Abstract:
Green computing is a vital concept that promotes the environmentally responsible use
of information technology to conserve energy, reduce electronic waste, and
encourage sustainable digital practices. As frequent users of digital technologies and
future professionals, university students play a crucial role in supporting and
spreading green computing practices. However, limited research in the Sri Lankan
context has explored the level of awareness among students and the factors
influencing it. This study addresses this gap by examining the factors of green
computing awareness among state university students in Sri Lanka. The research
investigates five independent variables: knowledge, institutional support, government
policies, responsibility for the environment, and compatibility. A quantitative
research design was applied, and data were collected through a structured
questionnaire from 384 undergraduate students across 17 state universities in Sri
Lanka using cluster sampling. Data analysis included reliability and validity testing,
descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The model explained
53.5% of the variance in awareness (R² = 0.535). Results indicate that all five factors
significantly and positively influence awareness: knowledge (β = 0.339, p < .001),
institutional support (β = 0.234, p < .001), government policies (β = 0.154, p = .022),
responsibility for the environment (β = 0.168, p = .011), and compatibility (β = 0.107,
p = .044). Among these, knowledge had the strongest influence, followed by
institutional support. Importantly, the findings highlight that awareness cannot be
fostered by knowledge alone but also requires institutional backing, supportive
policies, environmental responsibility, and alignment with students’ lifestyles and
technological habits. This study bridges a regional research gap and offers actionable
insights for policymakers, educators, and university administrators to design
programs and policies that enhance sustainable IT practices. Promoting green
computing at the university level not only cultivates environmentally responsible
students but also contributes to Sri Lanka’s national sustainability agenda and global
environmental goals.
