Testing the impact of sustainable development policies in Canton Geneva

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify the impact of two Canton Geneva pedagogical tools devised to sensibilise the local population to sustainable development issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey attempts to verify individuals' awareness and opinion towards sustainable development, as well as the influence of both tools on their routines. In total, 992 people who live and work in Canton Geneva answered a questionnaire that was administered between January and February 2008.

Findings

People feel concerned by sustainable development issues and seem to be motivated to adapt their routines to comply with its needs. However, they feel not to be sufficiently informed: experiencing either or both pedagogical tools seems to positively influence individuals' behaviours.

Originality/value

The paper provides some measures about the impact of educational driven programmes on individuals' awareness and behaviours towards sustainable development.

Citation

Catenazzo, G., Epalle, A., Fragnière, E. and Tuberosa, J. (2010), "Testing the impact of sustainable development policies in Canton Geneva", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 21 No. 6, pp. 845-861. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831011077682