Determining factors for sustainable behavior in higher education institutions. A model for Querétaro, Mexico

Abstract

This paper intends to identify the factors that, from higher education institutions (HEI), have an influence on the sustainable consumption behavior (SCB) of their community (students, teachers and administrative staff). The initial theoretical model proposed that institutional action, education for sustainability, social influence, actions aimed at the neighboring community and physical factors are key factors for the SCB of the HEI community. The research was carried out in 14 institutions that host 80% of the higher education enrollment in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. The study concluded that only social influence and actions aimed at the neighborhood community are determinants of SCB; however, new hypotheses were confirmed that allow to infer that HEIs are implementing activities for their transition to sustainability.