Evaluating Green Campus Environments in Chinese Universities from Subjective Perceptions: A Textual Semantic and Importance–Performance Analysis Through a Satisfaction Survey

Lutong Sun, Rubin Lian, Wei Gao (), Mei Zhao and Hui Wang
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Lutong Sun: School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Rubin Lian: Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
Wei Gao: School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Mei Zhao: School of Design and Art, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Hui Wang: School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-30

Abstract: University campuses play a crucial role in sustainable development; however, the current green campus evaluation systems tend to focus primarily on the physical environment and building technology, often overlooking user perception and the impact of these factors on the execution of green campus strategies. Starting with an examination of the connotation and evolution of green campuses, we derived relevant indicators of campus subjective perceptions from both domestic and international green campus evaluation systems. We collected user feedback through satisfaction questionnaires and text data on the green campuses of nine representative Chinese universities. Factor analysis was used to establish the correlations between campus planning and subjective perceptions across six key areas. This research applied importance–performance analysis (IPA) to assess the prioritization of each green campus indicator, integrating it with textual semantic analysis to better understand the perceptions and attitudes of campus users toward green campus development. The findings suggest that the objectives of a green campus cannot be fully achieved using only technical or physical evaluation criteria. Instead, combining subjective feedback with quantitative indicators forms the foundation for effective strategy development. This study also found that users were more concerned about the design of details related to learning, living, entertainment, and recreation than the broader green campus planning decisions made by planners and decision-makers. Focusing on user perception and balancing scientific planning with public participation can help achieve the ultimate goal of green campus planning and design, adhering to a human-centered approach.

Keywords: green campus; subjective perception; satisfaction; IPA; textual semantics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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