The conceptual landscape of a properly coupled environment-social system in the higher education system

Keywords: Conceptual Framework, Sustainability, Energy, Higher Education Institutions, Spatial Context
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

The transition to low carbon energy systems cannot solely rely on technological innovation and social and behavioral barriers need to be overcome to make the energy transition possible. This article argues that higher education institutions (HEIs) have a unique opportunity and responsibility to be the leaders on this front.
This conceptual framework will address four research questions:
1. Are selected emissions-reducing energy investments characterized by long-run profitability in the HEIs under investigation?
2. To what extent are sustainability goals prioritized by residents and municipalities in each HEI’s local spatial context?
3. What is the nature of the relationship(s) between state-level policy, state Sustainable Development Goal performance, and alternative energy investments at the selected HEIs?
4. To what extent do (in)congruent state and local/regional spatial contexts promote (inhibit) alternative energy implementation in HEIs?
The first question from above will be analyzed via energy audits and cost-benefit analyses that can be extended and replicated for other HEIs and other study areas. The second question will involve multivariate spatial analysis of consumer survey data to construct a profile for each HEI. The third question will create similar profiles for each HEI’s home state by engaging with the state’s Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) report card and relevant energy policies. Concerning the fourth question, the study will explore how barriers to implementation are minimized, where financial feasibility is embedded within the supportive state and local/regional contexts