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Article
Publication date: 14 December 2023

Sumit Kumar Maji and Puja Chakraborty

Energy-related financial literacy (ERFL) which consists of energy literacy, financial literacy and lifecycle cost literacy, can play an instrumental role in addressing climate…

Abstract

Purpose

Energy-related financial literacy (ERFL) which consists of energy literacy, financial literacy and lifecycle cost literacy, can play an instrumental role in addressing climate change by ensuring efficient energy consumption (macro level benefit) and promoting financial well-being (micro level benefit) of households. This study aims to highlight the ERFL level and its effect on the energy consumption of the sample households in the state of West Bengal, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used primary data on 155 sample households from the two districts, i.e. Hooghly and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, India, surveyed from September 2022 to November 2022 using a structured questionnaire. The study used the conceptual framework suggested by Blasch et al. (2018) to measure the ERFL. Pertinent statistical techniques and the ordinary least square regression method were used to attain the objectives of the study.

Findings

The outcome of the study showed that the average ERFL score was found to be moderate (63%). The findings of the study also indicated that the ERFL exerts a positive influence on reducing energy consumption among the sample households in India.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research studies on the topic of ERFL around the globe. The very few studies so far conducted are mostly in the context of European economies and Nepal. Perhaps, to the best of the our knowledge, this is the first study on the issue of ERFL in the Indian context. Therefore, the present study will make an original contribution to the small but growing scholarship on ERFL.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2023

Imran Khan and Darshita Fulara Gunwant

South Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. With its fast economic development, the energy requirement for the region has rapidly grown. As the region relies…

Abstract

Purpose

South Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. With its fast economic development, the energy requirement for the region has rapidly grown. As the region relies mainly on nonrenewable energy sources and is suffering from issues like pollution, the high cost of energy imports, depleting foreign reserves, etc. it is searching for those factors that can help enhance the renewable energy generation for the region. Thus, taking these issues into consideration, this paper aims to investigate the impact of macroeconomic factors that can contribute to the enhancement of renewable energy output in South Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

An autoregressive distributed lag methodology has been applied to examine the long-term effects of remittance inflows, literacy rate, energy imports, government expenditures and urban population growth on the renewable energy output of South Asia by using time series data from 1990 to 2021.

Findings

The findings indicated that remittance inflows have a negative and insignificant long-term effect on renewable electricity output. While it was discovered that energy imports, government spending and urban population growth have negative but significant effects on renewable electricity output, literacy rates have positive and significant effects.

Originality/value

Considering the importance of renewable energy, this is one of the few studies that has included critical macroeconomic variables that can affect renewable energy output for the region. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge that a high literacy level is crucial for promoting renewable energy output, while governments and policymakers should prioritize reducing energy imports and ensuring that government expenditures on renewable energy output are properly used. SAARC, the governing body of the region, also benefits from this study while devising the renewable energy output policies for the region.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2024

Folorunsho M. Ajide and James Temitope Dada

Energy poverty is a global phenomenon, but its prevalence is enormous in most African countries, with a potential impact on quality of life. This study aims to investigate the…

Abstract

Purpose

Energy poverty is a global phenomenon, but its prevalence is enormous in most African countries, with a potential impact on quality of life. This study aims to investigate the impact of energy poverty on the shadow economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses panel data from 45 countries in Africa over a period of 1996–2018. Using panel cointegrating regression and panel vector auto-regression model in the generalized method of moments technique.

Findings

This study provides that energy poverty deepens the size of the shadow economy in Africa. It also documents that there is a bidirectional causality between shadow economy and energy poverty. Therefore, the two variables can predict each other.

Practical implications

The study suggests that lack of access to clean and modern energy services contributes to the depth of the shadow economy in Africa. African authorities are advised to strengthen rural and urban electrification initiatives by providing adequate energy infrastructure so as to reduce the level of energy poverty in the region. To ensure energy sustainability delivery, the study proposes that the creation of national and local capacities would be the most effective manner to guarantee energy accessibility and affordability. Also, priorities should be given to the local capital mobilization and energy subsidies for the energy poor. Energy literacy may also contribute to the sustainability and the usage of modern energy sources in Africa.

Originality/value

Previous studies reveal that income inequality contributes to the large size of shadow economy in developing economies. However, none of these studies analyzed the role of energy poverty and its implications for underground economic operations. Inadequate access to modern energy sources is likely to deepen the prevalence of informality in developing nations. Based on this, this study provides fresh evidence on the implications of energy deprivation on the shadow economy in Africa using a heterogeneous panel econometric framework. The study contributes to the literature by advocating that the provision of affordable modern energy sources for rural and urban settlements, and the creation of good energy infrastructure for the firms in the formal economy would not only improve the quality of life but also important to discourage underground economic operations in developing economies.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 November 2023

Maria Unuigbe and Sambo Lyson Zulu

The UK Government has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, being the first major nation to do so. While laudable, it raises the question, “are future built…

Abstract

Purpose

The UK Government has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, being the first major nation to do so. While laudable, it raises the question, “are future built environment professionals (BEPs) equipped for this?” Although studies related to students’ perspectives exist, they broadly focus on sustainability-related pedagogical aspects, with limited studies conducted in the built environment (BE). This study makes the case that it is timely to investigate this from an emerging perspective using the term “low-carbon future” (LCF), given that it is germane to achieving net-zero emissions and is at the forefront of academic and practice discourse. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the knowledge level of UK BE students’ in higher education institutions (HEIs) specific to the term LCF.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a systematic scoping study review of published papers related to sustainability in BE curricula in the UK HEI context.

Findings

The findings reveal that LCF remains at a nascent stage, with no study specifically addressing it. It indicates a knowledge gap that could impact the grounding students require to address current and future sustainability challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The review focused on a specific term, which, while relevant, is very niche. A review of other emerging terms, considering LCF as a theme, and/or empirical data from diverse stakeholders in UK HEIs could enrich the results.

Practical implications

This study provides significant insight into the status of sustainability inclusion in the BE curriculum. It would serve as a reference for stakeholders involved in equipping future BEPs with the requisite knowledge and skills to deal with sustainability challenges that will be consequential beyond the UK context. It would also inform future research.

Social implications

Sustainability-informed and equipped BEPs will be influential in shaping their immediate surroundings and how people engage with them, which will contribute to developing a more equitable and sustainable society.

Originality/value

Beyond contributing to the discourse on sustainability literacy in UK HEI from an emerging concept perspective, this study would be useful as possibly the first of its kind. Therefore, it fills the theoretical gap and proffers recommendations that would be beneficial for curriculum development.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Sanjeet Singh, Geetika Madaan and Amrinder Singh

Purpose: The availability of resilient energy infrastructure and services is crucial to achieving sustainable development goals. However, defined and trustworthy definitions of…

Abstract

Purpose: The availability of resilient energy infrastructure and services is crucial to achieving sustainable development goals. However, defined and trustworthy definitions of resilience exist solely for engineering and energy systems, particularly in the industrialised world or metropolitan systems. However, no universally accepted definition considers the distinctive characteristics of rural regions in developing economies. To define resilience for rural power systems in developing countries, this chapter synthesises many perspectives on resilience, energy systems, and rural environments.

Methodology: It draws on extensive literature assessments on resilience, particularly concerning energy systems and rural areas, as well as other pre-existing frameworks.

Findings: To account for the unique challenges of electricity supply in rural developing nations, a comprehensive ‘Rural Power System Resilience Framework’ is introduced, including technical, economic, and social resilience.

Social implications: To better understand the elements contributing to the stability of electricity grids in developing nations and rural areas, this resilience framework may be utilised by global markets, system owners and operators, government officials, non-governmental organisations, and communities.

Originality: Through establishing this framework, this study sets the path for developing suitable and ‘effective resilience standards’ tailored for implementation in these rural areas, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the fulfilment of achieving domestic and worldwide sustainability objectives.

Details

The Framework for Resilient Industry: A Holistic Approach for Developing Economies
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-735-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2023

Carlos Moura

This article aims to analyze sustainability in tourism as the unavoidable path for the sector and the planet.

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to analyze sustainability in tourism as the unavoidable path for the sector and the planet.

Design/methodology/approach

Argues that through sustainability, it will be possible to develop companies in full harmony with the already evident needs of the planet and that it is urgent that they continue to evolve, without further erosion by creating a firm and sustainable basis for the future.

Findings

Proposes that it is necessary to think about social responsibility to achieve full sustainability but that above all, each of us—individually and collectively, has a role to play. In fact, for this path of sustainability to be followed, it is necessary to create a sustainable business environment that companies, in particular the smaller ones, can adopt.

Originality/value

The article presents the views and main initiatives of the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Establishments of Portugal as they interconnect social responsibility and full sustainability and illustrates these with several projects and a best practice case in energy management for restaurants.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Rajat Subhra Chatterjee, Naveed R. Khan, Irfan Hameed and Idrees Waris

This study aims to emphasize the youth community’s importance in sustaining green entrepreneurial efforts. The study used the stimulus organism response framework as the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to emphasize the youth community’s importance in sustaining green entrepreneurial efforts. The study used the stimulus organism response framework as the theoretical base using two separate studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 commences the development of the student green engagement construct through a focus group, panel discussion and exploratory factor analysis, which supported five items. Study 2 measures the relationship of student green engagement with green entrepreneurial intention by mediating university entrepreneurial support and entrepreneurial motivation. Data from 448 students were gathered from five Malaysian private institutions using a purposive sampling technique.

