Sustainability & ESG

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and its far-reaching impacts. As an institution of higher education, we are committed to fostering a sustainable future through research, education, and responsible operational practices. This Climate Action and Sustainability Policy outlines our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint, promoting climate resilience, and contributing to national and global climate action goals. This policy is designed to be a living document, regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest scientific understanding and best practices in sustainability.

Building upon the foundation laid by our existing policies, this Climate Action and Sustainability Policy integrates the principles of energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible investment. The Institute will prioritize energy efficiency in all new constructions and renovations, adhering to stringent standards as outlined in the Energy Efficiency Policy. This includes utilizing energy-efficient building materials, implementing smart building management systems, and optimizing energy consumption across all campus facilities. Furthermore, we are committed to increasing the share of renewable energy sources in our energy mix, exploring opportunities for on-site renewable energy generation and procuring renewable energy from external sources.

Water conservation is another critical aspect of our sustainability efforts. The Water Reuse Policy serves as a guiding principle for responsible water management. We will implement measures to reduce water consumption across all campus operations, including promoting water-efficient landscaping, installing water-saving fixtures, and implementing water reuse and recycling systems. We will also educate our community on the importance of water conservation and encourage responsible water usage habits.

Recognizing the role of investments in shaping a sustainable future, the Institute is committed to responsible investment practices. The Divestment Policy reflects our commitment to moving away from carbon-intensive industries and supporting investments in sustainable and socially responsible ventures. We will actively seek opportunities to invest in companies and projects that promote clean energy, environmental conservation, and social equity.

To achieve our climate action goals, we will focus on several key areas. First, we will promote and support research on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and related fields. We will incentivize publications in high-impact journals and foster collaborations with other research institutions and organizations. Second, we will integrate climate change and sustainability into the curriculum across various disciplines, ensuring that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the challenges of climate change. We will also develop local education programs and campaigns to raise awareness about climate change risks and solutions within our community.

Furthermore, the Institute is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by a target date, aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. We will develop a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes (1, 2, and 3), including reducing energy consumption, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable transportation options. We will also implement waste reduction and recycling programs to minimize our environmental impact.

Community engagement is essential to our sustainability efforts. We will collaborate with local communities and NGOs on climate adaptation and resilience projects, and we will support local industries in improving energy efficiency and adopting clean energy technologies. We will also actively engage with our students, staff, and faculty to gather input and build support for our sustainability initiatives.

To ensure the effective implementation of this policy, we will establish a Climate Action Committee to oversee its implementation and monitor progress towards our goals. We will develop specific action plans with measurable targets and timelines, and we will regularly report on our progress. We will also publicly disclose our Climate Action Plan and progress reports to ensure transparency and accountability. This Climate Action and Sustainability Policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance in addressing the evolving challenges of climate change. Through these efforts, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology strives to be a leader in sustainability and contribute to a more resilient and equitable future for all.