In the quest for environmental sustainability in the construction industry of developing nations, increasing green awareness and upskilling have been among the top decarbonization strategies required. While much emphasis has been laid on the professionals within the industry, little attention is being paid to the greenness of the training received by prospective professionals in tertiary institutions. This study investigates the awareness level of students studying construction related courses in South Africa on environmental sustainability principles as stipulated by SDG 13 (Climate Action) and the UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (Green Curriculum Guidance). The study adopted a quantitative research technique to evaluate the green knowledge of purposively sampled final year students within the study area. Data was gathered with the aid of a closed-ended questionnaire administered to the study sample. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used for data analysis. A total of 162 data sets were subjected to exploratory factor analysis test and the results revealed three basic constructs for the sustainability knowledge of final year students within the study area. These are energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and water conservation. The study contributes to the body of knowledge via the delineation of compelling constructs within which students’ awareness level of sustainable environmental principles are determined. Additionally, it accentuates the need for further integration of environmental conservation into the existing curriculum within construction related courses in tertiary institutions if the climate commitments in developing nations are to be met.