INTEGRATING WATER FOOTPRINTS AND ANALYZING THE CONSUMER BEHAVIOR OF URBAN STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY AT HANOI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE ANDTECHNOLOGY, VIETNAM

Abstract

Urban water demand is increasingly influenced by indirect consumption through goods and services, particularly among young people with rapidly changing lifestyles. This study integrates water footprint (WF) calculation with behavioral analysis to quantify individual water use and identify key factors driving water use among urban students, using Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) as a case study. The study surveyed 394 representative students, collecting data on direct water use, food consumption patterns, and socioeconomic characteristics. The water footprint was calculated by combining direct water use and indirect consumption based on established water intensity coefficients. The results show that the average individual water footprint of students ranges from approximately 1400 to 2000 m³/year, with virtual water accounting for over 90% of the total water footprint. Food consumption, particularly of animal products, is the dominant component. Significant differences are observed between gender, living conditions, and spending levels. The study highlights a conflict between students' perceptions of water conservation and actual consumption behavior, thus demonstrating the need for solutions to promote sustainable practices. By integrating behavioral factors into the assessment of the water footprint, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of urban water consumption needs and behaviors. The research findings emphasize the importance of demand-side management strategies targeting consumption behavior, especially among young urban populations, thereby contributing to sustainable water resource management and policy design in rapidly urbanizing areas of developing countries.