Fresh on the web, the international journal Sustainability 15, no. 23 publishes the research article “Students’ Awareness Regarding Environment Protection in Campus Life: Evidence from Romania” co-authored by Mariana Cernicova-Buca, Gabriel-Mugurel Dragomir, Vasile Gherheș, and Adina Palea. The article states that a sustainable society is not about individuals becoming part of a pre-designed social or economic category, but about people who understand the consequences of a concrete, specific issue and become involved in decision making about it. A solid understanding of the initial characteristics of students is an asset for universities engaged in the implementation of sustainability principles. Before inviting students to join actions presented as ‘shared interests’ with those presented by faculty, administrators, and university leaders, a complete understanding of who students are and what their values, beliefs, and experiences are can foster a climate of trust and an informed decision about the necessary resources, support systems, and communication strategies to facilitate the implementation of planned measures and action policies.
The results described in the study account for the specific characteristics of students in Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania, showing that students with greater integration with university life through on-campus living can be the driving force of change, as their overall knowledge of sustainability-related issues is initially higher than that of off-campus residents. The differences encountered in the parameters of gender and residence indicate the need for customized approaches and nuanced support systems to respond to needs and expectations.
