Harnessing AI for sustainable university practices: toward a greener campus

Purpose This study aims to examine the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance sustainability practices in universities, focusing on stakeholder perceptions and factors influencing the successful implementation of AI-driven initiatives. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative approach, a survey was administered to 539 university stakeholders (faculty, staff and students) from universities in Saudi Arabia. The survey measured awareness, perceived effectiveness and the importance of AI applications in energy management, waste reduction, transportation optimization and conservation. Findings Stakeholders exhibited moderate familiarity with AI for sustainability, with perceptions varying significantly by gender, university role and awareness level. Positive correlations were found between awareness and perceptions of AI’s effectiveness and importance. Transportation, energy efficiency and waste management emerged as key areas for AI application. Challenges identified include ethical concerns, financial constraints and infrastructure needs. Originality/value This research provides novel insights into integrating AI into university sustainability strategies. It highlights stakeholder perspectives, identifies priority areas for AI application and offers practical recommendations for enhancing AI-driven sustainability. The study emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and policy development to ensure ethical and effective AI use in higher education.