13.3 – Environmental education measures

13.3.2 – Climate Action Plan

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is at the forefront of climate action with its ambitious commitment to achieving a Zero Carbon Campus by 2050, guided by the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. By embracing renewable energy, pioneering sustainable infrastructure, and embedding climate education across all levels, UKM is creating a transformative impact that extends beyond its campus. Through its Climate Action Plan, UKM is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also inspiring a culture of sustainability, empowering future generations to be climate-resilient leaders. In 2023, UKM demonstrated its commitment to climate action through the development and implementation of a comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which it actively shared with local government and community groups through a series of dedicated events and activities such as Climate Action Festival@UKM 2023 by UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability dated 10 January 2023.

1. UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 (Publish in 2023)

UKM Climate Action Plan is a critical component of its UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, aimed at reducing the university’s carbon footprint, enhancing resilience to climate impacts, and integrating climate-conscious practices throughout its operations, research, and community initiatives. The plan outlines several targeted actions to address climate change effectively:

• Low-Carbon Campus Initiative: UKM is committed to transitioning to a low-carbon campus by promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable transportation. The plan includes the installation of solar panels on campus buildings, replacing conventional lighting with energy-saving LEDs, and adopting energy-efficient HVAC systems. UKM also promotes low-carbon commuting by supporting electric and hybrid vehicle use, as well as enhancing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Carbon Tracking and Emissions Reduction: UKM tracks its greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1 (direct emissions from campus activities), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy consumption), and Scope 3 (indirect emissions from other sources, such as commuting). By regularly monitoring emissions, UKM can measure its progress in reducing carbon output and make data-driven adjustments to enhance energy efficiency and minimize waste. The Climate Action Plan sets both short-term (2030) and long-term (2050) carbon reduction targets, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
  
• Water and Waste Management: UKM emphasizes reducing water pollution and managing resources efficiently as part of its climate action strategy. The plan includes rainwater harvesting, expanding the use of treated water, and reducing pollutants in water systems. UKM waste management initiatives focus on recycling, composting organic materials, and sustainable disposal of hazardous waste, all of which help reduce the campus’s overall environmental impact.
  
• Climate Education and Awareness: UKM incorporates climate change education into its curricula and organizes outreach programs to increase climate awareness among students, staff, and the local community. Programs like the “Program Jejak Karbon” engage students in carbon footprint tracking and environmental literacy, fostering a culture of climate responsibility.
  
• Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity: To combat climate change effects, UKM is also focused on preserving green spaces and biodiversity on campus. The Climate Action Plan includes tree planting initiatives, creating sustainable parks for each faculty, and conserving existing green and water catchment areas. These efforts help absorb carbon, mitigate urban heat, and support diverse ecosystems, contributing to long-term environmental health.
  
• Research and Innovation for Climate Solutions: UKM promotes climate research and encourages innovations that address climate challenges. By collaborating with industry and government agencies, the university aims to develop sustainable technologies and best practices that contribute to climate resilience. UKM’s research projects are mapped against the SDGs, particularly focusing on clean energy, climate action, and sustainable ecosystems.
  
• Community Engagement and Climate Resilience: The Climate Action Plan extends to community involvement, with programs and partnerships designed to build climate resilience locally. UKM engages with nearby communities, providing education on climate adaptation practices and offering guidance on sustainable resource management, thus supporting climate resilience beyond the campus.

UKM Climate Action Plan is a comprehensive roadmap designed to mitigate climate change, reduce campus emissions, and promote sustainable practices. By implementing these initiatives, UKM aims not only to achieve its carbon neutrality goals but also to serve as a model of climate action and sustainability for other institutions and the wider community.

2. UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 : SDG 13

• Increasing awareness related to environment and climate change:
  
  UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 fosters climate and environmental awareness through educational integration, community outreach, and active student involvement. All undergraduates are required to take courses on sustainability, while programs like “Program Jejak Karbon” engage local communities in recycling and climate-conscious practices with student facilitators. Regular workshops, forums, and campus campaigns further promote sustainable habits, from energy conservation to waste reduction. Through these initiatives, UKM aims to create a knowledgeable, proactive community dedicated to environmental stewardship and climate action (page 21).

• Offering courses /programs on sustainability, environment and climate change:
  
  UKM is dedicated to integrating sustainability, environmental, and climate change education across its curriculum. The university offers specialized courses and programs focused on these themes, ensuring that students from all fields gain critical knowledge about sustainable practices and climate action. These courses are designed to equip students with the skills and awareness needed to address environmental challenges in their future careers and personal lives. By making sustainability education accessible and relevant, UKM cultivates a generation of graduates who are informed, environmentally responsible, and prepared to contribute to a sustainable future (page 21).

