Explaining the Criteria for Sustainable Development of University Campuses with an Emphasis on Environmental Values: A Case Study of the Central Campus of Shahrood University of Technology(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)
حوزههای تخصصی:
Nowadays, due to increasing global environmental problems and challenges, the implementation of sustainable development concepts in various aspects related to university campuses has become critically important. In addition to their role in education and awareness, university campuses are considered small-scale cities that have significant direct and indirect effects on the environment due to their large size, multiple buildings, high population density, and complex activities. Moreover, the university, as a major educational institution, bears significant responsibility for planning and adopting effective strategies in implementing environmentally friendly programs, using renewable and sustainable resources, supporting clean energy, and preserving the environment. As awareness grows regarding the environmental impact of universities, they are expected to promote a development model that aligns with environmental safety, biodiversity, ecological balance, and intergenerational equity. The purpose of this research is to enhance the sustainability level of university campuses with an emphasis on environmental values. This study is both qualitative and quantitative, with the Central Campus of Shahrood University of Technology selected as the case study. It is a descriptive-survey in terms of nature and methodology and applied in terms of purpose. Data collection was carried out through both documentary (library) and case study methods. The theoretical framework and background information were gathered via a documentary approach, using scientific and research articles, books, and other credible domestic and international sources. In the case study phase, data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 28 and AMOS 24 software. The results showed that most indicators of environmental sustainability on the central campus—including energy conservation, sustainable materials, waste separation and recycling, rainwater collection and storage, smart energy and water equipment, building greenness, bicycle use, water features, utilization of natural energy, waste reuse, and clean fuels—are currently in an unfavorable condition. Improving these indicators, based on the data analysis, can significantly enhance the environmental sustainability of the university campus. Accordingly, several solutions are proposed to develop sustainability in university campuses grounded in environmental values.
