Green Organizational Culture and Carbon Footprint Reduction in Public Universities Within Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between green organizational culture and carbon footprint reduction in public universities within Anambra State, Nigeria, focusing on Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 369 academic and non-academic staff determined using the Taro Yamane formula from a population of 4,800. Structured questionnaires served as the primary instrument for data collection, and data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically linear regression. Findings revealed that green procurement has a significant positive influence on carbon footprint reduction (B = 0.843, t = 12.056, p = 0.000), explaining 67.8% of the variance (R² = 0.678). Similarly, biodiversity conservation demonstrated a strong positive effect on carbon footprint reduction (B = 0.780, t = 11.512, p = 0.000), accounting for 65.4% of the variance (R² = 0.654). Environmental policies also significantly influenced carbon footprint reduction (B = 0.267, β = 0.581, t = 6.187, p = 0.000), though with a moderate explanatory power of 37.1% (R² = 0.371). The study concludes that fostering a strong green organizational culture through sustainable procurement practices, biodiversity conservation, and effective environmental policies significantly reduces carbon emissions in public universities. It recommends institutionalizing green procurement policies, implementing biodiversity-friendly campus designs, and enforcing environmental sustainability policies aligned with global standards to promote eco-friendly university operations.