Technology integration and its role in promoting green sustainable campuses in Saudi Arabia

Purpose This study aims to explore the role of advanced technologies – smart building technologies (SBT), Internet of Things systems (IoTS), data analytics for resource management (DARM) and automation in facilities (AF) – in promoting green sustainable campuses (GSC) within Saudi Arabia’s higher education sector. It investigates the mediating role of technology adoption (TA) and the moderating role of digital infrastructure (DI), aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI). Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design targeted faculty, administrative staff and students from the top ten Saudi universities, yielding 429 valid responses. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modeling with Smart-PLS 4.0. The study assessed direct relationships, as well as the mediating and moderating effects of TA and DI, respectively, on GSC. Findings The results revealed significant direct effects of SBT, IoTS, DARM and AF on GSC, underscoring their critical roles in achieving sustainability. TA was found to significantly mediate these relationships, enhancing the effectiveness of technology integration. DI significantly moderated the relationships for SBT, DARM and AF with GSC, but not for IoTS, suggesting differential infrastructure dependencies among the technologies. These findings highlight the necessity of robust adoption strategies and strategic investments in digital infrastructure to optimize sustainability outcomes. Originality/value This study provides a novel application of DOI within the higher education sustainability context, offering empirical insights into the varied impacts of TA and DI on technology integration in Saudi universities. It underscores the need for phased technology implementation and strategic alignment of digital capabilities with sustainability goals in emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia.