Awareness Of Sustainability Issues Research Articles

Fostering CSR Sponsorship in China: A Conceptual Framework for Cultivating Sustainable Behavior among Ant Forest App Users via Internet Platforms

Ant Forest has emerged as a prominent pro-environment advocate, amassing a user base of 650 million individuals. However, the sustained engagement of its users is crucial for its enduring success. To ensure the continued viability of Ant Forest, it is imperative to foster and maintain users’ pro-environmental behaviors over an extended period. Central to Ant Forest’s appeal are its gamification features and interactive elements linked to CSR sponsorship. This study aims to investigate the potential of these distinctive characteristics within an Internet platform to enhance users’ awareness of sustainability issues and prolong their engagement. As part of a comprehensive inquiry into the role of Chinese Internet Platform Companies such as Ant Forest in shaping users’ attitudes and behaviors towards sustainability, this research endeavors to ascertain whether these platforms fulfill their responsibility in offsetting carbon emissions. The present findings are from a thorough desktop survey focusing on key themes related to the Ant Forest app, including the maintenance of users’ sustainable behavior and the enhancement of CSR sponsorship. Utilizing the EAGLE System, an online research platform, we meticulously documented the synthesis of literature reviews and adapted the findings for presentation. Our analysis identified CSR-linked sponsorship, the sustainability of Chinese Internet Platform Companies, users’ behavior, and users’ attitudes as potential independent variables. Furthermore, we identified the gamification mechanism and interactivity as moderator variables influencing users’ engagement with their responsibilities in carbon emissions offsetting. Notably, Chinese Internet platform companies have the potential to positively influence users’ attitudes and behaviors towards sustainability by integrating gamification, interactivity, and CSR-linked sponsorship into their platforms. Harnessing these features effectively may empower Internet platforms to instill sustainable habits among users, thereby laying the groundwork for a conceptual framework termed the Users’ Sustainable Awareness Model.

Embedding Digital Data Storytelling in Introductory Data Science Course

With the emergence of data science as an inherently multidisciplinary subject, there is increasing demand for graduates with well-rounded competence in computing, analytics, and communication skills. However, in conventional education systems, computing & quantitative, and communication skills are often taught in different disciplines. Data storytelling is constructing and presenting data stories to highlight the analytical insights to achieve the communication goals to a specific audience. Digital data storytelling leverages digital storytelling techniques and best practices in communication to deliver stories that can be shared in digital formats to a wide audience. In this paper, we describe and reflect on a semester-long project-based learning pilot using Digital Storytelling as a framework to allow students to explore topics themed around human flourishing and sustainability with the end goal of constructing data stories delivered in digital or video format (i.e., Digital Data Storytelling). The pilot work was conducted in an introductory data science course at a 4-year Minority Serving Institution in collaboration with students studying non-STEM disciplines at a partner community college. Our pilot demonstrates the potential benefit of this sustainability-aware Project-Based Learning design in raising students’ awareness of sustainability issues, increasing confidence in cross-disciplinary communication competency, and at the same time deepening their understanding of data science concepts. We further reflect on the significant role of an effective program model as well as challenges and opportunities for building transdisciplinary communication competency to prepare for a diverse data science workforce.

Developing Sustainable Entrepreneurs Through Social Entrepreneurship Education

Abstract This paper explores the potential of social entrepreneurship education (SEE) as a means to foster sustainable businesses. SEE is defined as a pedagogical approach that aims to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes of students to address social and environmental challenges through entrepreneurial solutions. The paper reviews the literature on SEE and its impact on students’ entrepreneurial intentions, behaviors and outcomes. It also presents a conceptual framework that links SEE to the dimensions of sustainability: economic, social and environmental. The paper argues that SEE can enhance students’ awareness of sustainability issues, stimulate their motivation to create positive change, and equip them with the tools and methods to design and implement sustainable business models. The paper concludes with some implications for policy and practice, as well as suggestions for future research.

Impact of Citizens’ Personal Values, Knowledge, Awareness, Informing, Advertising, and Truth of Environmental and Climate Challenges in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals

In order to raise citizens’ awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to develop an effective communication campaign on the SDGs, it is crucial to know citizens’ values, their awareness and knowledge of the SDGs, as well as how they receive information on sustainability. As no previous study has addressed this issue, this study aimed to fill a research gap and find out how demographic variables, personal values, awareness of sustainability challenges, information, and advertising influence citizens’ support for the SDGs. An online survey was conducted with representative Slovenian citizens (N = 502). The results showed that Slovenian citizens know little about sustainability issues and the SDGs. The greater the personal values, awareness of sustainability issues, higher education, efficient information, and trust in advertising, the greater the public support for the SDGs. To gain citizen support for the SDGs, it is important to plan a systematic communication campaign and government-led communication about the SDGs in the media. This includes information on sustainability issues, presentation of the environmental friendliness of a product/service, potential positive actions, and potential negative consequences.

