Application of Meta-Synthesis Technique in Environmental Education Policy Based on Carbon Footprint Management in Gas Refineries

The gas refining industry, as one of the most important industries and economic production sectors in Iran, is both influenced by and impacts the global economy. However, attention to economic factors should not overshadow the environmental impacts of these industries, including greenhouse gas emissions, which represent one of the most critical environmental issues today. Measuring and assessing greenhouse gas emissions requires carbon footprint management education, which is a key element in this area. Therefore, this study aims to apply the meta-synthesis technique in policymaking for environmental education based on carbon footprint management in gas refineries.

By employing a systematic review and meta-synthesis approach, the findings and results of previous studies were analyzed. Through the seven-step method of Sandelowski and Barroso, key factors were identified. Out of 579 articles, 42 were selected based on the CASP method, and the validity of the analysis was confirmed with a Kappa coefficient of 0.886. Data analysis using ATLAS TI software identified 84 initial codes grouped into 16 categories and five concepts.

Based on the meta-synthesis technique, five main concepts, encompassing 16 categories and 84 codes, were identified. The identified concepts include educational content, environmental education infrastructure, organizational environmental performance, external organizational challenges, and the effectiveness of environmental education. The identified categories include: analysis, design, implementation, evaluation, technological and technical infrastructure, planning, identification of individual characteristics, supervisory factors, carbon footprint management, environmental culture, interorganizational collaboration, environmental factors, planning and policymaking, organizational performance improvement, employee satisfaction, and organizational growth and maturity.

The application of the meta-synthesis technique in environmental education policymaking based on carbon footprint management in gas refineries enables the identification, integration, and comprehensive analysis of various studies and findings. This technique, by combining up-to-date and diverse data from reliable sources, systematically examines different dimensions of environmental education, including educational methods, performance indicators, and environmental impacts. Utilizing meta-synthesis can lead to the extraction of best educational practices and the design of programs tailored to the specific needs of the refinery industry. Consequently, policymaking based on this technique not only optimizes educational and managerial processes but also paves the way for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing environmental sustainability in this critical and sensitive industry. The effectiveness of environmental education can also be assessed through continuous evaluation of refinery performance and operations. These evaluations can be conducted by comparing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and the reduction of other environmental pollutants in refineries before and after implementing educational programs. Such evaluations highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these programs, enabling their improvement and optimization. Consequently, enhancing the quality of environmental education to better manage carbon footprints in gas refineries can significantly improve the environmental and economic performance of this industry. Developing environmental education policies based on carbon footprint management in gas refineries is essential for ensuring environmental quality and mitigating the negative effects of climate change.