Title: Exploring the utilisation of theoretical basis in existing campus sustainability appraisal tools

Authors: Yusuf A. Adenle; Edwin H.W. Chan

Addresses: Department of Building and Real Estate, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong ' Department of Building and Real Estate, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Abstract: A theoretical perspective is a key in the categorisation, structuring, interpretation of methodological research findings, and explanation of campus sustainability studies. A comprehensive review of existing campus sustainability appraisal tools reveals limited utilisation and non-specification of theoretical basis in driving campus design and appraisal for sustainability. The review also shows the absence of a theoretical basis for guiding assessment of higher education institutions' sustainability performance based on social media user-generated content. In addressing these research gaps, the authors extensively studied five main social theories that aim at the socialisation and challenges of human societies. The outcome led to the adoption of symbolic interactionism as a theoretical basis for campus sustainability. A study was conducted to test for the applicability of the theoretical basis in campus planning and design for sustainability in Nigeria where the practice of sustainability in higher education is at a fledgling stage. The result led to the identification of localised sustainability attributes and the development of an approach that could assist in advancing sustainability practices if integrated into existing campus sustainability assessment tools.

Keywords: higher education institutions; HEIs; twitter; social science theories; elastic stack; social media.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2021.117872

International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability, 2021 Vol.3 No.3, pp.165 - 186

Received: 27 Jul 2020
Accepted: 24 Oct 2020
Published online: 04 Oct 2021 *