Climate Action Plan from 2019-2024

Introduction

Consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. Hence, there is a strong case for the College to take bold and decisive action to address this global crisis which is significantly visible in the Maldives. Our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and the well-being of our planet has led us to develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that outlines our path towards a more sustainable future.

At Villa College, we recognize that higher education institutes play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and actions of future generations. We have a unique opportunity to not only educate our students about the challenges posed by climate change but also to become leaders in implementing tangible solutions. Our Climate Action Plan serves as a roadmap, guiding us towards meaningful change across all aspects of our operations. It mainly focuses on three areas: operations research, education and outreach.

The fundamental objective of our plan is to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. We understand that achieving sustainability requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing every facet of our institution. From our academic programs and research initiatives to our campus operations and community engagement, our Climate Action Plan will serve as a compass, directing our collective efforts towards a more resilient and environmentally conscious institution.

This plan reflects a collaborative effort that involves input from students, faculty, staff, and local stakeholders as we aim to foster an inclusive and innovative environment that fosters environmental awareness, critical thinking, and sustainable practices.

This Climate Action Plan outlines a series of ambitious yet achievable goals and targets that will guide our progress over the coming years, especially the next 5 years. It encompasses a range of strategies, such as reducing energy consumption, transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing resource efficiency, promoting sustainable transportation options, and integrating sustainability into our curriculum and research endeavours. We are also committed to engaging with our local community, forging partnerships, and advocating for policy changes that support our sustainability objectives.

Furthermore, this Climate Action Plan will prioritize transparency and accountability. Regular monitoring, reporting, and evaluation will ensure that we remain on track to meet our targets and identify areas for improvement. We recognize that our efforts must be adaptable and responsive to evolving scientific knowledge and technological advancements. Therefore, this plan will be a living document, subject to continuous review and revision to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

As members of the VC community, we have a shared responsibility to be agents of change and catalysts for sustainability. Our Climate Action Plan embodies our commitment to this crucial endeavour. By implementing its strategies, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, and inspiring future generations, we will not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Together, let us embark on this transformative journey towards a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious College. Our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow, and with our collective efforts, we can lead the way in creating a sustainable and thriving planet for generations to come.

Rationale

VC develops this plan with the understanding and belief that the climate change is happening and it is a true story. It is a real deal and climate change is now, not tomorrow. Associated with this belief, VC also believe that ‘going green is not only trendy, but also there is also a growing demand from all sphere of life for sustainable practices. More importantly, we felt the need for everyone to their part in protecting the environment. This plan is driven by two major strategies under the goals 4 and 9 in the VC strategic plan:

Goal 4: Student experience – ‘Nurture a culture of creativity, innovation, wellness, and good citizenship in students’; and

Gola 9: Finance and infrastructure – ‘Emphasize financially and environmentally sustainable practices in campus operation and development’.

Key areas of focus

1. Operations:

   a. Carbon Neutrality: The current government has set a national goal of becoming a carbon neutral economy by 2030. Hence, we will contribute to this national goal of carbon neutrality by implementing energy-efficient practices and transitioning to renewable energy sources. This will involve conducting energy audits, optimizing building designs, retrofitting existing infrastructure, and exploring innovative technologies to minimize our carbon footprint. The following specific activities will be carried out:

   - Landscaping campus grounds

   - Villa College Rose Garden, Orchid Garden, Lotus Ponds, ornamental bridges & other water features enhance the aesthetics while providing a welcome oasis of fresh air & shade within the bustling city

   - Energy saving Villa College saves up to 40-50% savings from electricity costs per month which is approximately 410 tons of C02, equivalent to planting 18,700 trees per month.

   - Switching to LED lights

   - Unplug electronics when not in use

   b. Waste Reduction and Recycling: We will implement robust waste management strategies, promoting recycling, composting, and the reduction of single-use plastics across campus. Additionally, we will prioritize responsible procurement practices that emphasize sustainable sourcing and support local businesses. The following specific activities will be carried out:

   - Ban single - use plastics

   - Zero Plastic practices throughout VC

   - Establishing garbage return points and waste sorting stations

   - Use Reusable water bottles & coffee mugs – provide filling stations

   - Use electronics instead of paper.

   c. Water Conservation: We will promote water efficiency by implementing water-saving measures, upgrading infrastructure, and educating the campus community on the importance of responsible water use. Specific activities will include:

   - We will do rainwater conservation at our Villa College for gardens, and we will use this water for toilet flushing to which effectively brings reduction of desalinated water.

   - We will harvest the water coming out from the Aircon outdoors and use it to water the plants in our garden. This way the water will not be gone as waste.

   - We will also have a mechanism in which the rain water which is not conserved will be absorbed directly to the ground.

2. Research:

   a. Climate Science and Adaptation: We will enhance our research efforts to better understand the impacts of climate change and develop innovative solutions for adaptation and resilience. This will involve fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, establishing research centres, and securing grants to support climate-related studies. We will attract research grants for climate change and adaptation issues and themes.

   b. Sustainable Technologies and Practices: We will prioritize research and development of sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy systems, green building materials, and circular economy models. Our goal is to drive innovation and contribute to the global transition to a low-carbon and resource-efficient society.

3. Education and Outreach:

   a. Curriculum Integration: We will integrate sustainability and climate-related topics into our academic curriculum across disciplines. This will include the development of new courses, programs, and interdisciplinary initiatives that empower students with the knowledge and skills to address climate change.

   b. Campus Engagement: We will foster a culture of sustainability by engaging and empowering students, faculty, and staff to actively participate in sustainable practices. This will involve awareness campaigns, workshops, and incentives to encourage behaviour change, such as promoting public transportation, cycling, and sustainable food choices.

   c. Community Partnerships: We will collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to address regional environmental challenges collectively. By fostering partnerships, we will contribute to local climate action plans, engage in knowledge sharing, and support sustainable initiatives beyond our campus boundaries.

Monitoring and Accountability:

We recognize the importance of regular monitoring, reporting, and evaluation to ensure the effectiveness of our Climate Action Plan. We will establish benchmarks, track progress, and report our achievements transparently to the university community and stakeholders. Through periodic reviews, we will identify areas for improvement and adapt our strategies to align with emerging best practices and technological advancements.

Conclusion:

VC's Climate Action Plan demonstrates our commitment to sustainability in operations, research, and education and outreach. By integrating sustainable practices, advancing climate research, and empowering our community, we will contribute to national and global efforts in combating climate change. Together, we can inspire positive change, cultivate resilient communities, and shape a sustainable future for generations to come.