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Pro-Environmental Behaviour in Student Residences at Rhodes University, South Africa

Author

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  • Gladman Thondhlana

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa)

  • Thina N. Hlatshwayo

    (Department of Psychology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gladman Thondhlana & Thina N. Hlatshwayo, 2018. "Pro-Environmental Behaviour in Student Residences at Rhodes University, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:8:p:2746-:d:161840
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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