Environmental Consciousness Research Articles

Influence of Hotel Design on Guest Experience and Satisfaction in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of hotel design on guest experience and satisfaction in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low-cost advantage as compared to field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that aesthetic appeal, functionality, and comfort of hotel interiors significantly contribute to guest satisfaction. Elements such as room layout, furniture design, lighting, and color schemes can create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, enhancing the perceived quality of the stay. Additionally, common areas like lobbies, restaurants, and recreational facilities also impact guests' first impressions and ongoing experiences. The design must cater to diverse guest needs, offering both communal and private spaces that facilitate social interactions and personal relaxation. Moreover, incorporating local culture and unique design elements can provide a memorable and authentic experience, further boosting guest satisfaction. Sustainable and eco-friendly design practices are increasingly valued by guests, reflecting their growing environmental consciousness. Overall, a well-thought-out hotel design can significantly enhance guest experience, leading to higher satisfaction, repeat visits, and positive reviews, which are vital for the hotel's success in a competitive market. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental psychology theory, services cape theory and expectancy-disconfirmation theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of hotel design on guest experience and satisfaction in Kenya. Hotels should prioritize investing in visually appealing and unique design elements, especially in common areas like lobbies. Policymakers should encourage and incentivize sustainable design practices in the hospitality industry.

Eco? No, Ego-scooters: Steering towards time-saving trails in urban mobility

As cities worldwide face escalating urban congestion and environmental challenges, electric scooters (e-scooters) emerge as a sustainable micromobility solution. This study investigates e-scooter adoption in Türkiye, an emerging economy, to delineate how motivations in such contexts diverge from those in advanced economies. Through a survey of 204 e-scooter users, we dissect the motivations driving both the adoption and continued use of e-scooters, focusing on the interplay between environmental consciousness and practical benefits. Unlike assumptions that might be drawn from advanced economies, our findings indicate that environmental motivations, though significant in global sustainable mobility discourse, do not serve as primary incentives for e-scooter adoption in Türkiye. The research reveals a pronounced preference for immediate, tangible benefits over environmental considerations, suggesting a distinct set of priorities in emerging economies. This insight challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to promoting micromobility and underscores the need for urban mobility policies and strategies to resonate with the specific preferences and daily realities of users in different economic contexts. By highlighting the crucial role of practical advantages in fostering micromobility adoption and sustained use in emerging economies, the study advocates for a tailored approach to advancing sustainable urban mobility.

Wujud Pelestarian Lingkungan Melalui Penyuluhan Pembuatan Produk Totebag Ecoprint pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar Negeri Kedung Peluk 1

Environmental education has become increasingly important in addressing global ecological challenges. This community service project aimed to cultivate environmental consciousness among elementary school students through the creative technique of ecoprinting. By using natural materials like leaves and flowers to create unique patterns on fabric, students were not only introduced to an artistic process but also gained a deeper appreciation for the natural world. A workshop was conducted at SDN Kedungpeluk 1 Candi Sidoarjo to teach students the basics of ecoprinting. Participants collected natural materials from their surroundings and experimented with various techniques to create personalized tote bags. The results were impressive, showcasing the students' creativity and their ability to transform natural elements into beautiful and functional objects. Beyond the artistic aspect, the project successfully fostered a sense of environmental stewardship among the students.

Sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) Sukuk: lessons from Khazanah’s Sukuk Ihsan

