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Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making
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Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2020) | Viewed by 88110

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ralph Hansmann

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Transdisciplinarity Lab (TdLab), Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS), ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
Interests: individual environmental behavior; environmental education; communication and campaigns; collective decision-making and collective environmental problem-solving processes; social interaction in groups
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims at attaining a better understanding of the factors determining the environmental behaviors and decisions of individuals and social systems at the levels of groups, organizations, and communities. The further development and application of behavioral and collective decision making models and the investigation of viable approaches to improve behaviors and decisions through transdisciplinarity, mutual learning and cooperation, collective problem-solving and participation, as well as through environmental campaigns and education for environmental citizenship are special foci of this Special Issue.

The continuing issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making–Series II is opening for submission now.

PD Dr. Ralph Hansmann
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Environmental behavior
  • Environmental decision-making
  • Behavioral decision-making
  • Collective action
  • Collective decision-making
  • Mutual learning
  • Sustainability learning
  • Education for environmental citizenship

Published Papers (17 papers)

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24 pages, 24299 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Consumer Behavior on Climate Change: The Case of Switzerland
by Cecilia Matasci, Marcel Gauch, Heinz Böni and Patrick Wäger
Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2966; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13052966 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7461
Abstract
Reducing material flows and their associated environmental impacts substantially contributes to moving toward a more sustainable society. Both individual consumption behavior and governmental regulations play a crucial role in reaching sustainability goals. In this article, we present a Material Flow Analysis combined with [...] Read more.
Reducing material flows and their associated environmental impacts substantially contributes to moving toward a more sustainable society. Both individual consumption behavior and governmental regulations play a crucial role in reaching sustainability goals. In this article, we present a Material Flow Analysis combined with a simplified Life Cycle Assessment of the Swiss economy. Results were linked to an analysis of consumption patterns. This allowed us to evaluate the direct influence of consumer behavior on national greenhouse gas emissions using a consumption-based approach and the quantification of the range of these emissions from different lifestyles. We conclude that the consumer has a direct influence on slightly more than 50% of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the Domestic Material Consumption. If everybody were to behave like the 20% of the population with the most climate-friendly behavior, emissions would decrease by merely 16%. Cooperation between stakeholders at all levels of society is therefore needed. This study provides a contribution to decreasing material and energy consumption and defining possible future pathways with the final aim to bring anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions down to zero in Switzerland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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17 pages, 12123 KiB  
Article
Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change: The Case of a Community University Workshop in Taiwan
by Ting-Fang Hsieh and Yuh-Ming Lee
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1729; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13041729 - 05 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2337
Abstract
Adaptation to climate change is an important issue now and will continue to be for generations to come. This study designs an educational and practical workshop for adaptation to climate change at a local community level. The community universities in Taiwan normally facilitate [...] Read more.
Adaptation to climate change is an important issue now and will continue to be for generations to come. This study designs an educational and practical workshop for adaptation to climate change at a local community level. The community universities in Taiwan normally facilitate social activities and informal learnings. This study thus defines the educational or social activities conducted in community universities as community-based affairs. After reviewing the phase II adaption action plan of Taiwan, critical adaptation sectors of disasters and water resources are identified. A case study on designing the community-based adaptation (CBA) workshop for water resources management in the Dahan River Basin is thereby developed. The learning subjects or practicing topics include an introduction to climate change impacts and their mitigation and adaptation; adaptation sectors of disasters, infrastructure, water resources, and agricultural production; and the utilization of water resources under climate change. Concept mapping of climate change impacts and debating possible global climate trends could further encourage participants to think in-depth and to act accordingly. This study also applies the rigor and relevance (R&R) framework to assist in the design of the CBA workshop and thereby to assess the effectiveness after its delivery. To further investigate the two-dimensional R&R levels of the CBA workshop, this study proposes eight combinations of contents and outcomes (tasks). In summary, this workshop gives background knowledge on geography and applies the analysis tool of concept mapping. The 10 learning subjects or practicing topics developed are mostly at the high rigor levels of 4—Analysis and 5—Synthesis. The overall “application level” of the CBA workshop is ranked as level 4 of “predictable real-world application.” The eight tasks that can “expand” the rigorousness of knowledge acquisition and “empower” the relevance of skill application are found to fall into Quadrant “C—Assimilation”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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27 pages, 3491 KiB  
Article
Guidelines for Designing Green Products Considering Customers’ Cultural Preferences
by Ihwan Ghazali, Salwa Hanim Abdul-Rashid, Siti Zawiah Md Dawal, Nurul Huda, Amir Husni Mohd Shariff, Safarudin Gazali Herawan, Fu Haw Ho and Novita Sakundarini
Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 673; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13020673 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3005
Abstract
The increasing customer awareness of environmental sustainability during the last decade has had an influence on many manufacturers to produce green products. However, issues arise regarding the actual preferences of customers for green products, which often differ depending on cultural influences. Cultural values [...] Read more.
