In our society, sustainability has emerged as a crucial determinant of how we engage with the world around us such as the built environment, particularly in light of worsening climate change and increased awareness of sustainability. This research investigates Mongolians’ perceptions of sustainability, their sources of sustainability education, and attitudes towards sustainable infrastructure and the BRI. Utilizing linear and logistic regressions on survey data, the study reveals that learning about sustainability in school positively influences individuals’ prioritization of sustainability in life and infrastructure projects. Furthermore, those who recognize sustainability’s importance for Mongolia’s future development are more inclined to prioritize sustainability over costs in infrastructure endeavors, leading to heightened awareness of BRI’s environmental impacts. The research emphasizes the pivotal role of formal education in shaping individual attitudes towards sustainability, highlighting the need for incorporating sustainability concepts into the education system to foster an environmentally conscious society. Additionally, while the public values sustainability, challenges persist in policy implementation and public awareness, suggesting a need for enhanced civil society engagement and informed decision-making within the infrastructure and BRI contexts.