1. Purpose
Kalinga University is committed to promoting sustainable consumption and resource efficiency in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The purpose of this policy is to extend the useful life of products, equipment, infrastructure, and services through preventive maintenance, repair, refurbishment, reuse, and responsible asset management. By maximizing the utilization of existing resources, the University aims to minimize waste generation, reduce unnecessary procurement, conserve natural resources, and promote environmentally responsible practices across the campus.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all academic departments, administrative offices, laboratories, libraries, hostels, workshops, information technology facilities, maintenance divisions, and all University-owned assets. It is applicable to faculty members, staff, students, contractors, vendors, and service providers involved in the procurement, maintenance, operation, and disposal of University resources.
3. Policy Objectives
The University shall strive to:
- Extend the operational life of equipment, furniture, infrastructure, and other University assets.
- Encourage repair, refurbishment, maintenance, and reuse before replacement.
- Reduce waste generation by minimizing premature disposal of usable products.
- Promote efficient utilization of financial and natural resources.
- Encourage sustainable procurement of durable and repairable products.
- Support circular economy principles and contribute towards achieving SDG 12.
4. Policy Guidelines
4.1 Preventive Maintenance
- All departments shall establish preventive maintenance schedules for equipment, machinery, laboratory instruments, computers, and infrastructure.
- Regular inspections shall be conducted to maintain functionality and prevent premature failure.
4.2 Repair and Refurbishment
- Repair and refurbishment shall be considered before replacing any University asset.
- Departments shall assess the technical and economic feasibility of repair prior to new procurement.
4.3 Reuse and Redistribution
- Functional furniture, computers, laboratory equipment, and other assets shall be redistributed within the University whenever possible.
- Departments shall coordinate with the University administration for effective reuse of surplus resources.
4.4 Sustainable Procurement
- Preference shall be given to products that are durable, repairable, upgradeable, energy-efficient, and supported by extended warranties and after-sales service.
- Procurement decisions shall consider the total life-cycle cost of products.
4.5 Digital Services and Resource Optimization
- Digital platforms shall be utilized to reduce unnecessary consumption of physical resources.
- Software updates and system maintenance shall be undertaken regularly to extend the life of information technology resources.
4.6 Responsible Disposal
- Assets that cannot be repaired or reused shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable environmental regulations and University procedures.
- Electronic waste and other recyclable materials shall be sent only to authorized recycling agencies.
4.7 Awareness and Capacity Building
- The University shall organize awareness programmes and training sessions to promote maintenance culture, responsible consumption, repair practices, and resource conservation among all stakeholders.
5. Responsibilities
5.1 University Administration
- Approve and periodically review this policy.
- Allocate adequate resources for maintenance and asset management.
5.2 Purchase and Procurement Committee
- Procure durable, repairable, and sustainable products.
- Incorporate life-cycle considerations into procurement decisions.
5.3 Heads of Departments
- Ensure effective implementation of maintenance and reuse practices within their respective departments.
- Monitor asset utilization and maintenance records.
5.4 Maintenance and Technical Staff
- Conduct routine inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment of University assets.
- Maintain maintenance logs and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
5.5 Faculty, Staff, and Students
- Use University resources responsibly.
- Report damaged equipment promptly and encourage reuse wherever feasible.
6. Monitoring and Compliance
The University shall periodically review maintenance records, asset utilization, procurement practices, and disposal procedures to evaluate compliance with this policy. Non-compliance may result in administrative action in accordance with University regulations.
7. Awareness and Engagement
Kalinga University shall conduct workshops, awareness campaigns, technical training programmes, and sustainability initiatives to encourage responsible use, maintenance, repair, refurbishment, and reuse of University resources. Departments shall actively promote best practices that extend product and service life.
8. Policy Review
This policy shall come into effect in 2025 and shall be reviewed every three years, or earlier if required, to incorporate technological advancements, sustainability best practices, and applicable government regulations.
