Crisis Management Days

Knowledge of the Concept of Sustainability: A Survey-Based Study with Statistical Data Analysis

Elma Polanec

Polanec

Keywords: sustainability, sustainable development, public awareness, survey research, statistical analysis, Croatia

Abstract

This research examines the level of public awareness and understanding of the concept of sustainability among the general population. The central research question is whether people truly understand what sustainability means, what its purpose is, and why it matters in today's world. Through a structured survey, respondents were asked about their familiarity with the term, their perception of its goals and significance, and their awareness of how sustainability is applied in everyday life. The study also explores the current state of sustainability practices in Croatia, how developed they are, to what extent they are implemented across different sectors, and what barriers may exist in their broader adoption. The collected data was processed using statistical methods in order to identify patterns, measure the level of understanding across different demographic groups, and draw meaningful conclusions about the general level of sustainability literacy. The results of this research aim to highlight potential gaps in public knowledge and raise awareness of the importance of sustainable development as a concept that affects environmental, social, and economic well-being. The results may serve as a foundation for further educational initiatives and policy considerations regarding the promotion of sustainability in the Croatian context.