A Design Thinking Approach to Teaching Sustainability

Understanding sustainability requires a system-wide perspective to guide the interpretation of problems and conceptualization of solutions. A lake sustainability Trust provided an opportunity for students to gain this perspective by examining societal, commercial, and environmental policy perspectives associated with a local endangered lake and surrounding wetlands. This was an ideal project to bring sustainability issues to life for students but was too complex for a single class to attack. This article describes a multicourse initiative that sought to heighten students’ awareness of sustainability issues using a design thinking problem-solving approach. Interviews conducted revealed concerns that educators may have in considering similar projects. The authors respond to these perceived obstacles with recommendations and a discussion of mitigation strategies. In addition to the Trust gaining direction, the design and implementation of this cross-course experiential learning initiative allowed Marketing Research and Product Design students to develop an appreciation for macrolevel sustainability issues, and environmental policy students to appreciate the value of marketing research in the development of land use plans.

Communication as a Part of Identity of Sustainable Subjects in Fashion

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility have today become key assets of many successful businesses and corporations. Despite constantly growing environmental awareness, we are still facing the issue of overconsumption in both the textile and fashion industries. This is mainly due to improper marketing communication of sustainable subjects or a rather low level of consumers’ awareness of sustainability issues. The main objective of the research is, through the opinions of selected authors and their studies, to compare the results of our own research focusing on Generations Y and Z and dealing with marketing communication of sustainable fashion. As part of the above objective, we attempt to propose the general trend in marketing communication of sustainable subjects. In order to reach this objective, we use the method of description and comparison of opinions of various authors, the analysis of the research questionnaire into the impact of marketing communication of sustainable fashion houses on consumers from Generations Y and Z and its comparison with previous research for the last three years. Thanks to the results of the research, we could observe that tools, media or forms of marketing communication of sustainable fashion producers have certainly changed. The research also provides answers to some of our questions in relation to the general interest of consumers in fashion sustainability, price as a decisive factor in the purchase of sustainable goods and the need for proper education in the field of sustainable fashion or any corresponding forms of marketing communication of sustainable subjects.

Evaluation of Family Houses in Slovakia Using a Building Environmental Assessment System

The presented study is focused on the verification of a Building Environmental Assessment System (BEAS). A total of 13 detached family houses representing typical construction sites in Slovakia were chosen for analysis, evaluation and certification by using a BEAS which contains several main fields: A—Site Selection and Project Planning; B—Building Construction; C—Indoor Environment; D—Energy Performance; E—Water Management; and F—Waste Management. The results of this study show that the current construction method for family houses does not respect the criteria of sustainable construction as much as it possibly can. The reason for this is that investment costs for construction are prioritized over environmental and social aspects. Therefore, one house with a score of 1.10 is certified as BEAS BRONZE, ten family houses with scores of 1.56–2.88 are certified as BEAS SILVER and only two family houses with total scores of 3.59 and 3.87, respectively, are certified as BEAS GOLD. The overall results show that the weakest fields of sustainability are Waste management, Energy performance and Building construction. The best-rated fields are Site Selection and Project Planning, Indoor Environment and Water Management. In the future, it is essential to pay attention to those areas where the sustainability criteria have not been reached, as well as to raise project teams’ awareness of sustainability issues and subsequently to transfer them to building practices.

Collaborative Approach For Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning in Indonesia: Opportunity and Challenge

The transition model from centralistic to decentralization government influences planning processes in Indonesia. It demands stakeholder’s collaboration to facilitate broad participation and coordination among sectors and regions. The following article examines the theoretical foundation, opportunities, and challenges of collaboration approach on coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) in Indonesia. A literature study has been engaged to reveal the theoretical foundation of a collaborative approach for CMSP. Based on the exploration, a collaborative approach is unavoidable to cope with the nature of the problem in CMSP. This approach has a bright future due to the global support and political era of democracy. However, in practice, there are still a number of obstacles ranging from bad communication among actors to low knowledge and awareness of sustainability issues.

