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Article
Publication date: 6 January 2025

Natalina Sousa, Celeste Eusébio and Arminda Paço

This paper aims to explore customers’ pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) adopted at hotels that implement green practices. A method to examine the gap between self-reported and…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore customers’ pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) adopted at hotels that implement green practices. A method to examine the gap between self-reported and actual PEBs is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study is divided in two parts. The first one comprised a survey questionnaire administered to 136 customers who stayed in Portuguese hotels (Sample 1). The second one consisted of 495 in-room consumer PEBs observations (Sample 2). A method was developed to compare self-reported and actual PEBs, combining the answers given to the questionnaire and the observed PEBs implemented by customers during their stay. The aggregate observations of in-room consumer’s PEBs enabled the development of an index to assess the actual PEBs (ACTUALPEBI). This index was then compared with the self-reported PEB index (REPORTEDPEBI).

Findings

The majority of guests indicated adopting environmentally friendly practices while at the hotel, and 50% of REPORTEDPEBI rank similarly to ACTUALPEBI.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding and measuring both actual and reported PEBs of guests offers valuable insights for hotel managers and marketers. This information can be used to target specific consumer segments with green marketing campaigns and develop educational programs that effectively encourage guest participation in hotel sustainability efforts. While the survey participants were international, the research itself was limited to hotels in Portugal. Therefore, future research should involve more participants and be conducted across different countries.

Practical implications

Understanding and measuring both actual and reported PEBs of guests offers valuable insights for hotel managers and marketers. This information can be used to target specific consumer segments with green marketing campaigns and develop educational programs that effectively encourage guest participation in hotel sustainability efforts.

Originality/value

This study proposes an alternative method for analyzing customers’ PEBs by observing actual PEBs during their stay and comparing them to self-reported PEBs, thereby reducing answer biases.

Details

Consumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6666

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Article
Publication date: 21 March 2022

Clayton dos Santos Lima, Debora Londero Kieling, Lucas Veiga Ávila, Arminda Paço and Vinícius Costa da Silva Zonatto

The purpose of this paper is to analyse through a systematic literature review the evolution of the theme of environmental social and governance (ESG) in universities, correlating…

887

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse through a systematic literature review the evolution of the theme of environmental social and governance (ESG) in universities, correlating variables and presenting a panorama for Latin American universities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a systematic literature review approach. The Web of Science database was used for data collection, and a set of keywords (Environmental, Social and Governance × Universities) and a classification method were used, resulting in 111 articles classified in the Zotero software. After classification, these publications were analysed in the VOSviewer software.

Findings

The main evidence about ESG and universities shows that its relevance has been growing worldwide with an emphasis on England, the USA, Spain, followed by Brazil in fourth place regarding the number of papers published worldwide. The most representative areas identified were governance, sustainability, higher education, sustainable campus, environmental science, ecology, science and technology. The journals presenting more published papers under the topic are International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainability. As for the most relevant authors, the Europeans Lozano and Leal Filho, Velasquez from Mexico and Brandli from Brazil were identified. As for institutions, the University Durham, State University System of Florida and State University of Campinas do Brazil stand out.

Research limitations/implications

As the main limitation of the study is related to the sample of articles. This study is focused on the analysis of publications from the last decade, presenting only 111 results. However, this restriction in the timeline is justified as it is a new topic; this study was also limited to the use of a single database; in this sense, future research can carry out a more comprehensive review of the sustainability literature covering periods prior to a decade and an analysis in other databases.

Originality/value

These results provide a basis for improving sustainability in universities and ESG in Latin America. It also allows to explore and reflect on several indicators, enabling the evaluation and planning of actions to improve competitiveness.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

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Article
Publication date: 10 March 2022

Nitika Sharma, Arminda Paço and Pradeep Kautish

This study intends to contribute to the literature of eco-innovation by examining the pro-environmental intentions and behaviour among consumers through their understanding of…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study intends to contribute to the literature of eco-innovation by examining the pro-environmental intentions and behaviour among consumers through their understanding of eco-innovation. Thus, the relationship among eco-innovation, general pro-social attitude, generativity, environmental concern, purchasing intentions and buying environmentally friendly products and the differences of the relationship between high and low emotional loyalty and Generation Y and Z were investigated via structural equation modelling (SEM).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online questionnaire directed to Indian consumers, and analysis was done through partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in two stages, i.e. measurement model and structural model.

Findings

Results confirm the relationships established in the proposed model, and some differences were found between the levels of emotional loyalty and the Generations Y and Z. The research shows that individualistic norms and perceived marketplace influence play a purposeful role in transforming environmental concerns into buying behaviour towards eco-innovation-driven products.

