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Environmental Attitudes as Sustainability Learning Outcomes in Higher Education: Gender, Age, and Disciplinary Differences in Andalusian Universities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a central role in fostering sustainability competencies to address environmental challenges. Within Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 frameworks, universities must cultivate not only knowledge but also attitudes and behaviours promoting environmental responsibility. This study examines environmental attitudes as sustainability learning outcomes among undergraduate students, analysing differences by gender, age, and discipline in six Andalusian universities. Sustainable Education is defined as an approach integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability dimensions into teaching to develop active competencies for sustainable development. A cross-sectional survey (n = 1471) used the validated CASEM questionnaire (see previous validation studies) to assess environmental knowledge, environmental education knowledge, and pro-environmental behaviour. The results show significant differences: women outperformed men across all dimensions, students aged over 25 exhibited stronger profiles, and Education Sciences students outperformed Engineering students. A persistent knowledge–behaviour gap emerged, especially in technical fields. These findings reveal curricular inequalities in sustainability integration. Mandatory, discipline-specific ESD—particularly in engineering—may help bridge these gaps and enhance uniform learning outcomes. By employing a multidimensional instrument and stratified sample, this study offers robust evidence of structural disparities, informing policy for equitable Higher Education for Sustainability.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18094328

Authors: Macarena Esteban Ibáñez, Luis Vicente Amador Muñoz, Francisco Mateos Claros

Institutions: Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Universidad de Granada

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability in Higher Education

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896