A Zero-Waste Campus Framework: Perceptions and Practices of University Campus Community in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper will explore the university campus community’s perspective towards the realization of a zero-waste campus. A qualitative approach is employed to identify the factors influencing the campus community’s awareness and participation in solid waste management (SWM). Perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, opinions, and ideas of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) campus community members are explored in focus group discussions (FGD) to determine the main factors influencing their zero-waste pro-environmental behaviour (PEB). The in-depth interview (IDI) is used to learn more about the university campus community’s perspectives on the themes defined by the FGD. The instruments were developed based on the adaption and adoption of previous studies, especially in reference to Kollmuss and Agyeman’s 2002 Model of Pro-Environmental Behaviour and a modified Knowledge-Attitude-Practices model. The findings show that environmental goals, environmental education, personal waste-related experience, environmental policy, environmental self-awareness, reinforcement contingencies, community engagement, social responsibilities, exemplary leadership, and social media influence the campus community’s zero-waste PEB. A framework based on an adaptation of Kollmuss and Agyeman’s model of pro-environmental behaviour is proposed to promote sustainable pro-environmental behaviour towards a Zero-Waste Campus.

The Relationship between Knowledge, Attitudes, Values, and Technology in Promoting Zero-Waste Pro-Environmental Behaviour in a Zero-Waste Campus Framework

“…The development and general description of the framework have been briefly described in the previously published paper [19]. The proposed Zero-Waste Campus Framework builds on several theoretical models, including Kollmuss and Agyeman model of Pro-Environmental Behavior, Theories of Planned Behavior, Value-Belief Norm Model, and Knowledge-Attitude-Practice model.…”

“…This approach would emphasize opportunities for action and positive change, rather than limitations and obstacles. In the previous paper, the development and flow of the framework were described in depth [19]. The framework is labelled as a proposed preliminary framework.…”

“…Ten relevant factors influencing a community's sustainable pro-environmental behaviour towards a zero-waste campus have been identified and incorporated into the Zero-Waste Campus Framework, which was proposed in a previous paper for this research [19]. The proposed framework will be tested and verified further in this paper using the survey results.…”

Towards Greener Campuses: Assessing Pro-Environmental Behaviours in the University of Bahrain Campus

“…Figure 1 shows Kollmuss and Agyeman's model of pro-environmental behaviour, which is one of the most cited frameworks in pro-environmental studies [35].…”

“…Figure 1 shows Kollmuss and Agyeman's model of pro-environmental behaviour, which is one of the most cited frameworks in pro-environmental studies [35]. The model highlights the significance of knowledge, attitudes, values and emotional involvement as internal factors that synergistically interact with external factors (such as infrastructure, politics and social and economic factors) in shaping the complex concept of "pro-environmental consciousness".…”