Analysis of Environmental Footprint Factors on Nigerian University Campus: Multi-Criteria Analysis and System Dynamics Modelling

Abstract

Performing their role as think tank and model of the world in environmental management, universities need a more inclusive and “whole-of-university” approach to environmental issues. Accordingly, this study adopted Participatory Action Research (PAR) design to the analysis Environmental Footprint (EF) factors on university campus using Multi-criteria Analysis (MCA) and System Dynamics (SD) Model. A group of 13 informants who are environmental experts on The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria campus were purposively selected to form an environmental assessment team for the study. Primary data were collected using environmental factors assessment form designed for the purpose after initial aggregation of contents from secondary sources. Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) revealed that energyprint (48.00 per cent) is the highest driver of environmental footprint followed by transportprint (30.20 per cent) and wasteprint (21.80 per cent) respectively while 'survival capability (best practices)' (40.70 per cent) was found to have the highest possibility of reducing it than any other inhibitors – legitimacy (environmental regulation) (34.60 per cent) and resource capability (societal practices) (24.70 per cent). To achieve a reduction in environmental footprint, scenario analyses based on Stock and Flow model of System Dynamics showed that the institution should annually combine Corporate Social Responsibility and University Rules and Regulations in proportions, 53.6 per cent and 46.4 per cent respectively. Thus, the study recommended the implementation institution-wide policy supported by awareness creation among stakeholders to foster both individual and institutional level commitments for reducing footprints.