Environmental Sustainability in University Campuses: Extending Forward-Looking Strategies through Interpretive–Structural Modeling

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

2 Undergraduate Student, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

10.30473/ee.2025.71522.2745

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to identify environmental sustainability indicators and then provide a model of the relationships between these indicators in academic environments. Initially, a comprehensive review of the scientific literature related to environmental sustainability in universities was conducted. Then, using the fuzzy Delphi method, the opinions of experts in the fields of natural resources and the environment were gathered to identify the criteria effective for establishing sustainability. A questionnaire was designed in which experts evaluated the impact of each indicator on environmental sustainability. After data analysis, Interpretive–Structural Modeling (ISM) was employed to determine the relationships between the indicators. The results indicated that a total of 13 indicators serve as a basis for creating environmental sustainability within the study area. The indicators of student and staff participation, support for research projects, and environmental policy-making are positioned at the first level of the ISM. The second level of the model includes the indicators of using native plants, utilizing sustainable materials, reducing building energy consumption, and decreasing waste production. Based on the findings of this research, the third and fourth levels relate to addressing potential risks regarding both energy issues and natural disasters. At these levels, components for water conservation and preparedness for natural disasters are introduced, while energy conservation is presented at the third level. At the fifth level, the components of waste reuse and renewable energy sources are included, and the final level of the model consists of control and monitoring mechanisms.

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References

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Journals of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Volume 14, Issue 1
October 2025
Pages 9-24

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