern Illinois University (EIU) students and faculty, as well as the barriers to daily sustainable behaviors. As independent variables influencing sustainable practices, the study evaluates sustainability knowledge/awareness, personal financial situation, university infrastructure, and political orientation. Data were collected using surveys, which were then analyzed using regression analyses. The findings revealed that familiarity with the concepts of sustainability and global warming, as well as financial security, correlated with more sustainable behaviors. However, because the mean scores were not statistically significant, the observed relationships could be due to chance. It was discovered that infrastructure convenience has a significant relationship with sustainable practices. Political affiliation had no discernible relationship with long-term behavior. The small sample size from a single university and subjective interpretations of sustainability-related questions were among the study's limitations. To improve future research, a larger and more diverse sample from multiple universities, using mixed methods and stratified sampling, should be considered. The findings add to the literature on higher education sustainability and offer recommendations for overcoming identified barriers. Understanding faculty and student knowledge and attitudes is critical for creating a sustainable future, as higher education institutions play an important role in shaping future leaders.
Date of Award2023
Original languageAmerican English
Awarding Institution
  • Eastern Illinois University
SupervisorNichole Hugo (Supervisor)

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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