Abstract/Summary

University campuses are considered high consumers of natural resources and play an important role as leaders in diffusing sustainability concepts and behaviours. The relevant literature highlights the need to investigate the intersection between the micro (individual beliefs and actions) of building users and the macro (organizational programs and management practices) of environmental sustainability in university campuses. Hence, this study aimed to investigate students’ knowledge and perceptions of the environmental sustainability of their university campuses. This study engaged United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) students as researchers and respondents through an in-depth case study of a building on the UAEU campus in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. The mixed methods analysis sheds light on students’ knowledge of environmental sustainability in general and their perception of sustainability practices for energy conservation, water conservation, waste recycling, sustainable landscaping, and sustainable transportation programs in the case study building. Students’ perceptions were influenced by their ability to realize relevant environmental design elements and university initiatives. Building automation and awareness campaigns are highlighted as potential areas of improvement. As higher education in developing countries accelerates, this study’s findings contribute to emerging literature on the contribution and commitment of higher education institutions to sustainable development.