A Study on Environmental Sustainability Practices among Students and Staff in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Abstract

This study is conducted to assess awareness and engagement on campus environmental sustainability initiatives among the students and staff of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). In this research, a quantitative method was employed and a total of 100 survey questionnaires were randomly distributed to respondents. Based on the survey, 90.7% of the respondents are aware of the term "sustainability” and are mostly concerned on the energy and water consumption in campus. However, there seems to be a deliberate commitment gap due to given answers by respondents in having insufficient time to engage in environmental sustainability. On the other hand, it is found that IIUM has made some positive impacts with initiatives such as promoting waste recycling practices, efficient use of energy, water and many more in considering ways and means to deal more efficiently with environmental issues. The findings suggested that the university could address sustainability issues through other initiatives as in transportation, sustainable landscaping, and sustainable food. The article concluded by emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability on campus as well as on the respective curriculum and educating university students to assist in sustainable development across Malaysia.

Minds and Megawatts: University Students’ Engagement with Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Practices

“…Studies measuring university students' environmentally sustainable knowledge and practice have largely reported them to be inadequate. University students did not find sustainability concept as foreign Jehtae et al (2021); Radwan & Khalil (2021), this included to 'having heard of the term' such as in Alsaati et al's (2020) Abedin et al (2023) or highly knowledgeable in matters pertaining to conservation and sustainability (Abdul-Halim et al, 2021;Al-Nuaimi & Al-Ghamdi, 2022;Syed Azhar et al, 2022). Nevertheless, their involvement in sustainability-related initiatives was limited (Alsaati et al, 2020;Jehtae et al, 2021).…”

“…Energy efficiency and sustainability have become significant topics in the discourse around climate change, environmental conservation, and resource management. There is a pressing need to foster a culture of sustainability among the younger generation Dagiliute et al (2018); Jehtae et al (2021), particularly as the world faces the threat of resource depletion (Abhayawansa et al, 2021;Al-Nuaimi & Al-Ghamdi, 2022;Ribeiro et al, 2021). Education is viewed as an effective means of cultivating sustainability-oriented thinking and disposition, and universities play a critical role in this endeavor (Alsaati et al, 2020;Mohamed et al, 2024;Radwan & Khalil, 2021).…”

“…Existing literature highlights a mixed picture of university students' engagement with sustainability. Some studies indicate a reasonable level of awareness and positive attitudes towards sustainability Abdul Halim et al (2021); Alsaati et al (2020); Jehtae et al (2021); Radhwan & Khalil (2021), however, others reveal persistent gaps in knowledge and limited practical engagement (Chen et al, 2023;Mohamed et al, 2024). Furthermore, many students recognize the importance of sustainable behaviours yet struggle to integrate these practices consistently into their daily lives, often prioritizing convenience over sustainability (Jehtae et al, 2021;Radwan & Khalil, 2021).…”

“…Some studies indicate a reasonable level of awareness and positive attitudes towards sustainability Abdul Halim et al (2021); Alsaati et al (2020); Jehtae et al (2021); Radhwan & Khalil (2021), however, others reveal persistent gaps in knowledge and limited practical engagement (Chen et al, 2023;Mohamed et al, 2024). Furthermore, many students recognize the importance of sustainable behaviours yet struggle to integrate these practices consistently into their daily lives, often prioritizing convenience over sustainability (Jehtae et al, 2021;Radwan & Khalil, 2021). This disconnect signals the need for more rigorous and concerted efforts in fostering practical application and long-term sustainability-related behavioural change (Ribeiro et al, 2021).…”

“…As centres of knowledge and innovation, they are uniquely positioned to influence the attitudes and behaviours of future leaders. Studies measuring the effectiveness of sustainability-based educational interventions at higher-level institutions, whether they are curriculum-oriented Chen et al (2024); Zin et al ( 2023); Mohamed et al (2024) or campus-focused initiatives (Dagiliute et al, 2018;Jehtae et al, 2021; Ribeiro et al, (2021), have largely indicated that university undergraduates' level of sustainability knowledge is at low to moderate levels, with limited adoption of the practice. This paper presents a pilot study conducted to measure university students' knowledge, behaviours, and self-efficacy towards energy efficiency and sustainability practices.…”