Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the current practices implemented in global universities for achieving sustainability throughout campus operations. This study adopted a web content analysis method where 30 international green universities’ websites have been thoroughly examined to identify common initiatives implemented to achieve sustainability through campus operations. The findings are ranked based on the implementation of these initiatives by participating universities. From the websites reviewed, as much as 31 initiatives have been identified as common initiatives frequently implemented by green universities to achieve sustainability in campus operations. It was found that the common initiatives frequently implemented by most of the universities include ‘Provide bin with clearly marked signs to increase the number of recycling items’, and ‘Generate electricity on campus by establishing power generation plants’ with 87% and 83% respectively. This paper fills the gap by presenting the investigation of sustainability initiatives from some of the major green universities internationally. It is suggested that higher education institutions, particularly Malaysian universities, initiate or manage their implementation of sustainable campus operation (SCO) initiatives based on the findings of this research.
Highlights
Universities are generally known for their wide area with large population, and carrying out complex operations and activities which comprise various teaching and learning, research and development, and provision of support services
Most of the green universities have implemented initiatives to achieve sustainability in campus operations by ‘Provide bin with clearly marked signs to increase the number of recycling items’ and ‘Generating electricity in campus through a large-scale plants or power generation plants e.g. solar energy to reduce nonrenewable fuels’
Including the two initiatives mentioned above, the top 5 list of initiatives that are frequently implemented by universities towards achieving sustainable campus operation (SCO) consist of ‘Design, build and renovate university buildings according to green building certification/standard/index’, ‘Collect food waste from dining halls and convert it into a high grade compost which can be used in the gardens and landscape in the campus’, ‘Use of energy efficient equipment and eco-friendly products in campus to enhance performance and to reduce carbon footprint’ and ‘Use unprocessed water supply such as portable water, rainwater harvesting or on-site recycling of water which can be used in operational activities and reduce the water bills’
Summary
Universities are generally known for their wide area with large population, and carrying out complex operations and activities which comprise various teaching and learning, research and development, and provision of support services. They can generate significant environmental impacts because of their huge use of energy, extensive transportation, massive waste, high consumption of materials, and extensive development of built facilities [1]. Kyoto Declaration encourages universities to review their operations to reflect the sustainable development practices. Both declarations are often referred by HEIs to develop and implement SCO through centralized programs to promote green practices in achieving campus sustainability objectives. It is not surprising that most of the university's sustainability policies and sustainability initiatives focus more on operations rather than other areas [11]
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