Critical drivers of changes in energy-saving behaviours in student housing in Northern Ghana

Purpose – Energy saving in student housing has become a major challenge in the growing tertiary higher learning institutions in Africa. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the drivers of changes in energy-saving behaviours in student housing in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – This study is quantitative based on the theory of planned behaviour. A survey of 1, 702 on-campus university student housing users in Northern Ghana was conducted using a simple random sampling technique. Behavioural drivers were conceptualised into two broad themes and analysed using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model tool. Findings – The findings of this study accept the general view that behavioural factors affect energy saving. However, financial, indoor environmental quality and student housing energy management techniques positively determine changes in energy-saving behaviours in student housing than behavioural factors. Knowledge-related factors did not show any contribution to behavioural intentions of energy saving. Practical implications – An all-inclusive energy-saving mechanism, highlighting improvement in student housing conditions, can enhance energy saving. Aside from this, increasing the attention to sustainability and energy efficiency programs in student housing environments can provide positive potential for energy saving in student housing. Originality/value – Introducing the theory of planned behaviour in similar studies confirms the large contributions of behavioural drivers to energy saving. The additional exploration of other drivers in this study showcases the potential of influencing energy-saving decisions in student housing within the sub-Saharan sub-region.