Practical implications

From a policy and management perspective, the results not only imply the importance of continuous performance and environmental improvement but also those policies hindering diffusion and adoption need to be addressed. Green buying is an elusive task but can be opportunely attained by marketers by adding elements of eco-innovations and understanding mindsets of consumers to create win–win situations for themselves and consumers.

Originality/value

The results reinforced that emotional loyalty and Generations Y and Z vitally impact consumers' green buying decision within the framework of eco-innovation and cognitive factors.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

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Article
Publication date: 14 December 2020

Luis-Alberto Casado-Aranda, Sandra Sofia Caeiro, Jorge Trindade, Arminda Paço, David Lizcano Casas and Ana Landeta

Universities are continually transforming its structure and governance in response to the new social, environmental and economic challenges. Particularly, there has recently been…

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Abstract

Purpose

Universities are continually transforming its structure and governance in response to the new social, environmental and economic challenges. Particularly, there has recently been a growing academic interest for measuring sustainable practices of higher education institutions (HEI) aiming to monitor and reduce their carbon emissions, as well as transform them into more sustainable organizations. More recent studies began to focus also on the sustainable performance of distance education Universities. So it became crucial to evaluate their sustainability practices through sustainability assessment tools with the aim of improving their sustainability performance and boosting their role as agents of academic, social and economic change. The purpose of this study is to assess and compare holistically sustainability implementation in two similar distance learning universities and to evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the most rigorous and internationally used sustainability assessment tools was used – the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, to evaluate and compare sustainability implementation in two distance universities, one from Spain and another from Portugal: the Madrid Open University and Universidade Aberta. Indicators of both universities were compared and ways of improvement in both universities were widely discussed.

Findings

The results of this research show that there is a similar pattern in both universities. Both have low performance in campus operations and low levels of community participation but good performance in sustainability courses and programmes offer. The results of both institutions were compared and allowed a learning process for improvement.

Originality/value

This research hopes to contribute to the continuous research about the usefulness of sustainability assessment tools in particular when applied to distance universities at the time that offers new paths to carry out improved sustainable practices in crucial areas of interest such as research, administration, education and resource-saving. This research also highlights the value of distance learning universities and their ability to be more sustainable after the advent of COVID-19.

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Article
Publication date: 25 April 2022

Rozelia Laurett, Arminda Paço and Emerson Wagner Mainardes

This paper aims to understand how the FUCAPE 120% Sustainable project promotes sustainable development in higher education. The project was conceived and implemented by FUCAPE…

348

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how the FUCAPE 120% Sustainable project promotes sustainable development in higher education. The project was conceived and implemented by FUCAPE Business School, a private higher education institution (HEI) specialised in business, located in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of the study was qualitative research based on a case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 stakeholders involved in FUCAPE 120% Sustainable.

Findings

The results indicate that FUCAPE 120% Sustainable is a project formed from 18 sustainable actions incorporated on the campus of FUCAPE Business School. Most of the project’s actions are connected to the triple bottom line (TBL) and linked to sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG13 (climate action) and SDG17 (partnerships for the goals).

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature by extending information on sustainability in HEIs, focusing specifically on a business HEI.

Practical implications

This is an innovative project that can serve as a model for other HEIs, with due adaptations. As business HEIs do not usually have laboratories, they may be considered to have little effect on the environment. However, this study found that business HEIs can have a relevant impact on the environment, and the adoption of sustainable actions can minimise adverse effects.

Originality/value

Various sustainability projects and actions are developed and implemented by HEIs, but studies analysing the projects in business HEIs or studies linking the actions of the project to the TBL theory and SDGs are scarce. Sustainable business HEI-based projects may provide future managers a more inter-disciplinary and sustainable vision focused on the TBL and SDGs.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 23 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

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Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Walter Leal Filho, Luciana Londero Brandli, Deisi Becker, Constantina Skanavis, Aristea Kounani, Chrysoula Sardi, Dimitra Papaioannidou, Arminda Paço, Ulisses Azeiteiro, Luiza Olim de Sousa, Schalk Raath, Rudi Wessel Pretorius, Christine Shiel, Valeria Vargas, Gregory Trencher and Robert W. Marans

There is a widely held belief that sustainable development (SD) policies are essential for universities to successfully engage in matters related to sustainability, and are an…

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Abstract

Purpose

There is a widely held belief that sustainable development (SD) policies are essential for universities to successfully engage in matters related to sustainability, and are an indicator of the extent to which they are active in this field. This paper aims to examine the evidence which currently exists to support this assumption. It surveys a sample of universities in Brazil, Germany, Greece, Portugal, South Africa and the UK and the USA to ascertain the extent to which universities that are active in the field of sustainable development have formal policies on sustainable development, and whether such policies are a pre-condition for successful sustainability efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved 35 universities in seven countries (five universities respectively). A mixed-methods approach has been used, ranging from document analysis, website analysis, questionnaires and interviewing.

