Environmental Education and Sustainable Development

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Barriers Preventing Ilam University to Become a Green University from the Perspective of Faculty Members and Students

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. student in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Khuzestan

2 Professor of Agricultural Extension and Education Department, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan

3 Ph.D. in Agricultural Development, Rural Extension and Development Department, Tabriz University

4 Research Assistant, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria.

10.30473/ee.2023.66176.2581

Abstract

Today, most universities do not fully implement sustainable practices because there are barriers to their becoming green universities. Identifying the barriers on the way to the operationalization of sustainability in universities is very crucial because if the existing barriers are not identified, corrective measures cannot be taken to deal with them. The purpose of this research was to discover the barriers facing Ilam University in becoming a green university based on a case study research. The participants were 16 faculty members and 15 students of Ilam University who were selected through purposive sampling. The data collected from the semi-structured interview were coded and analyzed in the form of 140 concepts and 10 categories. Budget-oriented, cultural-social, educational, research, managerial, bureaucratic, infrastructural and strategic, psychological-attitudinal, human, environmental management and individual barriers were identified as barriers for Ilam University to become a green university. The results of this research can provide mechanisms and strategies to overcome these barriers and be useful for other universities considering their transition to sustainability. Some of the solutions this research recommends are attracting financial resources and income generation, increasing educational programs and empowering employees and students, promoting institutional commitment, and increasing research and cooperation related to environmental issues. In the end, the successful implementation of the Green Campus at Ilam University will be realized only with the combined efforts of all stakeholders

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References
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Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Volume 12, Issue 2
March 2024
Pages 201-223
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