Student perceptions of environmental sustainability

Insights into green campus innovations and geospatial analysis at Universitas Negeri Malang

Abstract

A growing cohort of higher education institutions, including Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), are embracing green campus initiatives as a strategic response to the imperative of environmental sustainability. This study scrutinizes the extent of student awareness regarding UM’s Green Campus strategies and employs a specified Universitas Indonesia (UI) Greenmetric indicator to map environmental features. A comprehensive survey capturing responses from 322 students across various faculties and academic levels was orchestrated to evaluate perceptions of environmental sustainability. The methodology integrated direct mapping and observational techniques, with data processing conducted via SPSS for statistical analysis and ArcGIS for polygon geometry calculations. The findings demonstrate a robust positive reception of the university’s environmental initiatives, with numerous elements achieving ratings surpassing 4.0. This research highlights significant student engagement and acknowledges the university’s pivotal role in nurturing a sustainable educational environment. Moreover, the study generated intricate maps delineating the spatial distribution and scope of forests, planted, and water absorption areas across UM’s tripartite campuses. These cartographic outputs are posited as essential tools for policymakers dedicated to advancing green campus practices informed by the UI Greenmetric criteria. The results not only reinforce the favourable influence of UM’s sustainability endeavours on student perceptions but also delineate potential avenues for policy refinement and practical improvements to augment UM’s sustainability trajectory.