Increasing Environmental Sustainability on Campus : A project for Bahria University Islamabad Campus

Abstract

This project aims to assess the level of knowledge about environmental problems in the minds and conscience of the average youth in today’s post-modern era. Several areas of environmental knowledge were examined including local and global environmental issues; possible solutions to environmental issues, and important environmental terms. Once environmental knowledge of students was gauged, the project went on to identifying gaps between the individual’s every day behavior and their possession of environmental knowledge. Everyday behavior in terms of water conservation, energy efficient usage, recycling, and carbon footprint of this young population was also studied. Using qualitative research techniques such as interviews, focus group sessions, and diary writing, data was collected from university students aged 18-24 years. It was learnt that the younger student population (mostly 1st year or 2nd year students) possessed low environmental knowledge and subsequently were far from environmentally friendly behavior, whereas the more senior students, i.e. MBA 1st year or 2nd year, were more environmentally aware yet they did not demonstrate environmentally friendly behavior and their carbon footprints were quite high as compared to national and international average. As the project progresses, an environmental friendly policy is devised for Bahria University Islamabad Campus. The policy comprises of promoting energy efficient usage of resources, negative and positive re-enforcements, and a thorough framework mandated for the students to follow and observe in everyday campus life.