Assessing quantity and spatial patterns of greenspaces in Chinese universities for enhancing sustainable development

Greenspaces on university campuses have gained recognition for their multifaceted impact on the physical, social, emotional and intellectual well-being of students. The allocation of resources towards the development and maintenance of greenspaces is regarded as a strategy in the pursuit of sustainable development goals. However, the research on greenspaces within higher education has been inadequate. This study conducts an assessment of greenspaces within 2556 Chinese universities using remote sensing and geospatial technology, analysing the disparities in their distribution and exploring the spatial patterns and driving factors on a national scale. A national university greenspace database is obtained. Unexpectedly, the study finds that greenspace area and proportion within Chinese universities are relatively low in comparison to the greenspace areas outside the campus and of the city. There is heterogeneity and a decreasing trend in university greenspace. Compared to university faculty and off-campus population, university students have the lowest per capita greenspace area. Of concern is the significant issue of greenspace inequality. Our research suggests that the inequality in greenspace provision for university students can be explained by factors of economic development, educational investments and provincial greenspace supply. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the state of greenspaces in Chinese universities and calls for interdisciplinary and interdepartmental cooperation to address issues of greenspace inequality and campus greening, ensuring the sustainability and livability of urban areas and university campuses.