Speaking Their Language: Does Environmental Signage Align to Personal Dimensions of Environmentally Responsible Behavior in Undergraduate Residence Halls?

Everyday environmental behaviors within the residential sphere contribute significantly to global carbon emissions. Understanding factors underlying these is key changing behavior. This paper examines undergraduate behavior in on-campus housing as a case study with following aims: (1) identify personal dimensions that underlie undergraduates’ environmentally responsible (ERBs) and (2) determine if signage aligns existing dimensions. involved an online survey of ERBs, values, motivations, knowledge students six residence halls. A content analysis examined how values motivations were used frame messages. Comparisons made communications aligned occupants’ motivations. Undergraduate ERBs are supported by subjects’ Biospheric Environmental Concern, motivation engage Technology. Female subjects performed more than male students. Male placed higher value on Egoism, which was associated poorer behaviors. Signage behavioral appeals relatively cost-effective prevalent intervention strategy. However, should be tailored appeal range target audience, including students’ desires interact technology benefits responsibility.