Green Campus as an Integral Part of Sustainable University: Students’ Perceptions

Abstract

The implementation of green campus initiatives is not a new trend among universities. But are these campus activities only sporadic or are they part of the sustainable university’s vision? This paper presents a systemic approach to sustainable university where green campus is an integral part and a result of sustainable university. The paper analyses the case of a university in a transition country in Central Europe and describes the progress made in sustainable university field during the last four years. A special emphasis is given to the integration of sustainability into the university’s strategy, teaching, and research processes; the university’s impact to society; students’ perceptions of green campus and its relation with sustainable university concept. The analysis of students’ survey results helps to identify problems and invoke initiatives for developing value based on green campus. Finally, some concrete steps which may be undertaken by universities in order to become more sustainable (considering not only the infrastructure of the campus) are outlined. This paper will be useful to anyone interested in the holistic approach to sustainable university and students’ involvement in sustainable development of university.