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BRAC University, BRAC and Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance launch “Net Zero Project and Plastic-Free Zero-Waste Campus” initiative
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- 17 February, 2025
BRAC University, in collaboration with BRAC and Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance (BSA), launched a “Net Zero Project and Plastic-Free Zero-Waste Campus” initiative on the university’s Merul Badda campus today (Monday, 17 February 2025).
The initiative seeks to transform BRAC University into a zero-waste, plastic-free campus by implementing key interventions, including enhanced recycling programs, elimination of single-use plastics, and promotion of sustainable alternatives.
Implementing practical solutions to reducing plastic pollution is the key target of the BSA, a platform of entities such as BRAC, Unilever, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, PRAN-RFL Group and Marico Bangladesh formed in November 2023.
In alignment with this platform’s initiative, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Dr. Md Liakath Ali, Director, Climate Change, Urban Development and Disaster Risk Management Programme, BRAC, and Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University, at today’s event.
Addressing the event as chief guest, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, lauded BRAC University’s leadership in promoting a culture of sustainability and highlighted the crucial role of educational institutions in driving environmental responsibility. She emphasized the need for changing mindsets and habits and for collective action to combat climate change and minimize ecological footprints.
“BRAC University is committed to reimagining higher education with sustainability at its core,” said Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of BRAC University, at the event. She emphasized that true excellence came about at BRAC University through the nurturing of a profound sense of responsibility. Urging to take active steps in caring for the planet, she also stressed the importance of embedding environmental conservation into the core curriculum across all disciplines, as it is not just a concern for environmental studies but a shared responsibility.
Chairing the event, Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar highlighted the university’s proactive sustainability measures, emphasizing its commitment to waste reduction, responsible resource management, and the integration of environmentally friendly practices in campus operations. He reaffirmed BRAC University’s dedication to promoting sustainable development through education, research, and action-oriented initiatives. He also emphasized that BRAC University aspires to lead the Global South in sustainability practices, and these initiatives would position the university as a pioneer in fostering environmentally responsible solutions and driving meaningful change across the region.
Dr. David Dowland, Registrar, BRAC University, gave the opening remarks and Sankalita Shome, Chief Coordinator, BSA, gave a speech on “Together Towards a Zero-Waste Campus”.
The event also saw the awarding of seed funding of pitch contest “Zero-Waste University Challenge” run by Social Impact Lab of BRAC University for students to design and implement sustainability-driven projects contributing to the Net Zero Project.
Afterwards, the event attendees went round viewing poster presentations of students of different schools and colleges giving insights into a zero-waste lifestyle and sustainability and showcasing eco-friendly products that act as substitutes to plastic products.
The poster presentations came about through awareness sessions run by the BSA and BRAC University Outreach Program earlier at different educational institutions on responsible consumption and waste reduction and segregation.
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