GreenInsight eMagazine [Issue III]

Goal 13: Climate Action

Activities 👆

Research 👆

The world is currently experiencing unprecedented climatic changes driven by human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), global temperatures are now more than 1.2 °C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900), and the period between 2015 and 2024 has been the warmest decade ever recorded. Rising temperatures have intensified extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and tropical storms, posing severe risks to ecosystems, economies, and human health. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that without rapid and deep emission reductions, global warming is likely to exceed 1.5 °C within the next decade threatening to push millions into poverty and food insecurity while exacerbating global inequalities.

In response, the 2015 Paris Agreement brought together 196 nations under a shared commitment to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 °C and pursue efforts to restrict it to 1.5 °C. The Agreement also emphasizes strengthening adaptive capacity, building climate resilience, and mobilizing climate finance to support mitigation and adaptation, especially in developing nations.

Although Sri Lanka contributes less than 0.1% to global GHG emissions, it is recognized as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in South Asia due to its exposure to coastal flooding, landslides, and droughts. The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement reaffirm Sri Lanka’s pledge to reduce GHG emissions by 14.5% by 2030 (4% unconditionally and 10.5% conditionally with international support). The government also aims to increase national forest cover to 32%, expand renewable energy generation, and promote low-carbon transport and sustainable waste management. The Climate Change Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment leads these efforts, with universities and research institutions playing a key role in advancing evidence-based climate policies and innovation.

The University of Kelaniya (UOK) actively supports SDG 13 – Climate Action through education, research, and campus-based mitigation initiatives. The university integrates climate change themes into multiple academic programs across science, social sciences, and technology faculties, fostering awareness and skill development among students. Research conducted under the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS) focuses on climate resilience, renewable energy, sustainable waste management, biodiversity conservation, and carbon footprint reduction.

Compliance with National and International Frameworks

The University of Kelaniya (UOK) aligns its sustainability and climate action initiatives with both national policies and international frameworks that guide environmental governance, low-carbon development, and resilience-building. Through its academic, research, and operational practices, the University ensures full compliance with legally recognized standards and global commitments related to sustainable development and climate mitigation.

International Frameworks
UOK’s climate and sustainability programs are guided by key global agreements and frameworks, including:

Paris Agreement 2016
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

At the national level, the University of Kelaniya’s initiatives are designed in alignment with Sri Lanka’s environmental and climate action policies, including:

At the institutional level, the University of Kelaniya has established a comprehensive framework of internal policies and guidelines to operationalize its sustainability vision

Education

UOK integrates climate action education across multiple undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, equipping students with scientific, technical, and policy-based knowledge to address climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainability challenges. These programmes emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring that graduates are capable of contributing to national and global climate solutions.

BSc / BSc (Honours) in Environmental Conservation & Management (ENCM)

The ENCM degree is the University’s flagship undergraduate programme for climate-related studies. Its curriculum spans ecological science, sustainable resource use, renewable energy, pollution control, and environmental policy, integrating climate adaptation and resilience topics throughout all four years.

Key climate-focused course units include:

ENCM 11532 – Hydrology & Meteorology
ENCM 12562 – Sustainable Utilization of Energy Resources
ENCM 21743 – GIS & Remote Sensing
ENCM 31762 – Water Resources Management
ENCM 31752 – Green Technology & Eco-design
ENCM 32572 – Natural Disasters & Risk Management
ENCM 42632 – Global Climate Change
ENCM 42642 – Marine & Coastal Resource Management

MSc in Environmental Management

MSc in Environmental Management builds advanced competencies in climate change mitigation, environmental policy, green business strategies, and sustainable resource planning.
Key thematic areas include:

Climate change science and adaptation strategies in developing countries
Environmental economics and carbon management
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Renewable energy and low-carbon technologies
Climate-responsive urban and waste management systems

MSc in Aquaculture & Fisheries Management

MSc in Aquaculture & Fisheries Management programme integrates climate resilience in aquatic ecosystems with sustainable food production. Students study how climate change affects fisheries productivity, ocean acidification, water temperature, and coastal resource sustainability.
Key course themes include:

Climate-induced impacts on fishery and aquaculture systems
Ecosystem-based management and restoration
Sustainable aquaculture technologies and adaptation
Research on coastal and inland water climate variability

Graduates are prepared to support sustainable blue economy strategies and the climate-resilient management of aquatic resources in Sri Lanka and beyond.

