1. Purpose
Kalinga University is committed to promoting sustainable consumption and reducing waste generation in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The purpose of this policy is to minimize the use of disposable and single-use items across the University campus by encouraging the adoption of reusable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly alternatives. This policy aims to reduce the University's environmental footprint while fostering a culture of responsible resource utilization among students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all academic departments, administrative offices, laboratories, libraries, hostels, cafeterias, guest houses, event venues, and all other University facilities. It is applicable to students, faculty members, administrative staff, contractual employees, vendors, service providers, contractors, and visitors participating in University activities.
3. Policy Objectives
The University shall strive to:
- Minimize the procurement and use of disposable and single-use items across the campus.
- Encourage the use of reusable, durable, recyclable, and biodegradable alternatives.
- Reduce the generation of solid waste through responsible consumption practices.
- Promote environmentally sustainable procurement procedures.
- Increase awareness regarding waste reduction and resource conservation.
- Support national environmental initiatives and contribute towards achieving SDG 12.
4. Policy Guidelines
4.1 Reduction of Single-Use Plastics
- The use of single-use plastic bags, plastic cutlery, plastic straws, disposable cups, plates, stirrers, and similar products shall be discouraged throughout the University.
- Departments shall promote reusable alternatives wherever practical.
- Preference shall be given to products that are reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, or made from recycled materials.
- Procurement committees shall consider environmental sustainability while evaluating products and suppliers.
4.2 Meetings, Conferences and Events
- University events shall minimize the use of disposable materials.
- Reusable crockery, steel or ceramic cups, glass bottles, water dispensers, and digital communication materials shall be encouraged.
- Event organizers shall avoid unnecessary printed materials wherever digital alternatives are feasible.
4.3 Office Practices
- Employees shall reduce the use of disposable stationery and encourage paperless communication.
- Double-sided printing shall be adopted whenever printing is necessary.
- Refillable pens, reusable office supplies, and rechargeable batteries shall be preferred.
4.4 Campus Food Services
- Cafeterias and food vendors operating within the campus shall be encouraged to use reusable or biodegradable serving materials.
- Vendors shall gradually phase out unnecessary disposable packaging wherever feasible.
4.5 Waste Management
- Departments shall ensure proper segregation of biodegradable, recyclable, and non-recyclable waste.
- Recyclable disposable items shall be collected separately for authorized recycling.
4.6 Awareness and Capacity Building
- The University shall organize awareness programmes, workshops, campaigns, exhibitions, and student-led initiatives to promote responsible consumption and waste reduction.
- Information regarding this policy shall be disseminated through orientation programmes, notice boards, websites, and social media platforms.
5. Responsibilities
5.1 University Administration
- Approve and periodically review this policy.
- Allocate necessary resources for effective implementation.
5.2 Purchase and Procurement Committee
- Ensure environmentally responsible procurement practices.
- Give preference to sustainable products and suppliers.
5.3 Heads of Departments and Administrative Units
- Implement the policy within their respective departments.
- Monitor compliance and encourage responsible practices.
5.4 Faculty, Staff and Students
- Minimize the use of disposable products.
- Adopt reusable alternatives whenever possible.
- Participate actively in sustainability initiatives and awareness programmes.
5.5 Vendors and Contractors
- Comply with the University's sustainability requirements.
- Supply environmentally friendly products and packaging wherever feasible.
6. Monitoring and Compliance
The University shall periodically monitor the implementation of this policy through departmental reviews, procurement records, waste audits, and sustainability assessments.
Non-compliance may result in appropriate administrative action or revision of procurement practices in accordance with University regulations.
7. Awareness and Engagement
Kalinga University shall regularly conduct awareness campaigns, training programmes, exhibitions, competitions, and outreach activities to encourage responsible consumption practices among all stakeholders. Departments shall be encouraged to observe environmental events and promote sustainable lifestyle practices on campus.
8. Policy Review
This policy shall come into effect in 2024 and shall be reviewed every three years, or earlier if required, to incorporate emerging sustainability practices, technological advancements, and applicable government regulations.