Findings

Although only 60 per cent of the sampled universities had a policy that specifically addressed SD, this cannot be regarded as an indicator that the remaining 40 per cent are not engaged with substantial actions that address SD. Indeed, all of the universities in the sample, regardless of the existence of a SD formal policy, demonstrated engagement with environmental sustainability policies or procedures in some form or another. This research has been limited by the availability and ability to procure information from the sampled universities. Despite this, it is one of the largest research efforts of this kind ever performed.

Research limitations/implications

This research has been limited by the availability and ability to procure information from the sampled universities.

Practical implications

The findings provide some valuable insights into the connections between SD policies on the one hand and the practice of sustainable development in higher education institutions on the other.

Social implications

Universities with SD policies can contribute to models of economic growth consistent with sustainable development.

Originality/value

The study is the one of the largest research efforts of this kind ever performed.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

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Article
Publication date: 24 January 2025

Nitika Sharma and Arminda Paço

This study aims to explore the impact of Own, Others and Outer influences (O3) on green purchasing behaviour in e-commerce. The study uses the O ZONE model and…

20

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of Own, Others and Outer influences (O3) on green purchasing behaviour in e-commerce. The study uses the O ZONE model and Stimulus–Organism–Behaviour–Consequence (SOBC) framework to analyse the impact of green intentions, green product awareness and green self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 405 respondents through a self-administered questionnaire and analysed the data via partial least squares structural equation modelling and necessary condition analysis using the software SmartPLS.

Findings

The findings indicate that O3 factors significantly affect green product awareness among consumers, with “Own” having no impact in ecommerce. Furthermore, this study found that green self-efficacy fully mediates the relationship between green product awareness and purchasing intentions. Interestingly, the results suggest that e-commerce recommendations (others) and marketer persuasion (outer influence) have a greater impact on green product awareness, which in turn influences green buying intentions via green self-efficacy, compared to personal knowledge (own). Finally, it shows that green purchase intentions lead to green buying behaviour.

Practical implications

This study helps to understand how to create green product awareness through information transfer and ways to enhance green self-efficacy to motivate green buying behaviour. Hence, it offers valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and managers in green and digital marketing, highlighting the importance of effective knowledge transfer to enhance green consumer behaviour. Marketers can better understand the factors influencing consumers’ awareness of green products, such as personal knowledge, online reviews, recommendations from e-commerce websites and marketing campaigns.

Social implications

The findings add new insights to the existing knowledge of green purchasing behaviour in e-commerce by highlighting the importance of understanding the factors that influence consumers’ green product awareness and self-efficacy. In addition, it underscores the relative impact of O3 factors on green purchasing behaviour, aiding the development of effective marketing strategies promoting green products in ecommerce platform.

Originality/value

Highlighting the ever-evolving nature of the e-commerce industry, this study stresses the importance of staying abreast of trends for marketer success. It reiterates the significance of adapting strategies to align with emerging industry practices and consumer preferences.

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-996X

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Article
Publication date: 3 November 2021

Edgar Nave, Paulo Duarte, Ricardo Gouveia Rodrigues, Arminda Paço, Helena Alves and Tiago Oliveira

In recent years, the craft beer (CB) industry has gained impetus and has experienced significant growth in scientific publications. This study aims to present a systematic review…

1915

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, the craft beer (CB) industry has gained impetus and has experienced significant growth in scientific publications. This study aims to present a systematic review of the literature on CB in areas related to economic and business sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data from Scopus, Web of Science and a set of articles not indexed to these databases until June 2021, a total of 132 articles were included for analysis, using bibliometric and content analysis techniques.

Findings

The study allowed us to identify that CB has four main clusters/themes of research, namely, CB industry and market, marketing and branding, consumer behavior and sustainability. Detailed information on the clusters is provided. In addition, the results showed that publications addressing CB have grown significantly from 2015 onwards and are dispersed across many journals, with none assuming a clear leadership. Quantitative approaches account for more than half of publications.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a useful guide for academics intending to develop studies with CB. It provides a framework to structure future research by identifying existing literature clusters and proposes several research propositions.

