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Level of Sustainability Awareness among University Students in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Author

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  • Tasneem Alsaati

    (Department of Management, College of Business Administration, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia)

  • Samir El-Nakla

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia)

  • Darin El-Nakla

    (Department of Management, College of Business Administration, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a tremendous interest and increased awareness about sustainability and its related issues globally. The literature reviewed presented the positive role of sustainability education and how it affects students’ levels of sustainability awareness and influences behaviors. Therefore, to measure that level of current students’ awareness and knowledge of sustainability, a questionnaire was developed and conducted in seven universities within the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, targeting a sample of 500 students from different study programs. The results show that high percentages of participants have heard the term “sustainability” from educational sources, but they lack the knowledge of sustainability, especially when it comes to recognizing recycling materials or renewable materials and energy consumptions measures. It is also noticed that the majority of students are not involved in any type of recycling anywhere. Other results reflecting students’ behaviors and lifestyles pertaining to sustainability showed high percentages of involvement in sustainability and conservation actions. The study concludes that in order to promote sustainability awareness among students, other stakeholders such as universities, schools, governments and local municipalities need to take part in the process. Recommendations introduced include actions to be implemented by educational institutes in sustainability literacy and behaviors such as offering mandatory sustainability courses, demonstrating and supporting students’ activities in-campus and off-campus to promote sustainable behavior, and to take some measures toward resources conservation and the necessary educational methods to influence students’ behaviors. Recommendations are also broadened to include other stakeholders that hold great influence on individuals’ sustainable knowledge and behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Tasneem Alsaati & Samir El-Nakla & Darin El-Nakla, 2020. "Level of Sustainability Awareness among University Students in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:8:p:3159-:d:345416
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    11. Mohammad B. Hamida & Wahhaj Ahmed & Muhammad Asif & Faris Abdullah Almaziad, 2020. "Techno-Economic Assessment of Energy Retrofitting Educational Buildings: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-15, December.
    12. Gaydaa Al-Zohbi & Maura A. E. Pilotti, 2023. "Contradictions about Sustainability: A Case Study of College Students from Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.
    13. Miguel Leiva-Brondo & Natalia Lajara-Camilleri & Anna Vidal-Meló & Alejandro Atarés & Cristina Lull, 2022. "Spanish University Students’ Awareness and Perception of Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainability Literacy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-26, April.
    14. Özgür Bor & Burcu Tosun & Serdar Eler & Nebahat Eler, 2023. "Sport Academics’ Awareness and Knowledge of Sustainability in Higher Education in Türkiye," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-17, April.
    15. Mohammed A. Abu Rumman & Enas Alqudah, 2024. "The Impact of Green HRM on Lean Soft Practices Implementation: A Mediating Role of Organizational Flexibility," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 25(4), pages 705-731, December.
    16. Yiwen Liu & Wenkan Wen & Yanxia Gao & Xian Zhang & Taiguo Qu & Dong Yin & Xiaoning Peng & Yuanquan Shi, 2022. "Online Homework Intelligent Platform Based on Self-Regulated Learning (SRL): Essential for Sustainable Development of Online Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-19, December.
    17. Aroub Alnasser & Nsreen Musallat, 2022. "Food Sustainability Knowledge among Saudis: Towards the Goals of Saudi Vision 2030," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-17, September.

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