Investigating the Impact of Sustainability-Themed Extracurricular Activities on Student Engagement with the 17 SDGs by 2026: A Case Study of Greece

Athanasios Papavasileiou, George Konteos (), Stavros Kalogiannidis (), Dimitrios Kalfas and Christina-Ioanna Papadopoulou
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Athanasios Papavasileiou: Department of Business Administration, University of Western Macedonia, 51100 Grevena, Greece
George Konteos: Department of Business Administration, University of Western Macedonia, 51100 Grevena, Greece
Stavros Kalogiannidis: Department of Business Administration, University of Western Macedonia, 51100 Grevena, Greece
Dimitrios Kalfas: Department of Business Administration, University of Western Macedonia, 51100 Grevena, Greece
Christina-Ioanna Papadopoulou: Department of Regional Development and Cross-Border Studies, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: This study explores how university students’ engagement in sustainability-themed extracurricular activities influences their awareness of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given the critical role of higher education in advancing sustainability, this research assesses initiatives such as environmental action clubs, sustainability research, eco-innovations, green campuses, and training workshops for fostering awareness, engagement, and leadership. A cross-sectional quantitative design targeted 400 university students in Greece involved in sustainability-related extracurricular activities. Structured online questionnaires were used, and multiple regression analysis examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and SDG engagement. The findings highlighted that all five activity types significantly enhance students’ sustainability awareness. Environmental action clubs improve knowledge of climate change and waste reduction, while research projects strengthen engagement with renewable energy and climate resilience. Eco-innovation challenges foster problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in urban and industrial sustainability. Green campus initiatives promote practical sustainable strategies, and capacity-building programs develop leadership and teamwork skills. Extracurricular activities serve as transformative tools that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world sustainability applications, equipping students with the mindset and skills to address global challenges. Universities and policymakers should enhance funding, digital integration, and collaborations to expand the reach of these programs. Future research should assess the long-term impact of student participation on sustainable behavior and broader societal well-being.

Keywords: SDGs; activities; motivation; sustainability; environmental actions; environmental initiatives; eco-innovation; tertiary education; learning through experience (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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