Purpose SRI Sukuk, with its outcome-based emphasis, aims to align the Islamic finance industry with its original ideals and address criticisms related to form over substance. In Malaysia, while the pioneering Sukuk Ihsan was a “social” sukuk, recent SRI Sukuk issuances have predominantly been “green” or “sustainable” sukuk. This paper aims to evaluate the Malaysian SRI Sukuk market, identifying factors favouring “green” sukuk. It also examines whether structural issues in Sukuk Ihsan deterred subsequent issuers from “social” sukuk. The emergence of SRI Sukuk responds to sustainable development goals and the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Sukuk Ihsan, as the first Shariah-compliant pay-for-success structure, poses complexity and risk management challenges to meet performance criteria. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative method in the form of a critical review of literature, interview sessions with experts and stakeholders who are familiar with SRI Sukuk and Sukuk Ihsan and a case study analysis of Sukuk Ihsan. Findings The popularity of “green” sukuk reflects the growing global environmental consciousness. The main factors driving the popularity of “green” sukuk are the maturity of the market and the existence of a strong supporting infrastructure for “green” issuances while the positive profiling benefits and availability of incentives for “green” issuances also contribute to a lesser extent. The recommendations include the promotion of “social” sukuk by regulators through a focus on establishing a similar supporting infrastructure for “social” sukuk as there are for SRI and standard Sukuk. In addition, issuers of “social” sukuk may want to reconsider the inclusion of key performance indicators (“KPI”) into the structure of future “social” sukuk issuances. Research limitations/implications Although all respondents considered Sukuk Ihsan to be a success, some potential areas of improvement were also noted. These include the structuring of future “social” sukuk issuances with a bigger discount to compensate for the additional risk being assumed by the investor; the need to be more careful in the KPI selection process; and one respondent even went so far as to suggest the possibility of totally removing the step-down feature of Sukuk Ihsan. Practical implications Industry implications of Sukuk Ihsan study include findings that require balancing disclosure and economics by providing additional disclosure requirements for SRI Sukuk that may pose risks without corresponding benefits for issuers. KPI selection and investor confidence should also be properly identified, as KPIs are essential for the pay-for-success model to work successfully. For sukuk holders, findings indicate that any approval for waivers during issuance can impact investor confidence negatively. Investor literacy and impact understanding should also be improved for social Sukuk success. Investors should understand the different risk exposures and evolving impact requirements vital for sustainable growth. Social implications The findings provide significant implications for social impact Sukuk issuance. They include providing a substantial case study for future social impact issuances, based on the pioneering impact of Sukuk Ihsan. Furthermore, Sukuk Ihsan’s unqualified success validates the feasibility of socially responsible sukuk. Despite its early introduction, both tranches being fully subscribed reflects robust investor interest. Stakeholders were also proud of their involvement in such an initiative, viewing it as a significant achievement in creating societal impact. Originality/value Although there have been several prior studies done on Sukuk Ihsan, the focus of those studies was on its structure and the novelty of its “step down” returns structure where investors would receive lower returns if certain key performance indicators (“KPIs”) are met by Yayasan AMIR in the execution of its Trust School Programme. Bearing in mind that the first Sukuk Ihsan has a June 2022 maturity date, and the results of its KPIs were announced in December 2021, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only documented case study that comprehensively reviews Sukuk Ihsan and identifies lessons learned and/or opportunities for improvement for the benefit of potential SRI Sukuk issuers in the future.

Exploring the drivers of residents’ identification and green citizenship behavior in green cities: a multicountry study

PurposeThe fundamental mission of every green city is to harmonize urban living with environmental preservation. However, a critical challenge arises when the residents of such cities do not share the same level of environmental consciousness, potentially eroding the integrity of the green city’s brand identity. Hence, this study aims to explore the factors influencing residents’ identification with green city branding and assesses how this identification subsequently affects their green citizenship behaviors.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 1,217 residents from 15 green cities across six countries was conducted and analyzed using SPSS 28.0 for descriptive statistics and PLS-SEM for measurement and structural model analysis.FindingsThe results indicate that green city-self connection, green city distinctiveness and environmental benefits significantly impact GCRI, which, in turn, significantly influences green city protection, loyalty and advocacy behaviors. However, green city social and economic benefits did not affect resident identification.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide valuable managerial insights for city brand managers, green city developers and governmental representatives. The study underscores the importance of considering residents as crucial internal stakeholders in the creation of a green city identity that effectively promotes sustainable urban living and an eco-friendly culture.Originality/valueThis study provides theoretical insights into the relationship between green identification and residents’ willingness and commitment to act as ambassadors and promote their city’s green values.

Spatial and temporal differentiation and its driving factors of air quality in the economic circle of Shandong Province during 2013–2020