Practical implications

The findings from this study are useful for CB companies to get an overview of the main issues affecting the CB industry and market to be able to adapt their strategies and stay aligned with market tendencies in the four main clusters identified.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic review of CB. Therefore, it provides a significant contribution to frame and strengthening the literature on CB and serves as a reference for future research. Based on the content analysis and cluster identification, the findings portray the status of current research. Accordingly, a set of research opportunities are offered.

Details

International Journal of Wine Business Research, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1062

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Article
Publication date: 23 March 2023

Walter Leal Filho, Fernanda Frankenberger Silva, Amanda Salvia, Chris Shiel, Arminda Paço, Elizabeth Price, Luciana Londero Brandli, Izabela Simon Rampasso, Rosley Anholon, Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas and Rudi Wessel Pretorius

This study aims to investigate the main areas in which researchers are focusing their efforts in terms of sustainability in higher education (curriculum, campus greening…

707

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the main areas in which researchers are focusing their efforts in terms of sustainability in higher education (curriculum, campus greening, research, governance or outreach), the format in which this research is performed (in terms of individual or combined efforts) and the primary research focus (in terms of local or global issues).

Design/methodology/approach

Trends on sustainability research were investigated by means of an online survey – the World Survey on Sustainability Publishing and Research in Higher Education, which was disseminated among members of the European School of Sustainability Science and Research and the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme.

Findings

The survey collected responses from 103 researchers across over 40 countries. Three trends emerged: in spite of the intrinsic value of sustainability research in higher education, this area is not as mature as one could expect; the range of themes covered is wide and addresses a variety of areas; and individuals working alone is the most common means of doing research, whereas research at the university, department and faculty level appears to be less common.

Originality/value

The paper outlines some measures via which higher education institutions may be able to take more advantage of the many opportunities sustainability research offers to them.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2022

Dirk Franco, Janaina Macke, Debby Cotton, Arminda Paço, Jean-Pierre Segers and Laura Franco

This study aims to explore students’ sustainability attitudes and behavioural intentions and their relation to energy use, to promote energy saving and decarbonisation in higher…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore students’ sustainability attitudes and behavioural intentions and their relation to energy use, to promote energy saving and decarbonisation in higher education settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a validated energy literacy survey to assess undergraduate students’ attitudes and behavioural intentions towards energy saving in two countries (Brazil and Belgium). The questionnaire, administered online, comprised 23 Likert scale questions and three questions eliciting socio-demographic information. Results were analysed using a linear regression model and compared with previous research using the same energy literacy instrument.

Findings

The research identified three dimensions of sustainable attitudes: citizens’ role, scientists’ role and government’s role, explaining 65.5% of respondents’ energy-related attitudes. Three dimensions of sustainable behaviours were identified, explaining 64.5% of energy-related behavioural intentions: consumption of eco-friendly products, financially driven behaviours and household energy saving. The linear regression model identified scientists’ role, consumption of eco-friendly products and financially driven behaviour as the key predictors of student energy use. Differences between the two contexts also emerged.

Research limitations/implications

Individual action to improve energy saving is necessary, but not sufficient for decarbonisation. However, student attitudes and behavioural intentions towards energy are an important element of campus decarbonisation: these “micro” experiments can become a “network” searching for synergies at the campus level (in collaboration with the neighbourhood) and act as a catalyst towards a more profound carbon-free society. Limitations of the research include the use of a survey to ascertain estimates of energy use; however, the study offers a model for further research and a mode of analysis that would be useful to other researchers.

Practical implications

This research enables universities to better understand the drivers and barriers to student energy-saving activities and thereby promote decarbonisation on campus. This is a crucial underpinning in the creation of sustainable universities, linking education and campus developments. This survey was one of the catalysts to set up a total new maintenance energy performance contract (MEPC) at one of the authors’ institutions, where energy efficiency was realised alongside other sustainability aspects, such as water saving, circular renovation and waste reduction.

Social implications

This research illustrates the challenges and opportunities of working with key stakeholders in university settings for university-based decarbonisation efforts. Intensive involvement of students and teachers in the new MEPC offers an example of co-creation with building “users” – which may have implications for other university building developments. Increasingly, universities need to consider the need for a new business model in which shared and multiple value creation is a key feature. Treating societal challenges as business opportunities is an important new dimension of corporate strategy and a powerful path to social progress, which higher education institutions should not overlook.

Originality/value

Student attitudes and behavioural intentions towards energy are an important element of campus decarbonisation and can act as a catalyst towards a carbon-free society. Although energy literacy research has been undertaken in the USA and UK, this research is the first of its kind for Belgium and Brazil, and the mode of analysis – using a linear regression model – differs from the earlier work, offering a novel methodological approach.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 23 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

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