Green IS - information system framework to support environmental sustainability of firms

With increasing awareness of sustainability issues, businesses are being scrutinised to reduce their ecological footprints and resource intensity. Information technology and systems (IT/IS) being the backbone to support information needs of firms, cannot shy away from the responsibility of supporting firms with sustainability choices, much of which has remained confined to short-term strategies like reducing energy usage and carbon footprint of IT landscape. By leveraging process-oriented view of organisational functions, we explore how green IS can partner with the business processes (green or red) to encapsulate inherent and desired environmental considerations and bring other IS elements like technologies, systems and users together to interact. This, we postulate, not only introduces elements like uncertainty, complexity and dynamism, that characterises green IS (as a field of study) and differentiates it from traditional IS, but also challenges green IS to deal with a new and evolving information space.

Assessment of knowledge and awareness of “sustainability” initiatives among college students

Campus sustainability is essential for any university. Campus sustainability denotes the potential of the university to develop new ideas regarding sustainability through research, teaching, and practices. It necessitates improved academic infrastructures, setting right faculty priorities and practices that ensure that the university community is aware of sustainable practices, and that its practices reflect sustainability. This study assesses college students' knowledge and awareness of sustainability issues. After IRB approval, data were collected using the campus sustainability questionnaire. Students from a university in the southeastern part of Texas in the United States were selected and asked to participate in the study voluntarily by answering a self-report questionnaire. Findings indicate that only a minority of the students knew what sustainability was, but 95.8% indicated it was important. Although the university has committed to climate and sustainability agreements, majority of the students were not aware of it and only about 17% knew that the University's Strategic Plan has a sustainability component. Nearly 36% of the students reported receiving information about sustainability during their campus orientation. In terms of recycling, majority of the students indicated unawareness of e-waste recycling on campus; however, more than 70% reported that the library limited free printing in computer labs. More than half of the students also indicated that sustainability issues were not infused into curriculum courses or programs, and they had no knowledge of any alternative power source for the university. We concluded that a majority of the students were not conversant with sustainability issues and were largely unaware of campus sustainability initiatives. We recommended more effort to increase sustainability initiatives on campus by involving faculty, staff, and students in such endeavors. Educational programs should incorporate sustainability into their curriculum to increase students' knowledge and consciousness regarding these issues.

Computational and Experimental Investigation for an Optimal Design of Industrial Windows to Allow Natural Ventilation during Wind-Driven Rain

With an increased awareness of sustainability issues, natural ventilation has become an elegant method for reducing the costs and environmental effects of the energy that is used to maintain comfortable indoor air quality rather than using mechanical ventilation. The windows in many industrial buildings are continuously open to exhaust pollutants and intake fresh air. Though windows are functional and efficient for natural ventilation, rainwater is able to penetrate through the windows during wind-driven rain. For industries in which the moisture content affects the quality of the product, the intrusion of a large amount of rainwater through windows must be prevented without compromising the effective ventilation. The aim of this research is to determine an innovative design for windows to accomplish the optimum of high ventilation and low rain penetration. For this purpose, windows are variously innovated and tested in full-scale measurements, reduced-scale wind-tunnel measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). An artificial rain and wind velocity to mimic the average of the maximum values in Korea are created. The maximum reduction in rain penetration of over 98% compared to basic 90° open windows is attained with only a 4%–9% decrement of ventilation efficiency in the two recommended designs.

Exploring climate change effects in Euro-Mediterranean protected coastal wetlands: the cases of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, Spain and Kotychi-Strofylia, Greece

Climate change is widely recognised as a serious threat, especially to some Mediterranean wetlands; therefore, their ongoing protection is of great concern. Aiguamolls de l’Empordà (north-east Catalonia, Spain) and Kotychi-Strofylia wetland (western Greece) are considered important coastal wetlands deserving protection both by European and national authorities. The main aim of this study was to explore stakeholders’ perceptions on local climate change there and to contrast these perceptions with some of the local meteorological data from the Estartit station (near Aiguamolls de l’Empordà) and Andravida station (near Kotychi-Strofylia). Semi-structured interviews with thirty-six stakeholders from both coastal wetlands have been conducted with the aim of understanding the perception and constraints facing those currently engaged in a wide range of social, political, environmental and economic activities in both territories. The research results showed that major climate change effects such as increased air temperature, precipitation change, prolonged droughts and shifting seasons were more pronounced over the past twenty years and are of particular concern in both wetlands and their surrounding areas. Moreover, the stakeholders from Spain had a higher awareness of sustainability issues than those from Greece. It is worth mentioning that about two-thirds of the interviewed stakeholders in both areas perceived their coastal wetlands as unsustainable. In addition, stakeholders from the Greek area had higher willingness for not emigrating from their territory than those from Spain. Finally, about half of the stakeholders indicated that they are in favour of natural adaptation measures based on technical solutions such as setting up sand dunes and beach barriers.

