ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
In an era of pressing global sustainability concerns, promoting sustainable development knowledge and practices among students is vital. Sustainability addresses environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic disparities, securing our future. Education stands as a cornerstone in moulding the future generation towards responsible leadership and citizenship. This systematic literature review assesses the current state of sustainable knowledge and behaviours among students, synthesizing diverse scholarly works. The study aims to investigate the student’s level of awareness regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and investigate the most common sustainable consumption practices students frequently engage in. This systematic review used strict criteria, considering empirical articles aligned with our research questions. Out of 403 articles, 30 studies, published between 2017 and 2023, were selected from sources like Web of Science (WOS) and SCOPUS. Findings revealed that students possess a high level of knowledge regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, students actively engage in sustainable practices, such as purchasing green products, conserving water and electrical energy, reusing and recycling materials, responsible waste management and using public transportation. In conclusion, institutions, parents, and businesses should promote eco-friendly practices, emphasizing role models and affordability while fostering sustainability through community collaboration. We also offer recommendations for further research.
Agirreazkuenaga, L., & Martinez, P. M. (2021). Secondary student’s perception, positioning and insight on education for sustainability. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 30(3), 218–237.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2021.1877952
Ahamad, N. R., & Ariffin, M. (2018). Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards sustainable consumption among university students in Selangor, Malaysia. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 16(2018), 88–98.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2018.06.006
Al-Nuaimi, S. R., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2022). Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Sustainability Aspects among Higher Education Students in Qatar. Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013149
Amezaga, T. R. W., Camarena, J. L., Figueroa, R. C., & Realivazquez, K. A. G. (2021). Measuring sustainable development knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors: evidence from university in Mexico. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24, 765–788. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01467-0
Asmuni, S., Khalili, J. M., & Zain, Z. M. (2017). Sustainable Consumption Practices of University Students in Selangor, Malaysia. Journal of ASIAN Behavioural Studies, 2(5), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.21834/jabs.v2i5.222
Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0033-295X.84.2.191
Bezeljak, P., Scheuch, M., & Torkar, G. (2020). Understanding of Sustainability and Education for Sustainable Development among Pre-Service Biology Teachers. Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176892
Cerezo, M. A. P., Minon, M. A., & Nunez, J. T. (2019). Analysis of the Consciousness of University Undergraduates for Sustainable Consumption. Sustainability 2019, 11(17), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174597
Chen, C., An, Q., Zheng, L., & Guan, C. (2022). Sustainability Literacy: Assessment Knowingness, Attitude and Behavior Regarding Sustainable Development among Students in China. Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 1–18.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094886
Chuvieco, E., Burgui, M. B., Silva, E. V. D., Hussein, K., & Alkaabi, K. (2018). Factors Affecting Environmental Sustainability Habits of University Students: Intercomparison Analysis in Three Countries (Spain, Brazil, UAE). Journal of Cleaner Production, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.07.121
Damico, A. B., Aulicino, J. M., & Pasquale, J. D. (2022). What Does Sustainability Mean? Perceptions of Future Professionals across Disciplines. Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159650
Dillon, A., & Cunningham, M. (2023). Reduce, Reuse & Recycle | Definition & Examples. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-3-rs-of-reducing-solid-waste-reuse-reduce-recycle.html
Faura, J. C., Martinez, U. F., & Lechuga, M. L. (2020). Assessment of Sustainable Development in Secondary School Economics Students According to Gender. Sustainability 2020, 12(13), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12135353
Flores, N. J. C., Martinez, M. R. V., Henrique, J. C. T. D., & Valerio, C. M. D. (2023). Environmental, Social and Economic Attitudes and Sustainable Knowledge on Sustainable Behaviour of Engineering Students: An Analysis Based in Attitudes towards Teachers. Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813537
Goh, Y. N., & Wahid, N. A. (2014). A Review on Green Purchase Behaviour Trend of Malaysian Consumers. Asian Social Science, 11(2), 103–110.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ass.v11n2p103
Hamon, L. A. S., Martinho, A. P., Ramos, M. R., & Aldaz, C. E. B. (2020). Do Spanish Students Become More Sustainable after the Implementation of Sustainable Practices by Universities?. Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187502
Hansmann, R., Laurenti, R., Mehdi, T., & Binder, C. R. (2019). Determinants of pro-environmental behavior: A comparison of university students and staff from diverse faculties at a Swiss University. Journal of Cleaner Production, 268(2019), 1–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121864
Janmaimool, P., & Chontanawat, J. (2021). Do University Students Base Decisions to Engage in Sustainable Energy Behaviors on Affective or Cognitive Attitudes?. Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910883
Janmaimool, P., & Khajohnmanee, S. (2019). Roles of Environmental System Knowledge in Promoting University Students’ Environmental Attitudes and Pro-Environmental Behaviors. Sustainability 2019, 11(16), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164270
Jung, Y., Park, K., & Ahn, J. (2019). Sustainability in Higher Education: Perceptions of Social Responsibility among University Students. Social Sciences 2019, 8(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci8030090
Kang, J., Hustvedt. G., & Ramirez, S. (2016). Does “Science” Matter to Sustainability in Higher Education? The Role of Millennial College Students’ Attitudes Toward Science in Sustainable Consumption. Handbook of Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development in Higher Education, 415–434.
