Aasai

WAYS TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL COGNITIONS.

A.LABELLING.

Labelling in environmental psychology serves as a key tool to influence how individuals interact with their environment.It refers to the use of signs, symbols or texts to communicate specific messages or information in physical spaces with the aim of influencing peoples behaviours, perceptions or attitudes towards the environment.Environmental psychology examines how these labels can shape the way individuals interact with and respond to their sorroundings.

B.WAYS OF LABELLING.

1.Energy conservation labels

For examples in buildings such as physical science complex and hostels labels near light switches or electrical appliances can encourage energy conservation and they include:

-save energy, lower your bills

-please  turn off lights when not in use

Purpose:These labels remind individuals to switch off lights, appliances and computers when not in use which helps reduce energy consumption.

2. Recycling and Waste Management Labels

 Clear labelling on recycle bins in public spaces, offices,parks and sanitorium.

 “Please recycle your paper here”

“Plastic bottles only”

“No food waste in this bin”

Purpose: They help people understand how to dispose off different types of wastes properly, encouraging recycling and reducing littering.

3.Environmental Impact Labels

Signage that educates people individuals about environmental impact of their actions or the space itself.e.g Botanical gardens 

“ Plastic waste takes 1,000 years to decompose”

“ This forest is home of endangered species - help protect their habitat”

Purpose: These labels raise awareness of environmental consequences of certain behaviours,encouraging more sustainable practices and fostering a sense of responsibility toward nature.

4. Wayfinding Labels 

Signage that helps individuals navigate spaces ,such as Egerton University,public spaces within an educational institution.

“ Restrooms ahead ”

“ Exit to the left”

“Recycling stations located near the entrance”

Purpose:  These labels provide directions and ensure that people can easily find key locations,such as restrooms or recycling bins,improving the flow of space and reducing confusion in public areas.

5. Health and Safety Labels 

Labels in public places or workplaces that emphasizes health and safety guidelines.

“ Wash your hands before eating”

“ Please wear a mask in this area”

“Use the hand sanitizer provided”

Purpose: These labels help maintain public health and safety , especially in areas prone to high traffic or in environments that require sanitation or personal protective measures.

6. Water Conservation Labels

These labels promote conservation of water resources e.g public toilets 

“ Switch off taps after use”

Purpose:  To enhance water conservation and limit water bills . This also contribute to general environmental conservation.

            AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT

1.Colour coding

The lecture rooms should be colour coded with different colours to enhance wayfinding for example the FEDCOS offices to be painted yellow,EDs to be painted in green and GOs to be painted blue.

In addition to that,bridges such as Njokerio bridge should be painted red to symbolise caution and danger.

Purpose:To enhance wayfinding to various locations.

2.Accurate numbering

Some lecture rooms lack numbering for easy identification.

Purpose: To reduce stress caused by losing directions during rush or morning lessons.

3.Showing arrrows

The moment you enter a big building for example Physical science complex,there should be arrows indicating directions to specific rooms inside the building.

Purpose: Improve wayfinding and leading new students for example first year Psychology students.

4. Use of descriptive maps at the entrances 

To help identifying the rooms offices and places.

Purpose:To ensure all people at the department have clear description of buildings offices and floors.