Examining the impact of environmental education, religiousity and policy, rules and regulation on behavioural change towards green lifestyle / Prof.Madya Dr. Noor Zahirah Mohd Sidek

Environmental sustainability is an urgent global concern, necessitating significant behavioral changes at individual and societal levels which calls for conservation. These changes include adopting eco-friendly practices such as consuming green products, supporting the circular economy, reducing waste, and advocating clean energy. Achieving such transformations requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates knowledge dissemination, religious teachings, and policy interventions. This study explores the combined influence of these factors—mediated by subjective norms—on fostering behavioral changes toward environmental sustainability among university students. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Norm Activation Theory, the study examines how knowledge equips individuals with critical awareness, how Islamic teachings promote values of stewardship and moderation, and how policy frameworks regulate and incentivize sustainable practices. It emphasizes the underexplored role of Islamic principles, which align spiritual values with ecological stewardship, advocating conservation as a sacred trust. Policies aimed at reducing pollution and promoting clean energy are evaluated for their effectiveness in driving behavioral change when aligned with cultural and spiritual dimensions. The study uses PLS-SEM as the tool for analysis. Results conform to the hypotheses where knowledge, religiousity, and policy, rules and regulation with the mediating effect of subjective norms have significant impact on behavioural changes toward environmental sustainability. The study offers theoretical, empirical, and practical contributions by developing an integrative conceptual model, shedding light on youth engagement in sustainability, and informing educational, religious, and policy initiatives. This approach underscores the importance of value-driven, culturally relevant strategies for achieving environmental sustainability.