Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 21, Issue 3, 2015; Page No.(1213-1224)

GREEN CAMPUS INITIATIVE: BARRIERS IN PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN MALAYSIA

Peter Yacob and M. Krishna Moorthy

Abstract

Despite an extensive range of studies over the last decade, the question on whether green campus initiatives complement Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) environmental performance remains inconclusive. Anchoring its arguments on the tenets of campus greening, this research aimed to explore the green campus initiatives in Malaysian PHEIs. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine PHEIs to assess (1) PHEIs greening initiatives within the area of solid waste management, recycling activities and energy management, (2) the barriers faced in greening PHEIs, and (3) how such barriers can be decreased or overcome. The research finding shows that not all the PHEIs at ground zero with respect to greening initiatives within the area of solid waste management, recycling activities and energy management. Even though the sampled PHEIs did made an effort to promote greening within their campuses, their environmental performance were still considered to be relatively poor as most of the PHEIs prioritized on greening efforts that offer quick financial returns. It is concluded that by raising the level of awareness within the campus community which is the most important barrier remover to greening, PHEIs would be able to move forward with greening initiative as sustainable behavior. Finally, it is expected that this research will shed new knowledge and provide a base for future studies on the role played by PHEIs in campus greening.

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