Examining the ecological footprint of academics according to some variables: The example of Bursa Uludag University

This study was conducted to determine and evaluate the ecological footprints of academics working at Bursa Uludağ University (BUU). In the research, a survey form prepared for the participants was applied to 281 academics selected as a sample from the 1040 academics working at the university. Through the survey, data on the participants' demographic information, knowledge level, awareness regarding the ecological footprint, and consumption habits were collected. In the analysis of consumption habits, the Global Footprint Network's calculation tool was used to determine the participants' ecological footprints and how many planets would be needed based on their current consumption habits. The data obtained from the survey were analyzed using the Minitab program and the F-test to determine the relationships between variables. According to the analysis results, the ecological footprint of BUU academics was calculated as 5.78 gha, and the required number of planets was 3.55. In the distribution of the ecological footprint components, the carbon footprint ranked first with 3.66 gha. In the study, the faculties with the lowest ecological footprints were identified as the Faculty of Architecture (4.90 gha), Faculty of Agriculture (4.89 gha), and Faculty of Sports Sciences (4.37 gha). When examining the relationship between demographic data and ecological footprint, it was found that household income was an important variable, and the ecological footprint decreased as the income group increased. As a result, ecological footprint measurements to be carried out across the university can provide significant guidance for the university administration in policy-making as an important part of sustainable campus initiatives.