Seeds of energy intelligence: Attitudes and energy behaviour of Chinese digital native Generation Z college students in sustainable development

Abstract By 2020, the total population of China’s Generation Z (Gen Z) is approximately 260 million, comprising 18.6% of the overall population. As digital natives, the internet has shaped their open, diverse values, behavioural patterns, and social interactions. This paper concentrates on a significant segment of Gen Z, specifically college students, during a crucial phase of their social responsibility development. Given the global imperative for sustainable development, understanding Gen Z’s engagement with energy sustainability is essential. A questionnaire conducted at colleges in China explored access to energy information and behaviours and investigated their participation in sustainable practices. This article aims to find the gaps between translating energy knowledge captured by digital tools into action. The findings are intended to support and inform the development of more targeted energy education and energy-saving tools, promoting the development of the next generation of sustainable energy and building a more environmentally friendly and sustainable society.