The increasing customer awareness of environmental sustainability during the last decade has had an influence on many manufacturers to produce green products. However, issues arise regarding the actual preferences of customers for green products, which often differ depending on cultural influences. Cultural values can affect the decisions of designers to determine detailed design specifications that relate to customer preferences. Currently, few guidelines consider cultural values as an aspect of green product design. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop a guideline that incorporates the influence of cultural values on green product design. Malaysia was selected as the location of this study. The sources of data to establish a guideline were obtained from customer perspectives on green products. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify cultural influences and preferences on green product characteristics as the input strategies for the proposed guideline. Professional designers from different profiles were asked to identify the applicability of the guideline. Based on the results, the designers agreed that the influence of cultural values is an important aspect that should be considered in the development of green products. The implication of the guideline is discussed in this paper to accelerate decisions of designers in developing green products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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39 pages, 130734 KiB  
Article
Water Quality Pollution Control and Watershed Management Based on Community Participation in Maros City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
by Syafri Syafri, Batara Surya, Ridwan Ridwan, Syamsul Bahri, Emil Salim Rasyidi and Sudarman Sudarman
Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10260; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su122410260 - 08 Dec 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4435
Abstract
Increases in the number of urban residents have significant impacts on spatial pressure, affecting the utilization of river basins. The purpose of this study is to analyze (1) the increase in population and changes in spatial use as determinants of the complexity of [...] Read more.
Increases in the number of urban residents have significant impacts on spatial pressure, affecting the utilization of river basins. The purpose of this study is to analyze (1) the increase in population and changes in spatial use as determinants of the complexity of the watershed ecosystem; (2) the effect of housing development, urban activity systems, and land use changes on the degradation of the environmental quality of the watershed; and (3) the direct and indirect effects of changes in spatial use, land reclamation, and community behavior on water pollution and the sustainability of watershed management in Maros City. The research method used is a sequential explanatory design combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data were obtained through observation, in-depth interviews, surveys, and documentation. The study findings show that land use change, complexity of spatial use, and community behavior have a negative impact on the environmental quality of the watershed. Housing development, urban activity systems, and changes in land use had a significant effect on environmental quality degradation, with a coefficient of determination of 73.9%. Furthermore, the influence of spatial use, land reclamation, and community behavior on water pollution in the watershed was 72.82%. This study may serve to assist the decision-making of and policy formation by the Maros Regency Government in the framework of controlling the use of watersheds, working towards their social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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18 pages, 2406 KiB  
Article
How Experts’ Opinions and Knowledge Affect Their Willingness to Pay for and Ranking of Hydrological Ecosystem Services
by Li-Chun Peng, Wan-Yu Lien and Yu-Pin Lin
Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10055; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su122310055 - 02 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1989
Abstract
To ensure that ecosystem services are included in decision-making processes, many studies have relied on expert opinions and knowledge to identify, rank, and assess willingness to pay. In this study, expert opinions according to their expertise in hydrology, ecology, and sociology were surveyed [...] Read more.
