Utilization of green internet of things (GIoT) applications towards sustainable performance: The antecedents and consequences of carbon footprint

Abstract

This study aims to propose and investigate the key factors that predict the Utilization of Green Internet of Things (U-GIoT) applications by business organizations. This study will also look at the effect of using GIoT applications on energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction, which in turn, contributes to the sustainable green performance. Therefore, value-belief-norm theory (VBN) was chosen as the theoretical basis for this study's conceptual model. Two constructs derived from VBN (i.e. biospheric value and ecological worldview) are suggested as key predictors for the use of GIoT applications. The conceptual model is extended by considering the role of green marketing orientation (GMO); green energy awareness; and energy knowledge/technical capabilities. The current model also suggests that the utilization of GIoT applications would impact both energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. Online questionnaires are used to gather data from a purposive sample (n = 500) of managers and employees at different levels in different service organizations. Statistical results show strong evidence demonstrating the significant effect of biospheric value; ecological worldview; green marketing orientation (GMO); and energy knowledge/technical capabilities with GIoT. This study presents a valuable contribution that helps researchers; policy-makers, and practitioners to identify and understand the most important antecedents and consequences of U-GIoT. It is also worth noting for future studies looking at different applications of pro-environmental behaviour such as sustainable practices, green mobility and transportation, paperless work; recycling; reducing waste levels; and smart green solar. Policy-makers, decision-makers, practitioners and specialists in green energy systems (i.e. GIoT) will be able to use this information for future improvement.