Universities as sustainability agents! Does green campus ensure green intellectual capital? A quantitative approach to the triggering role of green knowledge sharing and green innovation

Purpose This article aims to explore the concept of green campus (GC) being implemented in Pakistan’s universities in order to attain green intellectual capital (GIC). Design/methodology/approach Primary data were collected from the 20 public sector universities in the Punjab province, Pakistan. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS and MPLUS software. Findings Results confirm that green practices help universities to attain GIC. Further, the results also confirm the mediating role of green knowledge sharing (GKS) and green innovation (GI). Research limitations/implications The data were gathered from public sector universities in Pakistan. Hence, the findings of the present study may not be generalized to the private universities, other sectors or countries. Practical implications This study provides insights regarding the implementation of GC paradigm from technological perspective. This can enhance the information exchange among sustainability practitioners in order to introduce innovative solutions for addressing sustainability challenges. Social implications This study has developed a transdisciplinary policy framework that provides guidelines for higher education institutions in Pakistan to attain GI and IC. Originality/value The originality lies in framing GC as a generator of GIC while also establishing a strong link between IC, economy and the environment by demonstrating how environmental sustainability initiatives influence economic gains through enhanced reputation, cost reduction and stakeholder engagement. This study has developed a theoretical framework based on resource-based theory, which supports the notion that GCs will lead to GIC by developing GKS and GI.