To ensure that ecosystem services are included in decision-making processes, many studies have relied on expert opinions and knowledge to identify, rank, and assess willingness to pay. In this study, expert opinions according to their expertise in hydrology, ecology, and sociology were surveyed and compared in terms of (1) recognition and ranking of hydrological ecosystem services (HESs) and (2) willingness to pay for HESs. The decision-making process was also investigated, specifically the rankings of factors in experts’ plans for climate change adaptation. The experts’ recognition of and opinions concerning HESs were positively correlated at various levels with intention to pay (i.e., whether respondents were willing to pay for HESs). Most experts recognized the importance of HESs and allocated high average scores of 9.15, 8.17, and 8.41 to water yield, sediment export, and nutrient export, respectively, using a scale from 1 (least important) to 10 (most important). The percentage of sociologists (100%) exhibited greater intention to pay than those of hydrologists (70%) and ecologists (93%), respectively. Experts prioritized environmental impact over economic cost in policy decision-making, and they differed significantly by field in terms of their rankings of the functional, economic, environmental, and social considerations of decision-making. The results revealed significant differences among experts in their decision-making preferences according to their fields of knowledge. The experts of a specific study field may be more willing to pay for that than for another. Greater intellectual exchange and analysis among experts should be implemented and diverse expert opinions should be solicited in policy decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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30 pages, 1360 KiB  
Article
Determinants of Different Types of Positive Environmental Behaviors: An Analysis of Public and Private Sphere Actions
by Ralph Hansmann and Claudia R. Binder
Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8547; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12208547 - 15 Oct 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4795
Abstract
A survey of 1206 participants investigated determinants of positive environmental behaviors (PEBs) in Switzerland. Based on a principle component analysis on data for 23 different PEBs, three behavior types were distinguished: (i) public sphere PEBs with politically mediated impacts; (ii) socially salient private [...] Read more.
A survey of 1206 participants investigated determinants of positive environmental behaviors (PEBs) in Switzerland. Based on a principle component analysis on data for 23 different PEBs, three behavior types were distinguished: (i) public sphere PEBs with politically mediated impacts; (ii) socially salient private “lighthouse” PEBs that convey a pro-environmental message; and (iii) less socially salient private PEBs. An environmental behavior model identified general environmental knowledge and attitudes as the strongest predictors of PEBs, followed by green self-identity, justifications, assumed consequences, prescriptive social norms, gender, age, and perceived behavioral control (PBC), respectively. To promote sustainability-oriented behaviors and achieve corresponding societal and economic changes, the identified psychological factors need to be promoted by education and communication strategies as well as complementary measures ranging from policy changes to technology development and systems design. Green self-identity turned out to be significantly more influential for private PEBs than for public sphere PEBs, whereas prescriptive social norms and environmental knowledge were more important for public sphere PEBs. These findings indicate that promoting different types of sustainability-oriented behaviors may require distinct strategies. Public sphere PEBs may be enhanced well by conveying social practices and norms, whereas the promotion of a pro-environmental green self-identity may increase private sphere PEBs effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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19 pages, 756 KiB  
Article
Collaborative Action for Community Resilience to Climate Risks: Opportunities and Barriers
by Olivia Jensen and Corinne Ong
Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3413; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12083413 - 22 Apr 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3252
Abstract
Collaborative actions between citizens and government agencies at the local level have the potential to raise community resilience to climate risks via social learning and increased social capital. However, for these actions to succeed, community members’ values, norms and risk perceptions must support [...] Read more.
Collaborative actions between citizens and government agencies at the local level have the potential to raise community resilience to climate risks via social learning and increased social capital. However, for these actions to succeed, community members’ values, norms and risk perceptions must support collaborative action and be accompanied by self-efficacy. This paper develops a theoretical framework linking these concepts and applies the framework to a collaborative climate risk project in Singapore, using qualitative data from focus group discussions. We find that pro-social values are a strong enabling factor for residents to engage in collaboration, but that perceptions of low collective efficacy are a potential barrier. In particular, we find that the relative competence of the government leads to a perception of “exemptionalism,” which undermines individuals’ intentions to devote resources to collaborative action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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20 pages, 1777 KiB  
Article
A Proposed Framework on the Affective Design of Eco-Product Labels
by Alma Maria Jennifer Gutierrez, Anthony Shun Fung Chiu and Rosemary Seva
Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12083234 - 16 Apr 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5308
Abstract
There was a shift in sustainability consumption in the last decade that stimulated new strategies for ecological friendly industries and new product innovations. Environmental labeling is a marketing technique used to inform consumers that a company has employed a process to protect the [...] Read more.
