The Role of Non-academic Staff in Designing the Green University Campus

Abstract

A designing of a green university campus in a sustainable university requires a deep involvement of all stakeholders, including non-academic staff. Non-academic staff has an authority and power to make decisions for and against sustainability initiatives, hereby its role is of high importance, especially when universities act in a market economy. The paper analyses the case of a university and describes how non-academic staff perceives its role in designing of the campus based on a sustainable university approach. A special focus is given to various aspects: from integration of sustainability into university’s strategy and infrastructure processes to non-academic staff perception and initiatives for designing of the green campus. Analysis of the interviews with non-academic staff helps to identify problems and raise possible solutions for green campus development. Finally, some proposals which may be undertaken by universities in order to advance towards becoming more sustainable are outlined.