Sustainability in Materials Education

Consideration of the environmental and societal impacts of engineering products and processes is becoming increasingly important, so sustainability-related issues need to be addressed in educating engineers. Awareness of sustainability issues is particularly important for materials and metallurgical scientists and engineers because they are involved in both developing processes and selecting materials with low-energy use and low environmental impact. In this article, activities at TMS to identify sustainability-related educational needs and opportunities to address these needs will be discussed.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: Identifying Pedagogies for Teaching Sustainability Issues to Fashion Students

This paper identifies how educational experiences have influenced attitudes, raised awareness of sustainability issues and increased sustainable literacy amongst a group of second-year Bachelor of Design (Fashion) students at Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand. This research project establishes a baseline understanding of student knowledge and awareness, attitudes and motivation towards sustainability via a survey conducted before and after a lecture series. The application and integration of this learning is evaluated through a practice-based collaborative project. Our analysis identifies the most effective pedagogies to use when integrating sustainability into the fashion curriculum. The implications of these findings are discussed for higher education and in particular the need for institutions to provide an environment which supports new approaches to teaching and learning.

SUSTAINABILITY CONCEPT OF BALI AGA ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is one of human works that consumed a lot of energy. Present research shows that architecture consumed more than 50% of total energy in the world. That is why awareness of sustainability issues become prominent issues among architects, architecture students and academics. Practically sustainability concept is not some thing new for some countries. Traditional settlements used similar concept to sustainability concept, for example Bali Aga settlement. The settlement showed how the community used the concept as tradition and way of their life. The Bali Aga architecture was developed between 9 to-11 AD and mostly located in the highland or the mountain of Bali. The word “Aga” is used to distinguish the highland settlements from the rest of traditional settlements of Bali which mainly located in the down line of Bali, particularly in the southern Bali. Bali Aga settlements are located mostly in eastern and northern Bali. The village of Tenganan is the prime example of the genre, and for this discourse, the research site was Julah village in Buleleng Regency. This village is located on the northern part of Bali. Referring to Bali Aga’s traditions and customs, the community recognized the relationship between the people and the environment. Bali Aga architecture shows the expression of their tradition that keep the environment sustained. This paper will discuss about tradition of Bali Aga community and how they articulated through their architecture. The aims of this study are to increase the awareness of modern soceity on sustainability issues and learned from tradition of Bali Aga community how to keep environment friendly.

Assessment of sustainable construction in Lebanon

Purpose One of the most critical contemporary issues is achieving and maintaining sustainable development, adapting the use of natural resources to provide for the needs of our rising populations without threatening the survival and quality of life for future generations. Sustainable construction, in particular, is a concept that is gaining importance all over the world and is gradually improving life for populations that recognize its importance. The current environmental degradation in Lebanon due to limited natural resources, population increases, and inefficient urban management, threatens the economic growth and the wellbeing of the people and thus dictates the urgent need for planning and taking action on a comprehensive environmental sustainability strategy. The main purpose of this research is to explore the Lebanese construction industry in order to evaluate sustainability achievements on both design and construction levels. This research also studies sustainability standards and practices implemented in some developed countries and in the surrounding region in order to better assess the current status of sustainability development and corresponding public awareness in the Lebanese construction market with respect to foreign industries. Based on the aforementioned, this research addresses challenges to sustainable construction in Lebanon and provides recommendations to enhance the use of energy-saving materials and the application of environmentally-friendly construction methods. Method This assessment is done through two complementary approaches: (i) a comprehensive literature review of all pertaining governmental regulations, public policy, and guidelines that have been enacted to promote building sustainability in Lebanon, as well as a survey about existing green buildings and ongoing green projects along with the implementation challenges; and (ii) conducting interviews with Lebanese parties that are key players in achieving sustainable development such as local experts, public agencies, municipalities, architectural and contracting firms, private agencies dealing with environment protection, and real-estate companies. Results & Discussion The concept of sustainable production and construction is still very primitive in Lebanon and the role of the government in promoting sustainability is not yet well established. Some public entities including, but not limited to, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Water, the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) have put some effort through internationally funded projects and campaigns by UNDP and the European Commission aimed at promoting sustainable production and consumption in Lebanon. However, these efforts were not enough to have a significant impact on these industries and resulted merely in voluntary guidelines rather than serious measures to reduce energy usage and pollution. Another finding of this research is that major efforts need to be made towards enhancing public awareness of sustainability issues. Hence, this research analyses the observed deficiencies in the Lebanese construction market and provides some recommendations that, if turned into action plans, constitute a promising transition from a short-sighted construction focusing on short-term goals of profit making and fast growth and lacking concern for the environment to a global long-term sustainable development that ensures the welfare of the current and future generations.