There was a shift in sustainability consumption in the last decade that stimulated new strategies for ecological friendly industries and new product innovations. Environmental labeling is a marketing technique used to inform consumers that a company has employed a process to protect the environment. However, uncertainty remains concerning how eco-labels influence consumers. Buying green products can elicit emotion in consumers. When consumers buy eco-products, they feel that they are helping save the environment. Products provide certain emotional benefits and therefore affect mood and behavior. This study aims to examine how consumers who differ in environmental attitudes respond to eco-labels. Aside from this, it wants to determine the intensity and type of emotions elicited by these kinds of products based on a certain set of pre-purchase emotions. These emotions are still unknown. Also, it proposes the Green Emotion Model (GEM) 2.0 that correlates environmental attitudes, visual attention towards these eco-labels, emotion and the desirability of purchasing a product. This framework proposes that the environmental attitudes and awareness of consumers are crucial for them to look for this eco-label on a product. These environmental labels should be able to capture the attention of consumers and thus will provoke positive emotions and lead to the purchase of an eco-product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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18 pages, 1316 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Policy Evaluation of Vehicle Exhaust Control—Empirical Data from China’s Air Pollution Control
by Xian Zhang, Qinglong Wang, Weina Qin and Limei Guo
Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 125; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12010125 - 22 Dec 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3791
Abstract
With the increase of car ownership, mobile pollution has become an important source of air pollution, which makes it more difficult for China to control air pollution. In order to control mobile pollution from automobile exhaust, China has taken a series of comprehensive [...] Read more.
With the increase of car ownership, mobile pollution has become an important source of air pollution, which makes it more difficult for China to control air pollution. In order to control mobile pollution from automobile exhaust, China has taken a series of comprehensive measures. The paper studies the emission reduction effect from the perspective of flow pollution and stock pollution. First of all, the paper uses the actual emission data of motor vehicles to study the emission reduction effect by gasoline and diesel vehicles. The results show that: (1) Fuel price, fuel tax (except diesel), and emission and gasoline standards have an emission reduction effect on gasoline vehicle exhaust control, while the restriction has no effect. (2) In gasoline cars, the emission reduction effect in the Middle East is more significant than in the West, and the effect in the West is better than that in the Middle East. (3) As for diesel vehicles, the effect of policy in the West is superior to the East. Further, the east is better than in the middle. Secondly, based on the actual emission data of Chinese motor vehicles, the paper simulates the change value of stock pollution from automobile exhaust under different policies, and concludes that the economic effect of policy depends on the ecological absorption rate and discount rate. When the net discount value NPV is positive, the government should do its best to interfere with the emission of automobile exhaust. When the net discount value NPV is negative, the government doesn’t have to interfere with the emission of automobile exhaust. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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17 pages, 827 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Consumers and Real Estate Enterprises on the Implementation of Prefabrication in Residential Buildings: The Moderating Role of Incentive Policies
by Jingyang Zhou, Yanjun Qin and Shaoze Fang
Sustainability 2019, 11(18), 4827; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11184827 - 04 Sep 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2927
Abstract
Based on the theory of Planned Behavior, this study firstly explored the relationship between the behavioral intention and the actual behavior of consumers and real estate enterprises when choosing prefabricated residential buildings. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted, being supported [...] Read more.
