Analysis of Energy-saving Behavior among University Students in Vietnam

Currently, in the course of serious environmental problems where the cause is anthropogenic, such as global warming, not only the technology and policies but also the promotions of pro-environmental behavior are required. However, previous studies reported a gap between high environmental awareness and behavior. So to promote this practice, it is necessary to clarify the determinants that lead to practice. Because of the rapid economic growth in developing countries, including Vietnam, pollution problems and energy consumption are of major importance. This study aims to propose methods to promote pro-environmental practices based on a questionnaire and statistical analysis that investigated university students in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh city. From the factor analysis, in actions to do with the power-saving behavior of standby power and home electronics, and the use of air conditioning, four evaluation criteria including effectiveness, cost feasibility, convenience, and social norms are extracted. The covariance structure analysis showed that the evaluation of convenience represented the strongest causal relation to a given power-saving action, and the action, in turn, can lead to improvements in most practical activities so as to enhance their convenience. Finally, several methods to save energy are proposed based on the results of the questionnaire.