What the study found
The study found that a validated student-led instrument can measure sustainability in higher education institutions using a socio-technical systems approach, which looks at social and technical parts of a campus together. The final instrument has four factors: campus services and facilities, resource policy and usage, sustainable built environment, and sustainability and technology.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the instrument can help higher education institutions track and align sustainability initiatives with student expectations. They conclude that this may support iterative improvement and participatory governance.
What the researchers tested
The researchers developed and validated a measurement instrument through a three-phase mixed-methods study. They refined 40 concept-mapped statements into a 25-item tool using exploratory factor analysis, then used confirmatory composite analysis and a normative-descriptive typology comparison across two Malaysian urban higher education institutions.
What worked and what didn't
The 25-item instrument was validated and organized into four factors. The study also found significant discrepancies between student expectations and their observations of campus sustainability efforts, which highlighted gaps in institutional performance and communication.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes a comparison across two Malaysian urban higher education institutions, so the findings are limited to that context. It does not provide further limitations beyond the scope and setting described in the summary.
Key points
- A student-led sustainability instrument was developed and validated for higher education institutions.
- The final tool contains 25 items grouped into four factors.
- The study used exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory composite analysis, and a comparison across two Malaysian urban institutions.
- Student expectations differed significantly from what they observed on campus sustainability efforts.
- The authors say the instrument can help institutions align sustainability initiatives with student expectations.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Student-led instrument finds gaps in campus sustainability
- Authors:
- Stephen T. Homer, Wai Chuen Poon, S. Ng
- Institutions:
- Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University, Sunway University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-27
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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