Based on the theory of Planned Behavior, this study firstly explored the relationship between the behavioral intention and the actual behavior of consumers and real estate enterprises when choosing prefabricated residential buildings. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted, being supported by the questionnaire data from 310 respondents of 14 prefabricated building demonstration cities in China, to achieve the purpose. The results show that there is a gap between the behavioral intention and the actual behavior of consumers and real estate enterprises. The moderating effect of reputational incentive policies and financial incentive policies was examined to bridge the gap. It shows that reputational incentive policies and financial incentive policies are an effective way in promoting the behavioral intention and actual behavior of real estate enterprises when adopting prefabricated residential buildings, but they all do not work for consumers. The findings can help government understand the preference of consumers and real estate enterprises, so as to use governance incentive policies more wisely and rationally under various circumstances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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22 pages, 5825 KiB  
Article
Landfill Site Selection Using MCDM Methods and GIS in the Sulaimaniyah Governorate, Iraq
by Karwan Alkaradaghi, Salahalddin S. Ali, Nadhir Al-Ansari, Jan Laue and Ali Chabuk
Sustainability 2019, 11(17), 4530; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11174530 - 21 Aug 2019
Cited by 64 | Viewed by 7694
Abstract
A shortage of land for waste disposal is one of the serious problems that faces urban areas in developing countries. The Sulaimaniyah Governorate, located in the north of Iraq, is one of the major cities in the Kurdistan Region of the country, covering [...] Read more.
A shortage of land for waste disposal is one of the serious problems that faces urban areas in developing countries. The Sulaimaniyah Governorate, located in the north of Iraq, is one of the major cities in the Kurdistan Region of the country, covering an area of 2400 km2 with a population of 856,990 in 2016. Currently, there is no landfill site in the study area that meets scientific and environmental criteria, and inappropriate solid waste dumping is causing negative environmental impacts. The process of landfill site selection is considered a complex process and is restricted by numerous factors and regulations. This paper proposes multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods in a model for landfill site decision. The model assumes the input of two groups of factors that need to satisfy the optimal values of weight coefficients. These groups of constants are natural factors and artificial factors, and they included thirteen selected criteria: slope, geology, land use, urban area, villages, rivers, groundwater, slope, elevation, soil, geology, road, oil and gas, land use, archaeology and power lines. The criteria were used in the geographic information system (GIS), which has a high capacity to process and analyze various data. In addition, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods followed by the weighted linear combination (WLC) method were used to derive criteria weightings using a matrix of pair-wise comparison. Finally, all the multi criteria decision methods were combined to obtain an intersection of the suitability index map for candidate landfill sites. Seven appropriate sites for landfill were suggested, all of which satisfied the scientific and environmental criteria which were adopted in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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16 pages, 3544 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between User Perception and Preference of Greenway Trail Characteristics in Urban Areas
by Junga Lee, Hyung-Sook Lee, Daeyoung Jeong, C. Scott Shafer and Jinhyung Chon
Sustainability 2019, 11(16), 4438; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11164438 - 16 Aug 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3572
Abstract
Greenways provide multiple benefits for trail users’ individual experiences based on users’ background environment and their perceptions of characteristics such as the trail width, vegetation, water, and facilities. Although greenway trail characteristics are important factors that affect users’ preferences, only a few studies [...] Read more.
Greenways provide multiple benefits for trail users’ individual experiences based on users’ background environment and their perceptions of characteristics such as the trail width, vegetation, water, and facilities. Although greenway trail characteristics are important factors that affect users’ preferences, only a few studies have examined individuals’ experiences of greenways based on their perceptions and preferences. The purpose of this study is to examine how greenway trails can be designed to improve users’ experiences in relation to their perceptions and preferences by considering trail characteristics. We examine the relationship between greenway trail characteristics and likability using t-tests as well as correlation and multiple regression analyses. In the current study, virtual tour surveys of greenway users were conducted, with two urban greenway trails as the study sites: Town Lake Trail in Austin, Texas, and Buffalo Bayou Trail in Houston, Texas. Perceptions of all eight greenway trail characteristics, except for background buildings, were significantly different between the trails, and a significant difference in likability was found for five characteristics (the presence of water, trail facilities, trail width, adjacent automobile traffic, and built structures on the trail). In addition, the results of the correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed that the presence of water, amount of vegetation, automobile traffic, and built structures were correlated with likability. These findings suggest that designing appropriate types of greenway trails can help increase users’ likeability ratings of urban greenways. This study contributes to the enhancement of trail environments by providing strategies for practitioners to effectively design and manage greenways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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19 pages, 867 KiB  
Article
How Will Changes toward Pro-Environmental Behavior Play in Customers’ Perceived Value of Environmental Concerns at Coffee Shops?
