Occupant pro-environmental choice and behaviour scientific paper

The Research study conducted in collaboration with KTH Live-In Lab used a survey to examine how the student's worldview varies and the possible limitations of behavior with respect to climate change.

The project at KTH Live-In Lab was led by Agnieszka Zalejska Jonsson

The results of the study led to a paper written by Sara Wilkinson School of the Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia  and Agnieszka Zalejska Jonsson KTH, Stockholm, Sweden. The paper is published at the Emerald Publishing(one of the world's leading digital first publishers, commissioning, curating and showcasing research that can make a real difference.)ABSTRACT:

Purpose:

Humans have been aware of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions for over three decades however, per capita GHG and water consumption increase, and environmental impacts, grow. The built environment overall contributes around 40% of total global GHG emissions and action is vital. Whilst the built environment industry, professions, regulators and stakeholders have acted; increasing building code standards and developing building rating tools and technology to reduce energy and water consumption exists, our environmental impact grows because of human behaviour. In the tertiary education sector. student accommodation constitutes a large part of the real estate of the university; and contributes large amounts of their GHG emissions and environmental impact. Property Managers have the ability to educate and install systems and technologies to improve behaviour if they understand it.

Design/methodology/approach:

This exploratory pilot study used a questionnaire survey to explore how student’s worldviews differ to one another and the possible subsequent limitations to behaviour in the context of climate change. Analysis is conducted based on 71 responses from international university students living in residential accommodation on campuses in Stockholm.

Findings:

The results suggest that there are different perceptions about the environment and the actions that are needed, and; that this leads to different behaviours amongst students. The findings suggest that the limited knowledge and ability to relate environmental consequences to one’s own actions, as well as effective communication and risk averse behaviour, is one of the critical factors in mitigating climate change. A deeper understanding of participants worldviews and the different resulting behaviours was achieved through the survey.

Research limitation:

This pilot study was conducted with the participation of a relatively small number of university students. It is recommended that future studies expand the number of participants, including representatives with more varied backgrounds, education levels and different age groups.

Originality:

The knowledge gained about environmental attitudes and human behaviour can help policy makers, regulators and particularly property managers to develop more effective strategies to deliver better sustainability outcomes.

To read and download the full paper please open the following document: tudent accommodation, environmental behaviour and lessons for property managers (pdf 232 kB)

Agnieszka has also contributed with a text about climate change and real estate to a Collection of writings in honor to Hans Lind with the theme "Dedicated to Efficiency"-

Zalejska-Jonsson (2020), ” Klimat(o)smart – alla behöver en liten puff på vägen” page 47 - 52 . in. ”Dedicated to Efficiency”, red Kopsh F. and Granat Hanssson A.; 89.

The texts are in Swedish and its available for download at Dedicated to Efficiency (pdf 4.0 MB)