Mcleod, S. (2024). Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. Retrieved from
https://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html
Michel, J. F., Mombeuil, C., & Diunugala, H. P. (2022). Antecedents of green consumption intention: a focus on generation Z consumers of a developing country. Environmental, Development and Sustainability, 25(2023), 14545–14566.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02678-9
Molina, M. A. V., Sainz, A. F., & Olaizola, J. I. (2018). Does gender make a difference in pro-environmental behavior? The case of the Basque Country University students. Journal of Cleaner Production, 176(2018), 89–98.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.079
Symposium, O. (1994). Oslo Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production. Retrieved from http://enb.iisd.org/consume/oslo004.html
Ovais, D. (2023). Students’ sustainability consciousness with the three dimensions of sustainability: Does the locus of control play a role?. Regional Sustainability, 4 (2023), 13–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regsus.2023.02.002
Owojori, O. M., Mulaudzi, R., & Edokpayi, J. N. (2021). Student’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception (KAP) to Solid Management: A Survey towards a More Circular Economy from a Rural-Based Tertiary Institution in South Africa. Sustainability 2020, 14(3), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031310
Piwko, L. K., Kulyk, P., Dybikowska, A., Dubicki, P., & Binek, Z. (2022). Sustainable consumption among children and adolescent. Production Engineering Archives, 28(3), 257–267.
Pu et al. (2022). Toward a knowledge economy: Factors affecting the sustainable consumption behavior in the Chinese online education industry. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(2022), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1007230
Quoquab, F., & Mohammad, J. (2017). Managing sustainable consumption: is it a problem or a panacea?. Sustainable Economic Development, World Sustainability Series: 115–125.
Radwan, A. F., & Khalil, E. (2021). Knowledge, attitude and practice toward sustainability among university students in UAE. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 22(5), 964–981. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-06-2020-0229
Renzi, M. F., Ungaro, V., Pietro, L. D., Mugion, R. G., & Pasca, M. G. (2022). Agenda 2030 and COVID-19: A Young Consumer’s Perception of Sustainable Consumption. Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315627
Said, A. M., Ahmadun F. R., Paim, L., & Masud, J. (2003). Environmental concerns, knowledge and practice gap among Malaysian teachers. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 4(4), 305–313. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/14676370310497534
Salehi, S., Telesiene, A., & Pazokinejad, Z. (2021). Socio-Cultural Determinants and the Moderating Effect of Gender in Adopting Sustainable Consumption Behavior among University Students in Iran and Japan. Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168955
Sanchez, M. A. S., Valerio, C. M. D., Turon, A. L., & Rivero, M. A. (2021). Sustainable Economic Development Education: The Use of Artificial Neural Networks for the Profile Estimation of Students from Developing Countries. Sustainability 2021, 14(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031192
Smaniotto et al. (2020). Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda: Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes in Nine Italian Universities, 2019. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(23), 1–18.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238968
United Nations Environment Programme. (2015). Sustainable consumption and production: a handbook for policymakers. Retrieved from
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/1951Sustainable%20Consumption.pdf
Wang, R., Jia, T., Qi, R., Cheng, J., Zhang, K., Wang, E., & Wang, X. Differentiated Impact of Politics- and Science-Oriented Education on Pro Environmental Behavior: A Case Study of Chinese University Students. (2021). Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 1–15.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020616
Wolff, F., & Schonherr, N. (2011). The impact evaluation of sustainable consumption policy instruments. Journal of Consumer Policy, 34(1), 43–66.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10603-010-9152-3
Yusuf, R., & Fajri, I. (2022). Differences in behavior, engagement and environmental knowledge in waste management for science and social students through the campus program. Heliyon, 8(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08912
Zeng, Z., Zhong, W., & Naz, S. (2023). Can Environmental Knowledge and Risk Perception Make a Difference? The Role of Environmental Concern and Pre-Environmental Behavior in Fostering Sustainable Consumption Behavior. Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064791
(Maliki & Osman, 2024)
Maliki, H. N. M., & Osman, K. (2024). Sustainable Development Knowledge and Sustainable Consumption Practices among Students: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(3), 2044–2062.
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode