Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of students’ knowledge of sustainable development (SD) in the relationship between green campus initiatives by higher education institutions (HEIs) and student proactivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research, with a quantitative approach, was carried out with students linked to HEIs belonging to the Sustainable Campus Network – Portugal (RCS-PT).

Findings

It was concluded that communications of HEI SD initiatives, green campus operations and approach to SD in the classroom have a positive and significant effect on students’ proactivity toward SD. It was also concluded that SD-oriented student knowledge is a mediator in these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

An underlying argument is that students with SD-oriented knowledge engage in proactive behaviors, taking the best HEI initiatives as a precedent among students of the HEIs belonging to the RCS-PT.

Practical implications

HEI initiatives can be drivers for proactive student behaviors regarding SD. Thus, this study brings guidance to university leaders and other stakeholders. The findings can also be useful for those involved in planning SD-oriented actions in HEIs.

Social implications

Strengthen the role of higher education as co-creators of change by promoting the principles of SD in future professionals. Education is a strong instrument for behavioral change, so HEIs play a fundamental role here having a direct impact on society.

Originality/value

This research sought to expand the dialogue about SD in HEIs, especially in achieving sustainable development goals, intertwined with the idea of participation and engagement of students.

中文翻译：

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绿色校园和学生积极性举措：参与式方法的重要性

目的

本研究旨在探讨学生可持续发展知识（SD）在高等教育机构（HEIs）绿色校园举措与学生积极性之间关系中的中介作用。

设计/方法论/途径

这项研究采用定量方法，由属于葡萄牙可持续校园网络 (RCS-PT) 的高等教育机构的学生进行。

发现

结论是，高等教育机构可持续发展倡议的传播、绿色校园运营和课堂可持续发展方法对学生可持续发展的积极性产生了积极而显着的影响。研究还得出结论，以 SD 为导向的学生知识是这些关系中的中介。

研究局限性/影响

一个基本论点是，具有 SD 导向知识的学生会采取积极主动的行为，将最好的高等教育机构举措作为 RCS-PT 所属高等教育机构学生的先例。

实际影响

高等教育机构的举措可以推动学生在可持续发展方面采取积极主动的行为。因此，这项研究为大学领导和其他利益相关者提供了指导。研究结果对于那些参与规划高等教育机构可持续发展行动的人也很有用。

社会影响

通过在未来的专业人员中推广可持续发展原则，加强高等教育作为变革共同创造者的作用。教育是行为改变的有力工具，因此高等教育机构在这方面发挥着基础作用，对社会产生直接影响。

原创性/价值

这项研究旨在扩大高等教育机构中关于可持续发展的对话，特别是在实现可持续发展目标方面，与学生的参与和参与理念交织在一起。