Findings

Findings indicate a robust association of student green engagement (stimuli) with green entrepreneurial intention (organism). Furthermore, mediation analysis shows strong mediating effects of university entrepreneurial support and entrepreneurial motivation on green entrepreneurship behavior (response).

Originality/value

The study’s findings can help the universities and concerned governmental departments instill a sense of sustainable entrepreneurship in university students.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2023

Debby Cotton, Jennie Winter, Joseph A. Allison and Rachel Mullee

Perceptions of climate change are strongly influenced by visual cues and images. Many universities have made significant steps towards decarbonisation, yet these often remain…

Abstract

Purpose

Perceptions of climate change are strongly influenced by visual cues and images. Many universities have made significant steps towards decarbonisation, yet these often remain hidden from the campus community. This study aims to explore the hidden curriculum of climate change on campus and compare participants’ images of sustainability on campus with those on university websites.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was underpinned by a critical realist perspective using innovative visual research methods including auto-photography and photo-elicitation to enable deep understanding of perceptions of sustainability and climate change on campus. Grounded visual pattern analysis (GVPA) was used to analyse campus photos and compare them to images used on university websites.

Findings

Findings suggest that staff and student images more strongly encapsulated tensions between humans and nature than website photos, but that the latter included more evidence of social sustainability. Neither image set expressed climate change issues effectively; the invisibility of university decarbonisation activities represents a lost opportunity for learning.

Originality/value

This research uses novel visual methodologies and analysis (GVPA) with potential for wider use in sustainability research. This study offers new insights into the importance of the hidden curriculum of sustainability in higher education and the difficulties of making climate change visible on campus.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 24 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2022

Visar Hoxha and Dhurata Hoxha

The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants of intention for energy and water conservation behavior in Prishtina, Kosovo by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants of intention for energy and water conservation behavior in Prishtina, Kosovo by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) conceptual framework and then examine the influence of intention and demographic factors on the conservation behavior itself. In addition, the present study examines the differences between urban and rural consumers in Prishtina in terms of their intention for energy and water conservation behaviors and their actual conservation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach by conducting ten in-depth interviews followed by one focus group with urban consumers and ten in-depth interviews followed by one focus group with rural consumers in Prishtina to analyze the influence of determinants on the conservation intention. In addition, the present study uses the quantitative research method to empirically examine the influence of intention and demographic variables on the actual conservation behavior.

Findings

The findings show that there is a difference between the urban and rural sample populations in Prishtina in terms of determinants that influence their intention to conserve energy and water. While attitude is the strongest determinant among the urban population, the social norms seem to be the strongest antecedent of the behavioral intention among the rural population. In addition, the study finds that the intention, income, family size and place of residence as a whole influence the actual behavior; however, the manifestation of the influence of separate variables on the actual conservation varies between urban and rural population. While intention is very strong among urban respondents and the actual conservation behavior is less dependent on the income level and family size, in the case of rural respondents, intention alone is not sufficient to predict the actual behavior and varies also on the income level.

Originality/value

The study brings unique and new knowledge about the application of the TPB in the context of small and developing economies bridging the research gaps arising from few scholarly research studying the differences between urban and rural populations.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2024

Rob Blom and Douglas D. Karrow

Halfway into the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) timeline, we deemed fruitful an injunction into current teacher education (TE) practices at higher…

Abstract

Purpose

Halfway into the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) timeline, we deemed fruitful an injunction into current teacher education (TE) practices at higher educational institutes (HEIs). The scoping literature review used all known English nomenclature interrelating to environment, sustainability, development, and education as regards TE. We explicated and modelled the data through timelines favourable to UN initiatives within a spatiotemporal metric. Thematic research topics and research methodologies strictly pertaining to TE were rigorously researched and delineated. Our study aims to elucidate a grander picture of the trends-as-patterns of environmental and sustainability education in teacher education (ESE-TE) research in HEI and potential contributions to come.

Design/methodology/approach

The spatiotemporal study adopts a scoping review as an investigative tool to probe current research trends on ESE-TE in the academic literature with respect to thematic research topics and research methodologies midway through the SDGs.

Findings

A total of 2,142 research papers spanning five decades, 152 journals and 96 countries were screened equally by two researchers. Of the 788 papers deemed eligible (i.e. English-language, peer-reviewed, pre-service/in-service TE that explicitly mentioned ESE-TE research), data from 638 studies have been included in the authors’ study.

Originality/value

Comprehensive trends in the international literature of all known environmental and sustainable education nomenclature specific to international ESE-TE research throughout the time period (1974 – 2021) were identified. Value is accrued by illuminating international trends in research topics and methodologies, exposing gaps in the history of the subfield, and predicting future trends for Agenda 2030 (e.g. SDG 4 – education) to mature the field.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

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