The role of universities in shaping environmental awareness: a cross-country study of student participation in sustainability

Purpose Universities not only implement sustainable practices but also bear the responsibility of fostering environmental awareness among students. However, despite universities’ commitments to sustainability, significant gaps persist in student participation and awareness. This study aims to examine university students’ perceptions of sustainability in Turkey and Germany, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes and engagement. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with a total of 393 students from three universities, including institutions with and without active sustainability efforts. The study offers a comparative analysis of students’ approaches to sustainability across developed and developing country contexts. Findings The findings show that, despite universities’ public commitments to sustainability, student participation in related initiatives remains limited. There are notable shortcomings in integrating sustainability into curricula. Students’ engagement is more strongly linked to their perception of their university’s role in sustainable development and sustainability monitoring efforts than to specific campus practices. While German students demonstrate a higher level of knowledge about sustainability, Turkish students report greater involvement in sustainability-related activities. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of how institutional context and perceived institutional commitment influence student engagement in sustainability. It underscores the need for universities to adopt a holistic sustainability approach that includes curricular integration and active student involvement. The study suggests that universities can enhance student participation by strengthening institutional visibility and accountability in sustainability efforts.