KDU initiatives for ‘Climate Action’
Many universities around the world are taking action to address climate change. Some common initiatives include sustainability programmes, research and innovation, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, curriculum integration, green buildings, waste reduction, sustainable food initiatives and community engagement.
Facilitating the global concept of Climate Action, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University establishes sustainability programs that focus on reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices on campus. It conducts research on climate change and sustainable technologies, contributing to the development of solutions to environmental challenges. University is increasingly investing in renewable energy sources like solar power to reduce their carbon footprint. Facilitating sustainable transportation, KDU encourages the students and stuff to walk, take stairs instead of elevators, or to use electric rickshaw developed by the Faculty of Engineering to move about on campus which help in reducing emissions from transportation.
As per curriculum integration, the university incorporates climate and sustainability topics into the curriculum to educate students about environmental issues and solutions. It also constructs buildings with energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features. Waste reduction is also done through reducing single-use plastics on campus as per the National Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management 2021-2030.
KDU has taken steps for sustainable food initiatives by promoting locally sourced and organic food, reducing food waste to 7.8kg per person per year, and offering plant-based dining options. It also engages with local communities to promote sustainability and collaborate on climate-related projects. Thus, by these actions, KDU reflects a growing awareness of the need for universities to play a role in addressing climate change and inspiring future leaders and innovators to make a positive impact on the environment.
