Higher Education Sustainability: Investigating the barriers and opportunities to sustainable infrastructural development in tertiary education institutions

Abstract

The research investigates sustainability initiatives in South African higher education, focusing on the refurbishment of water heating systems at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It examines the economic and environmental impacts of adopting greener technologies, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement. Using a mixed methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews to understand stakeholder perspectives with quantitative analysis of costs and carbon emissions. The findings reveal that the new water heating system significantly reduces emissions—6.6 times less than the traditional system—resulting in a 9.71 kg monthly carbon footprint versus 64.296 kg with old geysers. Financial analysis shows an 81% cost reduction in water heating expenses due to the switch from grid electricity to natural gas, achieving a 4.16% return on investment. The research underscores the challenges in securing broad stakeholder support and the importance of a holistic sustainability approach that integrates economic, environmental, and social factors. It highlights the potential of such initiatives to reduce environmental impact, save costs, and drive innovation, providing insights for future sustainability efforts in higher education.