BUILDING SUSTAINABLE CAMPUSES: HOW GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SATISFACTION AND ACCESSIBILITY DRIVE LONG-TERM PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?

Abstract

This study investigates how satisfaction with and accessibility to campus green infrastructure influence students’ motivation and long-term participation in physical activity. As universities pursue sustainable development aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), green infrastructure—comprising parks, trails, and eco-friendly recreational zoneshas emerged as a crucial driver of health and well-being. Guided by Self-Determination Theory and environmental psychology frameworks, this quantitative study employed a cross-sectional survey of 300 university students and analyzed the data using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results revealed that satisfaction with green infrastructure significantly predicts physical activity motivation (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), which in turn strongly influences long-term participation (β = 0.48, p < 0.001). Accessibility (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and maintenance (β = 0.35, p < 0.001) were also key determinants of usage frequency, while demographic factors and perceived barriers mediated engagement levels. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed model validity with robust indices (CFI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.046). The findings highlight that well-maintained, accessible, and aesthetically appealing green spaces enhance motivation, satisfaction, and behavioral persistence toward active living. Universities are therefore encouraged to embed sustainable design, routine maintenance, and inclusive accessibility policies into campus planning to foster long-term student well-being and environmental engagement.