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Characteristics and affordability of American universities with a willingness to invest in sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Bifeng Zhu

    (Zhejiang Shuren University)

  • Jing Feng

    (Zhejiang University of Technology Zhijiang College)

  • Chaoyang Sun

    (Zhejiang Yongze Architectural Design Co., Ltd)

  • Zhekai Wang

    (Hangzhou Urban & Rural Construction Design Institute Co., Ltd)

Abstract

Based on investment data from 214 sustainable universities in the United States, a study on the characteristics and affordability of universities with a willingness to invest in sustainability was conducted. First, according to the concept of ESG, the related factors of sustainability are classified. Then, the important variables are selected by the Cp method. Finally, the main characteristics and maximum affordability of universities with investment willingness for sustainability are quantitatively studied through the logit regression model. The findings are as follows: (1) Most universities take sustainable industries as their investment objective, promoting investment through a series of sustainable policies. (2) The characteristics of universities are as follows: (a) the size of the campus within a certain range; (b) sustainability instruction training for new employees; (c) the encouragement of employees for community service; and (d) the establishment of CIR (Committees on Investor Responsibility). (3) The maximum affordability is 30.3% of the total investment, and approximately 94% of universities do not actually invest as much in sustainability as in willingness. The study defines the identification factors of universities to provide an important basis for the formulation and implementation of guiding policies related to investment in the sustainability of universities in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Bifeng Zhu & Jing Feng & Chaoyang Sun & Zhekai Wang, 2024. "Characteristics and affordability of American universities with a willingness to invest in sustainability," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-02638-w
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-02638-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bifeng Zhu & Zhekai Wang & Chaoyang Sun & Bart Dewancker, 2021. "The motivation and development impact of energy saving to sustainability in the construction of green campus: a case study of the Zhejiang University, China," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(9), pages 14068-14089, September.
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