As the negative repercussions of environmental devastation, such as air quality decline and air pollution, become more apparent, environmental consciousness is growing across the world, forcing nations to take steps to mitigate the damage. China pledged to achieve air quality improvement goal to combat global environment issue, yet the spatial-temporal differentiation and its driving factors of environment-meteorology-economic index for air quality are not fully analysed. To promote regional collaborative control of air pollution and achieve sustainable urban development, spatial and temporal different and its driving factors of air quality in Shandong Province during 2013–2020. Results revealed that concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), particulate matter 10 (PM10), and carbon monoxide (CO-95per) exhibited decreasing trend (SO2 concentrations decreasing 84 % and CO-95per concentrations decreasing 90 %). Air quality was improved from inland areas to coastal areas. Pollutant indicators of SO2, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and CO-95per demonstrated significant positive correlation (P < 0.05). Air temperature and precipitation are significantly negatively correlated with concentrations of SO2, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and CO-95per but significantly positively correlated with ozone (O3-8 h). SO2, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, CO-95per, and proportion of days with heavy pollution are strongly positively correlated with proportion of secondary industry but strongly negatively correlated with proportion of tertiary industry and volume of household waste. Except for O3-8 h, pollutant index of Provincial Capital Economic Circle (PCEC) and Southern Shandong Economic Circle (SSEC) has significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) with regional gross domestic product and investment in environmental protection; however, investment in environmental protection of Eastern Shandong Economic Circle (ESEC) has no significant correlation with air pollution index. There was significant negative correlation between vegetable sowing area and SSEC pollutant index. The relationship between pollution emission and investment in environmental protection has shifted from high pollution-low investment to low pollution-low investment in PCEC, ESEC and SSEC, and the inflection point was in 2020 for PCEC, 2019 for ESEC, and 2020 for SSEC. Those results provide empirical evidence and theoretical support for the improvement of regional air quality, aiming to achieve high-quality development. According to these findings, it has been found that meteorological elements, pollutant emission, socio-economic factors and agricultural data affect air quality. Those results could provide meaningful and significant supporting for synergistic regulation of diverse pollutants.

Sustainable Human Resource Management and Employees’ Performance: The Impact of National Culture

In an era of rapid globalization and increased environmental consciousness, organizations must align their business practices with sustainable development goals. The main objective of this study is to explore the impact of sustainable human resource management (SHRM) on employees’ performance, focusing on the mediating role of employee engagement and the moderating effect of national culture. To do so, data were collected from 1950 individuals across 26 countries. The results of a multilevel analysis show that SHRM positively affects performance, with employee engagement acting as a mediator. Furthermore, the effectiveness of SHRM practices is moderated by cultural tightness–looseness, indicating that SHRM practices are more effective in flexible and adaptive cultural environments. This study contributes to the literature by integrating institutional theory and the JD-R model, demonstrating that SHRM enhances performance through increased employee engagement and that cultural context significantly influences this relationship. The findings emphasize the need for a culturally sensitive approach to SHRM, suggesting that organizations should tailor their sustainable practices to align with the cultural norms of their operational environments. This research provides valuable theoretical insights into the mechanisms through which SHRM impacts performance and practical implications for HR professionals seeking to implement effective and sustainable HR practices globally.

Young customers’ intention to purchase organic food in South Africa: extending the theory of planned behaviour

Ethical consumption has become an increasing trend as young customers get increasingly aware of their environmental and ethical responsibilities. The study aimed to examine the determinants of organic food purchase intention and behaviour of young customers in South Africa by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The main objective of the study was to determine the effects of TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control) on young consumers’ intention to purchase organic food. Also, the study investigated whether the extended TPB model would improve the predictive validity of the model. The TPB was modified by the addition of three value constructs (health, environmental and appearance consciousness) as antecedents of attitude and intention and two personal factors (moral norms and ethical self-identity) as predictors of purchase intention. In addition, the study examined the mediating effects of attitude towards organic food in the relationship between value and purchase intention. Furthermore, the study determined the effect of intention on actual organic food purchase behaviour of young consumers. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and data was collected through the cross-sectional survey method using self-administered questionnaires from four hundred and three respondents. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents through mall intercept and the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings confirmed that two constructs of the TPB (attitude towards organic food and perceived behavioural control) are predictors of purchase intention. In addition, health and environmental consciousness are antecedents of attitude and intention. Attitude mediates the relationship between health, environmental consciousness and intention. Furthermore, intention is a predictor of behaviour. Recommendations to improve the purchase of organic food focus on communication by marketers to consumers about the benefits of organic food. The study concludes that the extended TPB is an applicable theoretical framework to explain the purchase of organic food by young consumers.

Critical Individual and Organizational Drivers of Circular Economy Implementation in SMEs in Bangladesh

This study aims to examine the influence of individual and organizational factors on the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices in SMEs in Bangladesh. A non-probability sampling technique is utilized to select a sample of 280 respondents from the textile and leather industries. Data are collected through a survey assessing individual factors such as environmental consciousness and innovation propensity, as well as organizational factors including leadership commitment and training and development programs. A frequency table is used to give the respondents’ details, and skewness and kurtosis are conducted to find the data normality. Reliability and validity analyses are conducted to ensure the robustness of the measurement instruments. A correlation matrix is generated to examine the relationships between variables, followed by a multiple regression analysis to test the hypothesized relationships. The preliminary findings indicate a significant correlation between individual and organizational factors and the implementation of CE practices. The multiple regression analysis reveals that both sets of factors contribute significantly to explaining the variance in CE implementation. The results indicate that environmental consciousness, innovation propensity, leadership commitment, and training and development programs emerge as significant predictors of CE implementation within these industries. This study offers valuable insights and sheds light on the role of individual and organizational factors in shaping sustainable practices. The findings contribute to the explanatory literature on CE implementation, providing empirical evidence to inform policymaking and business strategies aimed at promoting sustainability in the SME sector and beyond.

The Influence of Environmental Consciousness, Environmental Concern, Perceived Value, Perceived Risk on Purchase Intention Through Product Trust Mediation: Study of the Recycled Product Industry in Banten Province

The waste problem requires a multidimensional approach, especially in processing and sorting at the source, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of achieving zero waste in the future. The waste bank program has been introduced to support waste reduction and the circular economy, but public interest in recycled products remains low. Banten Province, one of the five provinces with the highest waste tonnage in Indonesia in 2022, showed interest of only 19.3%. This study aims to identify the factors influencing public purchase intention of recycled products, with product trust as a mediating variable. Through online questionnaires and data analysis using SEM PLS, involving 158 respondents in Banten Province, it was found that environmental consciousness, environmental concern, perceived value, and perceived risk significantly influence the purchase intention of recycled products. Additionally, these factors also significantly affect product trust. Mediation analysis shows that product trust can mediate the relationship between environmental consciousness and environmental concern with purchase intention, but it is not optimal in mediating the impact of perceived value and perceived risk. Recommendations for environmental activists in Banten Province include increasing the credibility and clarity of information regarding recycled products, as well as ensuring the cleanliness and safety of these products to directly enhance public purchase intention and support the circular economy in Banten Province.

Effectiveness of Jute Cellulose Nanocrystal Reinforcement into Biodegradable Packaging “Sonali Bags®”

In an age marked by environmental consciousness, “Sonali Bags®” have emerged as promising substitutes for single-use plastic bags, invented in Bangladesh. It is a jute cellulose-based, totally biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and environment-friendly biopolymer. However, certain physical limitations have hindered its widespread consumer appeal. To address these challenges, this study pioneers the integration of Jute Cellulose Nano-crystals (JCNC) into Sonali bags, with the objective of enhancing their physical properties. JCNC, obtained through a meticulous 64% concentrate sulfuric acid hydrolysis process, has been reinforced with Sonali Bags at varying loadings (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 wt%). The SEM analysis showed spherical cellulose nanocrystals with high crystallinity and distinctive tear-like features on the nanoparticle's surface. Furthermore, the SEM micrographs depicted that JCNC loading up to 0.2% helped reduce the pore formation of bio-composite. Moreover, the thermal properties increased significantly, and tensile strength increased by approximately 37% MPa after reinforcing JCNC with Sonali Bag. The water-resistant capacity of 0.2% CNC reinforced film was about 30% better than other compositions. The JCNC-reinforced composite materials were found to moderate the degradation rate, contributing to the prolonged sustainability of these biodegradable solutions.

Consumer Values, Attitudes, and Behavior towards Plant-Based Alternatives.

This study investigated the impact of consumer values and attitudes to consuming plant-based alternatives (PBAs), using the value-attitude-behavior framework. The research model and hypotheses were tested using a two-step approach to structural equation modeling on 392 responses collected from PBA consumers through a research company in Korea in November 2023. The results indicated that environmental consciousness and health consciousness significantly affected attitudes toward PBAs. Also, positive attitudes toward PBAs were critical for the formation of repurchase intentions for PBAs and PBA restaurant visit behavior. Our study contributes to both academics and PBA practitioners by showing how consumer values are associated with attitudes, PBAs repurchase intentions, and PBAs restaurant visits.

Material flow cost accounting for aluminum gravity die casting in electrical products manufacturing

PurposeThis study aims to determine the best way to apply material flow cost accounting (MFCA) in an SME environment with the goal of visualizing negative product cost during the manufacturing process and pinpointing places where improvements can be made.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a case study approach to demonstrate the usefulness of the MFCA tool in an SME in India that produces aluminum energy products used in the electrical power sector through gravity die casting.FindingsAccording to the results, the company’s gravity die casting has a negative product cost margin of 27.38% as a result of MFCA analysis. It is also determined that the negative material cost is Rs. 22,919, the negative system cost is Rs. 462 and the negative energy cost is Rs. 1,069 for processing 300 kg of raw material. The typical monthly raw material processing for this company is 45,000 kg.Originality/valueThis research shows that MFCA’s implementation will improve the company’s environmental consciousness and bottom line. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to implement MFCA in aluminum gravity die casting of electrical parts manufacturing.

