Action for increasing energy-saving behaviour in student residences at Rhodes University, South Africa
- Ancha, Angel, Bulunga, Lindelwa, Thondhlana, Gladman
- Authors: Ancha, Angel , Bulunga, Lindelwa , Thondhlana, Gladman
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67801 , vital:29146 , https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-07-2017-0107
- Description: Publisher version , Purpose: In response to increasing energy demand and financial constraints to invest in green infrastructure, behaviour change energy-saving interventions are increasingly being considered as a tool for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour in campus residences. This paper aims to report on a pilot programme aimed at reducing energy consumption via behaviour change interventions, variably applied in residences at Rhodes University, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected via structured questionnaires, energy consumption records and post-intervention programme focus group discussions. Findings: Participant residences that received a mix of different interventions in the forms of pamphlets, face-to-face discussions, incentives and feedback recorded more energy reductions of up to 9 per cent than residences that received a single or no intervention. In post-experiment discussions, students cited personal, institutional and structural barriers to pro-environmental energy-use behaviour. Practical implications: Overall, the results of this study suggest that information provision of energy-saving tips combined with regular feedback and incentives can result in energy-use reductions in university residences, which may yield environmental and economic benefits for universities, but addressing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour might maximise the results. Originality/value: Given the lack of literature on energy conservation in the global South universities, this study provides the basis for discussing the potential for using behavioural interventions in universities for stirring pathways towards sustainability.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ancha, Angel , Bulunga, Lindelwa , Thondhlana, Gladman
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67801 , vital:29146 , https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-07-2017-0107
- Description: Publisher version , Purpose: In response to increasing energy demand and financial constraints to invest in green infrastructure, behaviour change energy-saving interventions are increasingly being considered as a tool for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour in campus residences. This paper aims to report on a pilot programme aimed at reducing energy consumption via behaviour change interventions, variably applied in residences at Rhodes University, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected via structured questionnaires, energy consumption records and post-intervention programme focus group discussions. Findings: Participant residences that received a mix of different interventions in the forms of pamphlets, face-to-face discussions, incentives and feedback recorded more energy reductions of up to 9 per cent than residences that received a single or no intervention. In post-experiment discussions, students cited personal, institutional and structural barriers to pro-environmental energy-use behaviour. Practical implications: Overall, the results of this study suggest that information provision of energy-saving tips combined with regular feedback and incentives can result in energy-use reductions in university residences, which may yield environmental and economic benefits for universities, but addressing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour might maximise the results. Originality/value: Given the lack of literature on energy conservation in the global South universities, this study provides the basis for discussing the potential for using behavioural interventions in universities for stirring pathways towards sustainability.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
Pro-Environmental behaviour in student residences at Rhodes University, South Africa:
- Thondhlana, Gladman, Hlatshwayo, Thina N
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Hlatshwayo, Thina N
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144288 , vital:38328 , https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082746
- Description: Human behaviour is at the centre of most environmental problems; hence, the promotion of pro-environmental behaviour is considered to be a pathway towards sustainability. Despite the availability of insights gained from pro-environmental behaviour studies, mainly from household and workplace settings, a key question remains—can these insights be applied in university residence settings? Within university campuses, student residences are a major entity in sustainability debates because they are major consumers of resources including paper, water and energy with severe repercussions for university budgets and the environment. Using a questionnaire survey, this study explores reported pro-environmental behaviour and its determinants at Rhodes University, South Africa. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics where relevant. The findings show a high level of heterogeneity in reported pro-environmental behaviour, attributed to a suite of internal and external factors. Internal dispositional factors seemed to constrain students from acting pro-environmentally. This study highlights the need to encourage environmental behaviour in university residence settings by supporting the antecedents of and getting rid of barriers to pro-environmental actions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Hlatshwayo, Thina N
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144288 , vital:38328 , https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082746
- Description: Human behaviour is at the centre of most environmental problems; hence, the promotion of pro-environmental behaviour is considered to be a pathway towards sustainability. Despite the availability of insights gained from pro-environmental behaviour studies, mainly from household and workplace settings, a key question remains—can these insights be applied in university residence settings? Within university campuses, student residences are a major entity in sustainability debates because they are major consumers of resources including paper, water and energy with severe repercussions for university budgets and the environment. Using a questionnaire survey, this study explores reported pro-environmental behaviour and its determinants at Rhodes University, South Africa. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics where relevant. The findings show a high level of heterogeneity in reported pro-environmental behaviour, attributed to a suite of internal and external factors. Internal dispositional factors seemed to constrain students from acting pro-environmentally. This study highlights the need to encourage environmental behaviour in university residence settings by supporting the antecedents of and getting rid of barriers to pro-environmental actions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »