1. Purpose

The University of Chittagong reaffirms its crucial role in contributing to Bangladesh’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This updated Sustainability and Climate Action Policy reinforces the University’s dedication to embedding sustainability across all its operations, encompassing academic pursuits, operational practices, and engagement with the broader community. The policy seeks to advance sustainable development, minimize the University’s environmental footprint, promote a circular economy, and foster global environmental stewardship.

1. Scope

This policy applies to all university community members, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners. It is binding on all faculties, departments, and units within the University of Chittagong.

III. Policy Objectives

This policy aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Net zero emission: The University and all its organs will adopt measures through meticulous planning to reach net-zero emission by 2030 by leveraging both mitigation and adaptation measures.
• Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy: Maximize the utilization of renewable energy sources and continually improve energy efficiency across all university operations.
• Waste Management and Circular Economy: Implement comprehensive strategies for waste reduction, reuse, repair, refurbishment, recycling, and responsible disposal, transitioning towards a circular economy model that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.
• Water Conservation and Management: Enhance water conservation techniques and ensure the protection and sustainable use of on-campus water resources.
• Sustainable Transportation: Significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with the university’s transportation systems by promoting sustainable alternatives.
• Green Building and Campus Infrastructure: Adhere to sustainable construction and maintenance practices in all campus developments, optimizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
• Sustainable Procurement: Prioritize the procurement of environmentally and socially responsible goods and services, engaging with suppliers committed to sustainability and ethical practices, aligning with the University’s Sustainable Procurement Policy.
• Forest and biodiversity conservation: The University will assist and actively work toward increasing the existing vegetation cover by planting at least 10 acres of land each year and creating environment for conservation and restoration of wildlife habitats for biodiversity conservation.
• Research, Education, and Community Engagement: Integrate sustainability principles and practices into the curriculum, promote interdisciplinary research focused on sustainability challenges, and actively engage with local and global communities on sustainability projects.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration and participation of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the local community in the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives.
• Monitoring and Implementation: Establish robust mechanisms to monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress towards achieving sustainability goals and the implementation of this policy.

1. Policy Implementation

To achieve the outlined objectives, the University will implement the following strategies:

• Energy Initiatives:
  • Ensure all new building constructions comply with the Bangladesh National Building Code regarding solar energy installation.
  • Conduct routine energy audits across all facilities to identify and implement efficiency improvements.
  • Transition existing energy systems to incorporate a significant percentage of renewable energy sources with a target to be reviewed periodically, striving towards the initial goal 2030.
• Waste Reduction and Circular Economy:
  • Develop and implement a centralized waste management system capable of handling all types of waste generated on campus. The system should strongly emphasize recycling, reuse, and minimizing landfill use, aligning with circular economy principles.
  • Promote comprehensive waste reduction initiatives across the campus, including digitalizing paper-based processes and encouraging mindful consumption.
  • Actively promote student-led initiatives and cultivate partnerships to enhance recycling and reuse programs, fostering circularity on campus, referencing the Policy on Student-Led Society Engagement with Sustainability.
  • Conduct regular waste audits to identify opportunities to reduce the University’s material footprint and minimize waste generation.
  • Provide dedicated waste management guidance and training specifically for laboratory waste management, ensuring safe and sustainable practices.
• Water Resource Management:
  • Undertake projects to protect and restore natural water bodies on campus through dedicated research and practical conservation efforts.
  • Implement water-saving technologies and practices in all university facilities to conserve water resources.
  • Enhance community outreach programs to build resilience against water stress under climate change scenarios in the surrounding areas.
  • Support research in water science aimed at sustainable living, production, consumption, pollution reduction, and the innovation of more sustainable water-sourcing methods.
• Sustainable Transportation:
  • Actively explore and implement sustainable alternatives to traditional diesel and petrol vehicles, including biodiesel and electric vehicles for the university fleet.
  • Enhance the efficiency of the existing shuttle train service and increase the utilization of electric tricycles within the campus for internal transportation.
  • Install electric vehicle charging stations on campus to encourage the university community’s adoption of electric vehicles.
• Green Building and Campus Infrastructure:
  • Ensure that all new construction and renovation projects are performed following recognized green building standards, such as incorporating sustainable materials and practices.
  • Optimize natural light and ventilation in building designs to reduce energy consumption for lighting and cooling.
• Sustainable Procurement:
  • Integrate sustainability criteria, including environmental and social considerations, into all procurement processes, aligning with the University’s Sustainable Procurement Policy.
  • Prioritize purchasing products and services that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, durable, made from recycled or renewable materials, and have minimal packaging, referencing best practices in sustainable procurement.
  • Engage with suppliers who commit to environmental and social sustainability through their policies and practices, encouraging them to adopt environmental management systems.
  • Promote the procurement of Fairtrade products where applicable, supporting ethical sourcing.
• Research, Education, and Community Engagement:
  • Incorporate sustainability topics across curricula and actively promote research on addressing sustainability challenges and developing innovative solutions.
  • Foster community-based sustainability projects and establish strategic partnerships with local and global organizations to extend the University’s impact.
  • Support student-led societies and initiatives focused on sustainability, providing resources, mentorship, and recognition, as outlined in the Policy on Student-Led Society Engagement with Sustainability.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Establish clear communication channels to inform all stakeholders about the University’s sustainability objectives, targets, and initiatives.
  • Create participatory decision-making processes to involve students, faculty, staff, and community members in developing and implementing sustainability initiatives.
  • Encourage volunteerism and activism among stakeholders to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for sustainability efforts on campus.
  • Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to leverage resources and expertise for advancing campus and community sustainability.
• Funding and Collaboration:
  • Actively seek and manage funding opportunities from national and international sources to support various sustainability projects and initiatives.
  • Strengthen collaborations and partnerships with government, non-governmental, and international organizations to amplify the impact of sustainability initiatives.

1. Overseeing Sustainability Initiatives

The University will maintain a team dedicated to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This team will be responsible for:

• Overseeing routine reporting on the progress made towards achieving the SDGs.
• Raising awareness about sustainability and the SDGs among students, staff, and faculty members through various engagement activities.
• Regularly reviewing and updating policies and guidelines related to sustainability and the SDGs.
• Assisting the University administration in launching new projects and initiatives that further enhance the University’s reputation as a center of excellence in sustainability.

1. Monitoring and Evaluation

In collaboration with the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the SDG team will develop and utilize specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) indicators to assess the effectiveness of sustainability implementations. Regular reports on the progress and performance against these indicators will be submitted to the university administration and made accessible to the university community to ensure transparency and accountability. Waste audits will be conducted periodically to inform waste management strategies and measure progress toward circular economy goals.

VII. Compliance and Enforcement

Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all university operations. The SDG team will oversee the implementation and adherence to this policy. Any non-compliance will be addressed promptly through appropriate corrective actions, including training or revisions to operational processes to ensure compliance.

VIII. Review and Amendment

This policy will be reviewed biennially, or more frequently as needed, to reflect the latest scientific findings, technological advancements, evolving best practices in environmental sustainability, and stakeholder feedback. Amendments will be made continuously to enhance the policy’s effectiveness and relevance in guiding the University’s sustainability journey.

This updated policy demonstrates the University of Chittagong’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and provides a framework for meaningful action across all its operations and engagements. By embracing these principles, the University will contribute to a more sustainable future for Bangladesh and the world.