Exploring interconnections and risk evaluation of green equities and bonds: fresh perspectives from TVP-VAR model and wavelet-based VaR analysis

PurposeThis study attempts to examine the time-varying volatility spillovers between environmentally sustainable assets and quantify the value-at-risk of the portfolios across various frequencies.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish these objectives, this paper utilizes a connectedness index-based TVP-VAR model and applies the wavelet-based VaR ratio to daily data spanning from January 2018 to September 2023.FindingsThe empirical findings reveal a notable increase in the connectedness index between green stocks and green bonds during the COVID-19 crisis, signifying evidence of a contagion effect. The portfolio’s risk ratio also exhibited a sharp rise amid the pandemic, particularly over medium and long-term horizons, driven by increased spillover among green assets. Notably, our analysis indicates that green bonds influence the connectedness system between green stocks and the value-at-risk ratio, reducing volatility spillover and portfolio risk ratios across various investment horizons. These results highlight the role of green bonds as an effective diversification asset against the risks associated with green equities.Originality/valueThis research investigates the dynamic connectedness and value-at-risk ratio between eight green sectoral renewable energy and non-energy equities and green bonds. We put forward some portfolio implications for green investors with an environmental consciousness who desire to decarbonize their portfolios and mitigate environmental issues.

Flash-within-flash synthesis of gram-scale solid-state materials.

Sustainable manufacturing that prioritizes energy efficiency, minimal water use, scalability and the ability to generate diverse materials is essential to advance inorganic materials production while maintaining environmental consciousness. However, current manufacturing practices are not yet equipped to fully meet these requirements. Here we describe a flash-within-flash Joule heating (FWF) technique-a non-equilibrium, ultrafast heat conduction method-to prepare ten transition metal dichalcogenides, three group XIV dichalcogenides and nine non-transition metal dichalcogenide materials, each in under 5 s while in ambient conditions. FWF achieves enormous advantages in facile gram scalability and in sustainable manufacturing criteria when compared with other synthesis methods. Also, FWF allows the production of phase-selective and single-crystalline bulk powders, a phenomenon rarely observed by any other synthesis method. Furthermore, FWF MoSe2 outperformed commercially available MoSe2 in tribology, showcasing the quality of FWF materials. The capability for atom substitution and doping further highlights the versatility of FWF as a general bulk inorganic materials synthesis protocol.

Back to the future: Advancing more sustainable tourism through domestic summer holidaying after the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Health hazards, border restrictions, insurance limitations, travel uncertainties, and other disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic reduced international travel in the summer of 2021. The sudden travel changes created a unique opportunity to investigate potentials for reshaping future holidaying. The article’s objective is to investigate how experiences of domestic summer holidaying might have influenced attitudes towards future holiday travel. It is based on exploratory survey conducted among Oslo region inhabitants. A structural equation modelling analytical framework revealed two main holidaying orientations, environmentally friendly and international vacationist, characterised by five attitude dimensions, and associated with weaker and stronger inclinations towards future long-distance international travel, respectively. The sharply contrasting attitudes underpinning these orientations were based on experiences of ‘forced’ domestic holidaying shaping future travel intentions with implications for more sustainable tourism. The pandemic prompted some people to go ‘back to the future’ and intend to resume ‘old’ (traditional) summer holidaying practices: mainly short-distance domestic trips with reduced carbon footprint and greater emphasis on social bonds. In conclusion, the study contributes to theory development through exploring environmental consciousness and habit discontinuities, as well as time and distance perceptions related to holiday travel. Lastly, the implications of the findings are presented.

