The ecological footprint and environmental sustainability of students of a public university in Ghana: developing ecologically sustainable practices

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to determine the impact of resource use behaviours of students of a public university in Ghana on ecological sustainability. It examines the land area required to provide the resources used and also to assimilate the wastes produced. It also suggests an effective way to initiate participative discussions on environmental sustainability and consequences of resource use in a university setting. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a mixed methods approach to gather and analyse data on students’ lifestyles concerning ecological footprint. The data was analysed using the Predictive Analytics Software and a modified version of the ecological footprint analysis (EFA). Findings The current ecological footprint of students in the university is not environmentally sustainable. The sample population had high average ecological footprint of 3.62 hectares, representing an ecological impact score of 135.85. The findings provide lessons on how universities and analogous institutions interested in sustainable practices could foster ecologically sustainable development. Research limitations/implications Additional data collection methods such as a longitudinal study would provide a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of resource use behaviour of students in a public university in Ghana on ecological sustainability. Social implications EFA and findings can support universities to effectively integrate sustainability practices into their policies and practices to help students contribute to making society more sustainable. Originality/value This is an original research and makes a contribution to EFA and sustainable practices of public universities in Ghana.