Given the increasing global energy consumption and the economic challenges posed by energy crises, universities are being pushed to adopt energy-saving behaviors. A recent study explores this issue among academics from Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Slovakia, utilizing the expanded Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to understand the factors influencing their energy-saving practices.
Energy efficiency has become a priority, particularly with the emergence of the European Green Deal, which aims to transition Europe toward sustainability. Universities, with their higher energy consumption rates, play a significant role in this transition. Although earlier studies have predominantly focused on students' energy-saving habits, this research fills an important gap by targeting academics—who often spend substantial time on university campuses and serve as role models for students.
The study gathered data from 228 academics through a structured questionnaire and analyzed it using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings reveal individual factors, particularly attitudes and perceived behavioral control, significantly affect the intention to save energy among academics. Interestingly, organizational factors have limited influence, attributed to weak identification with their universities.
“Individual factors such as attitude and perceived behavior control influence the energy-saving intention of academics but organizational factors do not seem to achieve the same impact,” the authors explained. This conclusion highlights how individual beliefs and control over one’s actions are more decisive for energy-saving intentions than the surrounding institutional support.
The results indicate the necessity for universities to not only advocate for energy efficiency policies but also actively involve academics, as their behaviors can significantly influence student attitudes. Policymakers are encouraged to establish energy-saving programs within academic institutions, recognizing the important role educators play.
While the study confirms some established aspects of the TPB—like the strong connection between positive attitudes toward energy conservation and the intention to engage in such practices—it also raises questions about the effectiveness of organizational support and climate. The weak correlation noted suggests more research is needed to understand how institutional affiliations impact energy-saving behaviors.
The research points out the potential for energy-saving attitudes to translate effectively to actions, with “the intention of the academics to save energy leading to proactive energy-saving behaviors,” according to the authors. This insight supports the broader goal of eleving energy-efficient practices not just among university staff, but fostering similar attitudes among students who benefit from direct academic influence.
There are broader social implications to the findings, too. By changing university practices and promoting sustainability, academics can shape the environmental consciousness of future educators and community members. The ripple effect of this could lead to more substantial cultural shifts toward sustainability across society.
Looking forward, the research emphasizes the importance of continuing to study energy-saving behaviors within academia and varying cultural contexts to generate comprehensive insights. Aggregate attitude adjustments by individuals, coupled with strategic institutional changes, could establish universities as leaders in sustainability.
Conclusively, with the backdrop of Europe’s pressing energy crisis, fostering energy-saving behaviors among academics becomes not just beneficial for universities but also imperative for promoting responsible energy consumption across society.