University presidents' conceptualizations of sustainability in higher education

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how a cohort of university presidents and vice‐presidents in Canadian universities conceptualize sustainable development, sustainable universities, the role universities play in achieving a sustainable future, key issues facing the university, and the barriers to implementing sustainability initiatives on campus.Design/methodology/approachThe research comprises in‐depth interviews with university presidents (rectors) and vice‐presidents from Talloires Declaration signatory universities in Canada. Interviews include both closed and open‐ended questions and two checklists focused on sustainable development and sustainable universities. Interview transcripts are analyzed through the identification of respondent themes.FindingsThe majority of participants are well versed in the concept of sustainable development, but less familiar with the concept of a sustainable university. The majority are dedicated to having their university become more sustainable. The most significant constraints to moving toward sustainability reported are financial predicaments, lack of understanding and awareness of sustainability issues amongst the university population, and a resistance to change.Originality/valueWhile higher education scholars have a reasonably common conceptualization of sustainable development and what constitutes a “sustainable university”, there are few studies to date that investigate the level of sustainability knowledge of the major stakeholders within the university, or that examine what stakeholders feel is the role of the university in creating a sustainable future. If the university is tasked with responsibilities for creating a sustainable future, it is essential that all university stakeholders have a common understanding of the term sustainable development. This paper attempts to make a contribution to this significant gap in the literature.

Going green at home: The Green Machine

A global challenge for the 21st century is to find a sustainable way of life. The Green movement has helped to increase people’s awareness of sustainability issues and propelled development of innovative products to help decrease our ecological footprint. Smart Grid applications, which enable users to monitor their household’s energy consumption, are one of these innovative products. Critical data visualization helps to build awareness, but does not result automatically in effecting behavioral changes, which are required to ensure the Earth’s future and survival. The question then shifts to how exactly to motivate, persuade, educate, and lead people to reduce their household energy consumption. Our study proposes to research and analyze different powerful ways to improve “green behavior” by persuading and motivating people to reduce their household’s energy consumption through a mobile phone application we call the “Green Machine.” We have designed and tested a prototype that is based on behavioral change-process issues-analysis to persuade people to “go green.” This article explains the development of the Green Machine user interface, information design, and information visualization.

Comparative and International Education: A Bibliography (2008)

Comparative and International Education: A Bibliography (2008)

The application of sustainable behaviour change strategies in three built environment companies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the effect of methods derived from the study of social psychology to motive better sustainable behaviour in the workforces of built environment companies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the multi‐methodological approach used to obtain the conclusions about the use of social psychological techniques. It also describes why case studies were the most appropriate framework for the study, based on the complex nature of both the companies that participated in the research, and the complex nature of sustainable development.FindingsThe study shows that the application of motivational methods based on social psychology are effective in raising awareness of sustainability issues and, in one case, had a marked effect on the future path of the company. Leaders of built environment companies that are interested in improving sustainable performance should study these techniques and, in particular, consider their leadership style and method of message transmission. The juxtaposition of hard evidence about the effects the company is having on the environment and on society, combined with the use of theatre and role play to make this serious message palatable and even enjoyable has a significant effect on the way the messages are received, and the ability to receive positive support from the workforce in the future.Originality/valueThe techniques used in the study are based on an understanding that fact‐based motivation alone is insufficient to create lasting sustainable change. The use of techniques that involve more intuitive or emotional methods is unusual in a predominantly conservative sector, and the application of certain theatre‐based techniques, and Forum Theatre in particular is an original approach. The value of showing the efficacy of these techniques may be to accelerate the adaptation of those built environment organisations that have been slowed to adopt a whole company approach (including employee engagement) to sustainable performance.