by Taeuk Kim and Sunmi Yun
Sustainability 2019, 11(14), 3816; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11143816 - 11 Jul 2019
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7357
Abstract
Our theoretical framework was designed to explain customers’ decision-making process for (adopting/using?) environmentally responsible products in an eco-friendly coffee shop. We employed theory of planned behavior (TPB) and value-attitude-belief (VAB) to test their parallel mediating effect on attitudes toward environmental behavior (ATEB), perceived [...] Read more.
Our theoretical framework was designed to explain customers’ decision-making process for (adopting/using?) environmentally responsible products in an eco-friendly coffee shop. We employed theory of planned behavior (TPB) and value-attitude-belief (VAB) to test their parallel mediating effect on attitudes toward environmental behavior (ATEB), perceived marketplace influence (PMI), and overall image (OI) as well as the moderating effect of switching cost (SC) on pro-environmental behavioral intentions. Data were collected through a survey of 527 customers who frequently visited a coffee shop in Korea, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings generally supported the hypothesized associations of the study variables within our proposed theoretical framework (ATEB, PMI, and OI of the parallel mediating effect on pro-environmental behavioral intentions) and confirmed SC’s moderating effect. In addition, the study’s results have important 1) theoretical and 2) practical implications for the environment. 1) This study confirmed the relationship between mediating variables on PCBI and the parallel mediating effect on PCBI as demonstrated in previous studies. 2) Furthermore, these findings might lead coffee shops to voluntarily put an end to the use of disposable products such as plastic cups or straws, which carry great environmental risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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20 pages, 824 KiB  
Article
Using the Norm Activation Model to Predict the Pro-Environmental Behaviors of Public Servants at the Central and Local Governments in Taiwan
by Wei-Ta Fang, Yi-Te Chiang, Eric Ng and Jen-Chieh Lo
Sustainability 2019, 11(13), 3712; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11133712 - 06 Jul 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6514
Abstract
An understanding of the environmental value-action gap between public servants at the central and local governments is essential for the effective implementation of environmental policies, which is limited in the extant literature. This study has adopted the norm activation model to explore the [...] Read more.
An understanding of the environmental value-action gap between public servants at the central and local governments is essential for the effective implementation of environmental policies, which is limited in the extant literature. This study has adopted the norm activation model to explore the pro-environmental behaviors of public servants at the central and local governments in Taiwan. A total of 7567 valid questionnaires were collected, and significant differences were evident between public servants at the central (n = 3400) and local (n = 4167) governments in personal norms, awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility, and pro-environmental behaviors. Findings revealed that personal norms were the key factors predicting pro-environmental behaviors of public servants at both the central and local governments. Results also indicated that the awareness of consequences by public servants at the central government had a direct effect on their pro-environmental behaviors, which in turn had a significant effect on their ascription of responsibility. In contrast, awareness of consequences by public servants at the local government had no significant direct effect on their pro-environmental behaviors and had only a weak positive effect on their ascription of responsibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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21 pages, 8363 KiB  
Article
Optimal Layout of Static Guidance Information in Comprehensive Transportation Hubs Based on Passenger Pathfinding Behavior
by Minhua Shao, Congcong Xie, Lijun Sun and Lijuan Jiang
Sustainability 2019, 11(13), 3684; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11133684 - 04 Jul 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2592
Abstract
Passenger orientation (pathfinding) is an important factor in designing the layout of comprehensive transportation hubs, especially for static guidance sign systems. In essence, static guidance signs within the hub should be designed according to passengers’ pathfinding demand, that is, to provide passengers with [...] Read more.