BA / BA (Honours) in Geography

The Geography degree provides both physical-science and human-environment perspectives essential for climate action, integrating climate systems, geomorphology, remote sensing, and disaster risk management. Core and elective courses relevant to climate action include:

Physical Geography and Meteorology
Climate Change and Environmental Hazards
Geography of Natural Disasters
Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Environmental Studies
Environmental Management and Sustainable Development

Students gain hands-on experience in spatial data analysis, hazard mapping, and sustainable land-use planning, strengthening their ability to design climate-adaptation and disaster-risk-reduction strategies.

BA / BA (Honours) in Development Studies

This multidisciplinary programme addresses the intersection of environment, economy, and society in the context of sustainable development.
Climate-action-relevant modules include:

Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Environmental Policy and Planning
Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilient Communities
Project Management for Sustainable Development

Through applied research and field studies, students evaluate how climate change influences livelihoods, poverty, and community development, preparing them for roles in environmental governance and policy implementation.

Upgrading cycling infrastructure on our university

In 2024, UOK continues to enhance its infrastructure by providing secure parking spaces for foot bicycles and electric vehicles. A disused area in the Faculty of Computing and Technology was converted into a new foot bicycle parking and charging station, catering to the needs of both staff and students, in response to the growing use of these eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Promoting Energy Efficiency for a Sustainable Campus

The University of Kelaniya has adopted energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce consumption and environmental impact. These include LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, improved insulation, and the use of energy-efficient appliances, such as LED bulbs since 2016. The university also monitors energy usage with submeters and implements customized action plans to minimize wastage. Non-essential air conditioners are turned off outside working hours, and employees are encouraged to power down lights and equipment when not in use. Sustainable construction practices, such as natural ventilation and sun shades, are prioritized for new buildings. These initiatives highlight the university’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

LEED Certification

The Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT) successfully achieved the prestigious Platinum rating in 2024, recognizing its commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices.

Smart Sustainable Building

University focuses on sustainable building designs that balance environmental sustainability with occupant comfort. New buildings incorporate natural ventilation to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Natural lighting is maximized through large windows and strategic openings, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, energy-efficient glass is used to regulate heat and light transmission, minimizing the demand for heating and cooling, further promoting energy conservation and eco-friendly design.

Towards Zero Waste

UOK is committed to moving towards a zero-waste campus by actively promoting sustainable waste management practices. In support of this goal, the university has initiated a series of annual activities, awareness programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at educating students, staff, and the broader community about the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and responsible consumption. These programs are designed to gradually increase awareness and encourage participation in sustainable waste practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

Project Reclaim (a new biogas unit at main campus)

An initiative by University of Kelaniya students, Project Reclaim focuses on managing food waste sustainably through biogas production. The project, implemented in two phases, starts with a small-scale biogas system processing 6–7 kg of daily food waste, using a 500-liter tank to generate cooking fuel. The second phase will scale up to handle 20 kg of waste, increasing energy output. The initiative promotes renewable energy, sustainable technology, and a circular economy by converting food waste into biogas and compost.

University of Kelaniya’s Commitment to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Carbon Footprint Assessment

he University of Kelaniya is committed to sustainability and has taken significant steps to assess and reduce its carbon footprint. The total CO₂ emissions for the period from October 2023 to October 2024 are 3,834.832 metric tons, generated from:

Electricity Consumption: 3,812.95 metric tons
Transportation (Shuttle Buses, Cars, Vans, and Motorcycles): 21.882 metric tons

After accounting for carbon offsets from renewable energy sources, the adjusted carbon footprint is 3,600.107 metric tons, which translates to 0.171 metric tons per person on campus.

For more Details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m6rONVH6jQRgWTqNWwwE4A-pWXmCe9LP/view?usp=sharing

Carbon Offsetting Initiatives

The university actively offsets its carbon emissions through renewable energy sources, including:

Solar Energy: 232.14 metric tons CO₂ offset
Wind Energy: 0.9125 metric tons CO₂ offset
Biogas Energy: 1.67261 metric tons CO₂ offset
Total Offset: 234.725 metric tons CO₂

Mangrove Restoration for Carbon Sequestration

As part of its sustainability efforts, the university initiated the ‘Haritha Pawura’ Mangrove Plantation Project in collaboration with Midas Safety Lanka Pvt (Ltd). Phase 1 of the project involved planting 500 mangrove saplings in an abandoned shrimp farm in Merawala, Chilaw. These mangroves are expected to:

Sequester approximately 6,150 kg of CO₂ annually
Remove up to 153,750 kg of CO₂ over their lifespan

Page updated

Report abuse