Creating a 'Green University'.
Loading...
Date
2010
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Evaluating the environmental performance of a university is important in order to identify
more sustainable options for reducing the environmental footprints. The study was conducted
at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The aim of the study was to assess the current
greening status at UKZN, and then evaluate staff support to facilitate greening. The
objectives of this study were to determine the current greening initiatives by staff and the
university, staff support for greening and whether there were demographic differences in
attitudes towards greening. The questionnaire was designed to obtain demographic
information about the respondents, whether or not they contributed to greening, the nature of
their contributions, reasons for apathy and suggestions to facilitate greening. Staff were also
asked about current and possible future modes of transportation to the workplace, and about
extending the computer replacement period. Seeing as no previous greening studies were
conducted at UKZN, it was decided to obtain information from as many staff members as
possible, through a web-based survey using the on-line software programme QuestionPro.
Greening was considered to be important by the majority (97%) of the survey respondents,
but only 67% of them actually contributed towards greening UKZN. In this respect,
switching off lights was most practised (14.7%), followed by switching off computers after
work (12.9%) and writing notes of scrap pieces on paper (12.3%). Other greening practices in
order of popularity included the collection of used paper for re-cycling, the reporting of
leaking taps, printing on both sides of the paper, and returning printer cartridges. Least
selected greening practises were printing of the final copy only, indigenous gardening and
animal care. There were numerous suggestions which covered mechanisms to save
electricity, paper, and water, to facilitate greening at UKZN. The pursuit of management
support and an established strategic environmental plan to steer and guide greening at UKZN,
was considered urgent. The importance of awareness campaigns, better communication and
facilitated recycling were emphasized. The vast majority of the staff (79.2%) travelled to
work by means of their own transportation. Sharing of transport occurred in 11.6% of the
sample. Public transportation, walking and cycling were used less frequently. Overall, the
staff regarded intensified re-cycling, awareness and teaching programmes and the election of
a dedicated team to manage greening projects as priority.
Description
Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.
Keywords
Environmental responsibility., Theses--Business administration.