Preamble
Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU) pledges to take essential steps to promote sustainability and lessen its carbon impact in response to the pressing need to combat climate change. The purpose of this Sustainability and Climate Action Policy is to direct the university’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve natural resources, and promote a sustainable culture among its stakeholders, employees, and students. The University plans teaching and knowledge sharing programmes to make sure the information we produce is shared with people in charge of policy and user demands in society and as well. To spread the importance of the sustainability of the sustainable development goals (SDG) the university plan is to involves the SDGs in each academic curriculum research area.
Policy Objectives
The key objectives of the Sustainability and Climate Action Policy are as follows:
The curriculum of the university is meant to help students understand the environment. Assign its alumni the skills, information, and dispositions necessary to positively impact their future careers and lives. Establish and maintain an institutional culture that places a high priority on the SDGs, sustainability, and social justice. Give all pupils and responsible adults curriculum resources that are appropriate for the environment.
Emphasise to teachers and students the importance of acting alone and in groups to solve regional and global problems. It is encouraged and supported to conduct multidisciplinary research on the SDGs, sustainability, and social justice. Plan regular gatherings and exercises to increase awareness in the community.
The university is dedicated to ensuring energy conservation by minimising the use of electricity. Utilising energy from renewable sources, reducing paper use by offering online resources, Using well-ventilated and well-lit classrooms, cutting back on air conditioning consumption, and upgrading electronics on a regular basis to guarantee energy efficiencyThe use of renewable energy at universities is a significant step in the fight against global warming.
Going green will also make these more appealing to prospective students who care about the environment. The institution will be able to maximise its renewable energy endeavours by concentrating on these five areas. as we transition to using renewable energy sources for heating and power, to promote the use of solar, wind, and other sustainable energy sources on campus. Energy conservation contributes to reducing climate change in addition to aiding in environmental conservation. Sulaimani Polytechnic University is always taking action to conserve energy. A variety of blocks now have solar panels installed to provide the necessary energy for the hostels.
Climate change Infrastructure:
To ensure that infrastructure can survive climate-related challenges, the university will incorporate climate resilience components into new construction and renovations.
Sustainable Transportation:
Encourage staff and students to take public transportation, bike, walk, and carpool. Establish charging stations for electric cars and give preference to using hybrid and electric vehicles on campus.
Green landscape:
The university’s, green landscape enhances the college’s aesthetic appeal. One aspect of the university’s mission is the creation of a clean and green campus. Additionally, campus tree counts are being raised through plantation initiatives. Planting and caring for the trees is another aspect of several extracurricular activities. The institution uses the vertical development model rather than the horizontal approach in order to encourage the growth of new plantations.
There are now about 14+K students enrolled in the university’s various programmes. There are several dorms on campus for both boys and girls, which contributes to the massive production of solid trash. The institution is dedicated to managing solid waste effectively by using appropriate procedures for processing and segregation. To reduce landfill trash, implement recycling programmes, waste segregation, and composting promotion. Maintain and develop campus green areas to boost biodiversity and enhance the quality of the air. The university separates its waste into dry and wet categories, making environmentally friendly waste disposal simple.
Water Consumption:
One of the biggest obstacles to achieving the goals of sustainable development is the water problem. The Sulaimani Polytechnic University works hard to protect this priceless resource. The university’s faucets and other fixtures have been chosen with care to minimise water leakage. Water conservation is taken into consideration when watering the university’s exterior spaces. It is encouraged to use sprinklers to reduce water usage. Water conservation is the goal of frequent water audits, which examine the intake and output of water in different sectors.
Suppliers Engagement:
To encourage a sustainable culture among employees and students. Include sustainable ideas in the curriculum and in your research projects.
- Aim and Responsibility: The administration of the university will be in charge of monitoring the application of this policy.
- Record and Report: The university will evaluate its success in reaching sustainability goals and update stakeholders on its progress through the preparation of regular progress reports.
- Academic staff integration: to encourage employees and students to adopt a sustainable culture. Include ideas of sustainability in the curriculum and research projects.
Sulaimani Polytechnic University will work in close cooperation with governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, business associates, and other academic establishments to exchange information, resources, and best practices about sustainability and climate action.
Conclusion
Sulaimani Polytechnic University exhibits its commitment to setting a good example and having a positive impact on society and the environment through the Sustainability and Climate Action Policy.
The institution hopes to make a major contribution to the worldwide effort to fight climate change and build a more sustainable future for everybody by encouraging a sustainable and climate-conscious campus community.
This policy was approved by the President of the University on 1 September 2022 and annual updates were made in September 2023.