From Knowledge to Action: Investigating Sustainability Awareness, Behavior, and Attitude Among Engineering Students at Shaqra University

Hani S. Alharbi (), Basil H. Alotaibi, Sanad S. Alotaibi, Abdulaziz T. Alqahtani, Haddaj F. Alotaibi, Yousef Alqurashi, Yasser A. Almoshawah and Mahmoud M. Abdel-Daiem
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Hani S. Alharbi: Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia
Basil H. Alotaibi: Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia
Sanad S. Alotaibi: Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz T. Alqahtani: Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia
Haddaj F. Alotaibi: Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia
Yousef Alqurashi: Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia
Yasser A. Almoshawah: Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia
Mahmoud M. Abdel-Daiem: Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-25

Abstract: Sustainability is vital to engineering education, requiring future engineers to integrate technological advancements with environmental responsibility. This study explores the relationship between sustainability awareness, pro-environmental behavior, and environmental attitudes among engineering students at Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia. The findings indicate that, while students possess moderate sustainability awareness, their engagement in eco-friendly actions remains limited, despite expressing positive environmental attitudes. Civil Engineering students and those in later academic years show higher awareness, emphasizing the role of departmental focus and academic progression. Correlation analysis reveals a strong link between awareness and behavior (r = 0.628 and p < 0.001), yet multiple regression suggests that neither academic year nor department uniquely predicts sustainable actions once awareness is accounted for. Moreover, while pro-environmental attitudes correlate with behavior in bivariate analysis, their impact diminishes in regression, suggesting that positive environmental values do not necessarily translate into consistent green habits. ANOVA results confirm higher awareness among Civil Engineering students, though differences in sustainable behavior are subtle. These findings highlight the need for curricular reforms that integrate sustainability through experiential learning, bridging the gap between awareness and real-world actions. This study supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by promoting environmental awareness and aligning education with labor market needs. It offers tools to help stakeholders and policymakers develop competitive, future-ready generations.

Keywords: sustainability awareness; pro-environmental behavior; environmental attitudes; engineering education; sustainable development; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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