Energy saving, waste management, and pollution free steps for university campuses

• Main Authors: Prakasha, Golla Siddappa, Chakraborty, Rituparna, Kenneth, Anthony
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Colleges & universities; Data analysis; Education; Human behavior; Students; Sustainable development; Training; Waste management
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0066325

Global warming is a worldwide concern and the documents related to the need for sustainable measures seen in academic and non-academic literature. In a highly populated country like India, these are more severe worries. Multiple established educational institutions across India have taken significant steps in educating their students on sustainable development goals (SDG). Currently there is a need to assess the extent of effect such training has on student populations of such institutes. Present study attempted to assess the efficacy of SDG-implementation training programmes in a reputed private university, through student assessment of student behaviors outside the institute and in their personal life. Using semi-structured in-depth interview methods, interviewed eight students of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes. These students were active participants of community service programmes arranged by the university within a sustainable development model. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis methods. Emerged themes from data analysis indicate a positive change in their worldview and significant modifications in their personal behavior towards sustainability because of being part of such programmes. Educating others through practice and increased socio-environmental awareness were also major themes. Current study contributes in assessing efficacy of sustainability programmes in educational institutions. This study also suggests few recommendations for increasing competence of the same.