Passenger orientation (pathfinding) is an important factor in designing the layout of comprehensive transportation hubs, especially for static guidance sign systems. In essence, static guidance signs within the hub should be designed according to passengers’ pathfinding demand, that is, to provide passengers with accurate information at the appropriate location. Therefore, from the perspective of passenger information demand, this study aims to determine the appropriate location and density of static guidance information. Two types of passenger information demand in the pathfinding process are defined in this study: one is generated at the path decision point, where multiple path options exist; the other is at the points between decision points, where pathfinders need to confirm that they are still on the correct path. According to the interaction of pathfinding behavior and guidance information, the abstract relationship model is established between macro-behavioral characteristics and the micro-psychological state. Moreover, based on walking speed analysis, the judgment criterion of passenger psychology in pathfinding is proposed to determine the spatial location and density of guidance information. The analysis results of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport show that, under the threshold of the speed drop section given in the study, 80% of passenger information demand is satisfied when guidance information spacing is 47 m, and 60% of information demand is satisfied when the spacing is 56 m. The findings presented in this paper can provide a reference for the optimal design of static guidance information in comprehensive transportation hubs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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19 pages, 523 KiB  
Article
What Do Coffee Shop Entrepreneurs Need to Do to Raise Pro-Environmental Customer Behavioral Intentions?
by Sunmi Yun and Taeuk Kim
Sustainability 2019, 11(9), 2666; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11092666 - 10 May 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7261
Abstract
Our research framework, built on the norm activation model (NAM), was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the formation of consumers’ pro-environmental behavioral intentions in an eco-friendly coffee shop. We employed the NAM to test its mediating effect of personal environmental norms [...] Read more.
Our research framework, built on the norm activation model (NAM), was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the formation of consumers’ pro-environmental behavioral intentions in an eco-friendly coffee shop. We employed the NAM to test its mediating effect of personal environmental norms (PEN), social environmental norms (SEN), and ascription of responsibility (AR) and the moderating effect of the overall green image (OGI) on pro-environmental behavioral intentions. Data were collected through a survey of 530 customers who frequently visited a coffee shop in Korea, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings generally supported the hypothesized associations of the study variables within our proposed theoretical framework (PEN, SEN, and AR in order of the mediating effect on pro-environmental behavioral intentions) and confirmed OGI’s moderating effect. In addition, the study’s results have important (1) theoretical and (2) practical implications for the environment. (1) They expand the original NAM by explaining the effect of the relationship between SEN and PEN on pro-environmental customer behavioral intentions (PCBI) and confirm the mediating effect of the NAM (SEN, PEN, AR) on PCBI, as demonstrated in previous studies. (2) Moreover, the findings herein may encourage coffee shops to participate in the prevention of environmental problems by restricting the use of products such as plastic coffee cups and straws. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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Review
Environmentally Responsible Behavior and Sustainability Policy Adoption in Green Public Procurement
by George Lăzăroiu, Luminița Ionescu, Cristian Uță, Iulian Hurloiu, Mihai Andronie and Irina Dijmărescu
Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2110; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12052110 - 09 Mar 2020
Cited by 126 | Viewed by 12125
Abstract
Research has identified that there is a paucity of reviews covering green public procurement (GPP) in terms of environmentally responsible behavior and sustainability policy adoption. Using, comprehensively, the most recent (2017–2020) and relevant (Web of Science- and Scopus-indexed) empirical sources, our paper fills [...] Read more.
Research has identified that there is a paucity of reviews covering green public procurement (GPP) in terms of environmentally responsible behavior and sustainability policy adoption. Using, comprehensively, the most recent (2017–2020) and relevant (Web of Science- and Scopus-indexed) empirical sources, our paper fills the gap in the literature by focusing on the main developing streams of research, that is: How GPP drives the circular economy; GPP of construction and building materials; environmental and supply chain management measures in GPP; the procurement of sustainable innovation; environmental policy objectives of GPP as regards energy, pollution, carbon footprint, and climate change; GPP as an environmental policy mechanism for production and use of sustainable goods and services; and GPP as an integral component of sustainable development and performance. Further investigations can explore hot topics related to the role of GPP in the automated algorithmic decision-making processes taking place in data-driven smart sustainable cities because the harnessing, among other things, of sensing and computing technologies, network connectivity systems, and the Cognitive Internet of Things will fulfill the incessant exigencies of public administration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Behaviour and Collective Decision Making)
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