This is the conclusion of a survey conducted by OpinionWay for Mines Saint-Étienne on young people’s opinions regarding the integration of environmental issues by higher education institutions.
The survey was conducted among 613 French higher education students, using the quota method, from June 9 to 19, 2023. Alongside this study, a consultation was also carried out by OpinionWay among 155 students from Mines Saint-Étienne.
This survey highlights the importance of considering environmental issues when deciding to join a higher education institution. Even if this criterion ranks behind the interest of the program, geographical location, or financial issues, it remains a significant point of reflection that can prompt a departure. As proof, 33% of respondents would be ready to leave their institution if they realized its carbon footprint was catastrophic.
According to Jacques Fayolle, Director of Mines Saint-Étienne: “ This barometer makes it possible to objectively assess the importance of ecological transition issues in the choice of school or university for young people’s initial training. Looking at the results of this first edition of the barometer, two main elements stand out :
- On the one hand, the proportion (24%) of young men and women who place social and ecological transition issues, and likely climate change, at the heart of their study choice algorithm.
- On the other hand, for Mines Saint-Étienne, its position as a national leader and top 100 worldwide on these themes is well identified. Students who chose to join Mines Saint-Étienne express a significantly greater attachment to the consideration of environmental issues (21%) than the general student population (14%). Thus, this barometer provides figures to support the relevance of Mines Saint-Étienne’s strategic positioning as a responsible engineering school and a driver of innovations with societal impact. ”
It should be noted that among students currently training at Mines Saint-Étienne, 91% believe that institutions are increasingly integrating environmental issues. 6 out of 10 students feel they are acquiring professional skills at Mines Saint-Étienne that have a clearly identified impact on these matters.