Rising to the challenge: a systematic review of development of environmental justice in India

ABSTRACT Environmental justice has experienced rapid expansion in its scope and conceptualization in the last three decades. Literature on environmental justice narrates how individuals and communities mobilize to confront economic and environmental issues at the local, national, and global levels and how globalization, gender, racism, and class affect the environment. This article presents a systematic review of environmental justice in India, aimed at showing how the concept originated and came into common parlance and how it differs or actually resembles now a lot with the environmental justice discourse in the United States. The focus of this study is on various salient events that are crucial in the development of a well-established movement. The review contends that environmental justice may have only recently become a recognized concept in Indian environmental history, as a philosophy, it has been a mainstay of Indian environmental consciousness. India has an indigenous environmental justice movement, albeit not on the lines of the US. This review also suggests that the discourse on environmental justice in India is currently shaped by both global environmental justice movements as well as indigenous efforts and concerns about environmental challenges.

Nature-inspired innovation: Alginic-kojic acid material for sustainable antibacterial and carbon dioxide fixation

The current environmental consciousness of the world's population encourages researchers to work on new materials that are environmentally benign and able to display the appropriate features for the needed application. To develop high-performing, inexpensive eco-materials, scientists have frequently turned to nature, attempting to mimic its processes' excellent performance at a reasonable price. In this regard, we decided to focus on alginic acid (AA), a polysaccharide widely found in brown algae, and kojic acid (KA), a chelating agent fungi produces. This study proposes rapidly synthesizing a sustainable, biocompatible material (AK) based on AA and KA, employing chlorokojic acid (CKA). The material has a dual function: antibacterial activity on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, without any cytotoxic action on human cells in vitro, and catalytic ability to convert CO2 into cyclic carbonates at atmospheric pressure, without solvents, with high yields, and without the use of metals. Furthermore, the material's insolubility in organic solvents allows it to be easily separated from the reaction product and reused for other catalytic cycles. Both applications have a key role in the medical and environmental fields, combating the outbreak of infections and providing an innovative methodology to fix the CO2 on specific substrates.

Occupants’ willingness to reduce in-room energy consumption − a discrete choice experiment (DCE) approach with occupants in a student apartment

This study pioneers a comprehensive methodology to quantify occupants’ willingness to reduce energy consumption behaviors, specifically focusing on student occupants within a student apartment under an all-inclusive payment rental scheme. Employing a dual-component approach, the study combines self-indicated energy consumption behavior attributes with the financial rebate occupants are willing to accept, shedding light on the intricate factors influencing their decisions regarding energy consumption. The Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) serves as a novel tool to identify and measure the financial value, conceptualized as Willingness-to-Accept (WTA), for specific energy-saving behaviors, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the economic valuation placed on sustainable practices. A pre-survey and a DCE-based survey were conducted within the student apartment, the former one comprehending general energy consumption behaviour patterns and rebate preferences, and the latter examining the impact of financial incentives on behavioral changes, providing a comprehensive and longitudinal perspective. The findings highlight the paramount influence of factors such as “air conditioning setpoint” on occupants’ decisions followed by “lighting time” and “shower time”, emphasizing the delicate balance between occupant comfort, financial considerations, and environmental consciousness. Despite limitations related to the specificity of the study context and potential discrepancies between hypothetical and real-world behavior, this research offers practical implications for designing effective energy-saving interventions tailored to the unique characteristics of student occupants. Policymakers and stakeholders can leverage these insights to inform incentive structures, energy conservation initiatives, or pricing strategies that align with consumer preferences, ultimately encouraging sustainable energy practices in residential settings.

A new composite index to assess environmental consciousness using survey data and big data: Empirical evidence from European consumers

Environmental consciousness is a multi-dimensional construct that encompasses several dimensions related to pro-environmental attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. The academic literature has attempted to conceptualise and operationalise environmental consciousness over the last 20 years, resulting in a wide variety of measures.However, the available measures are country-specific and with a predominant U.S. focus, based on convenience samples, and rather limited in terms of interpretability and external validity. To overcome these limitations, the present study develops an index of environmental consciousness at both the micro (consumer) and macro (country) levels, taking into account the four main dimensions of environmental consciousness: the affective, cognitive, active and dispositional dimensions. By analysing more than 27 000 “Eurobarometer 92.4” responses from consumers in the 28 EU Member States in 2019, this paper develops a comprehensive measure of consumer environmental consciousness that captures the heterogeneity across European countries. To assess the robustness of the index, the link between environmental consciousness and life satisfaction is also examined. The index is also compared with a big data-based index using Google Trends data on environmental search categories. The results show differences in environmental consciousness between European countries. The link between environmental consciousness and life satisfaction is also supported, in line with previous research in this area. Finally, the index appears to be strongly correlated with actual consumer search patterns on Google. The findings have implications for businesses willing to enter in new markets and policy makers on how to measure and assess environmental consciousness.