Adopting sustainable attitudes and behaviors in Spanish universities: a study of moderating effects of education and age

Purpose Embracing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aligns seamlessly with European public universities’ core values and responsibilities. This study aims to evaluate the foundations of sustainable attitudes among members of the university community, their effects and influence on the intention of sustainable behavior and the moderating role of education and age. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling methodology was used to test the proposed model using a sample of 693 university community members (226 teachers/researchers, 128 administration/service staff and 339 students), obtained through a convenience sampling process. Findings The results show a negative influence of egoism and a positive influence of knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals and social norms toward the sustainability attitude. In addition, they show a strong impact of the sustainability attitude on the intention to adopt sustainable behaviors and the moderating role of education and age. Originality/value This work makes professionals and academics more efficient when influencing factors promoting sustainable attitudes.