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from UKM community’s motorized vehicles:
  
  UKM prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions from motorized vehicles within the campus community. Key initiatives include promoting low-carbon transportation options such as electric and hybrid vehicles, enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and organizing awareness campaigns on emission reduction. UKM also tracks vehicle emissions data to set and monitor reduction targets. These efforts support the university’s goal of creating a low-carbon campus, minimizing its environmental impact, and promoting sustainable mobility for students, staff, and visitors (page 42).

• Setting the carbon reduction target by 2030 (short term):
  
  UKM has set a short-term carbon reduction target to be achieved by 2030. This target includes specific initiatives such as installing solar panels, increasing energy efficiency across campus facilities, expanding the use of compost and recycled materials, and preserving green spaces. By focusing on these measures, UKM aims to significantly lower its carbon footprint, contributing to its broader goal of a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable campus and positioning itself as a leader in climate action within higher education (page 42).

• Setting the carbon reduction target by 2050 (long term):
  
  UKM has established a long-term carbon reduction target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal includes expanding renewable energy sources, enhancing green infrastructure, retaining over 50% of campus green and water catchment areas, and creating sustainable parks at each faculty. Through these efforts, UKM is committed to fostering a resilient, low-carbon campus environment that aligns with global climate targets, ensuring sustainability for future generations (page 42).
  
  Source: UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030

3. UKM Sustainability Policy 2030

The UKM Sustainability Policy 2030 outlines the university’s climate action commitments as part of its broader sustainability goals. UKM aims to achieve a Zero Carbon Campus by 2050 by implementing a multi-faceted approach focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and enhancing climate resilience through adaptation strategies and climate research.

Key elements include:

• Renewable Energy Transition: UKM is dedicated to reaching 100% renewable energy use by 2050. This commitment involves adopting renewable energy sources across campus and implementing energy efficiency measures, supported by ongoing research into sustainable energy technologies.
• Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction: The policy emphasizes reducing emissions through upgraded energy management systems, such as efficient HVAC systems and LED lighting, and encouraging the use of low-carbon transportation. UKM monitors emissions to set measurable, short- and long-term reduction targets.
• Climate Adaptation and Resilience: UKM prioritizes climate resilience by developing strategies that address the impacts of climate change on its campus and community. This includes creating sustainable infrastructure, conserving water resources, and preserving green spaces that support biodiversity.
• Climate Education and Research: Integrating climate science into academic programs, UKM promotes climate literacy among students and staff. UKM also advances climate-focused research, positioning itself as a leader in developing innovative solutions to climate challenges.

Through these initiatives, UKM climate action plan under the UKM Sustainability Policy 2030 is designed to build a resilient, sustainable campus that aligns with global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Source: UKM Sustainability Policy 2030

4. UKM Net Zero Commitment Towards Carbon Neutral 2050

UKM Climate Action Plan under the Sustainability Policy 2030 is a comprehensive framework targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. It encompasses a variety of strategies focused on carbon reduction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and community engagement to build a sustainable and resilient campus. The plan incorporates the **Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Standard Protocol** to rigorously monitor emissions across Scope 1 (direct emissions from university operations), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions like commuting). By measuring these emissions regularly, UKM can effectively set reduction goals and track its progress toward net-zero.

Key Elements of the Climate Action Plan:

• Renewable Energy Adoption: UKM is transitioning its energy infrastructure towards renewables, including extensive solar panel installations and the use of biodiesel. By implementing solar power on rooftops and in other strategic areas, UKM is decreasing reliance on conventional energy sources, thus lowering its carbon footprint. This shift is part of the university’s commitment to fully adopt renewable energy sources by 2050.
  
• Energy Efficiency Measures: The university is upgrading facilities with energy-efficient technology, such as LED lighting, smart HVAC systems, and building automation systems that optimize power usage. These enhancements reduce overall energy demand, which is essential for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on energy efficiency, UKM not only cuts costs but also decreases emissions significantly, supporting its climate goals.
  
• Sustainable Commuting and Low-Carbon Infrastructure: UKM promotes sustainable transportation by encouraging electric and hybrid vehicles and expanding pedestrian-friendly and cycling infrastructure. These initiatives reduce the emissions associated with daily commuting, which are significant contributors to Scope 3 emissions. Additionally, UKM is investing in low-carbon campus infrastructure, including sustainable building designs that utilize eco-friendly materials and maximize energy savings.
  
• Climate Resilience and Green Spaces: The Climate Action Plan emphasizes the importance of green spaces, biodiversity conservation, and water management. UKM preserves a substantial portion of campus green areas and water catchment zones to enhance resilience against climate impacts, such as urban heat and flooding. These green spaces act as carbon sinks, naturally absorbing CO₂ and helping maintain ecological balance.
  
• Climate Education and Community Engagement: UKM integrates climate literacy and sustainability education into its curriculum, ensuring that students from various disciplines understand and can address climate challenges. Additionally, UKM engages the broader community through awareness campaigns and programs focused on sustainable practices, such as recycling, waste reduction, and resource conservation. These efforts aim to cultivate a climate-conscious community both on and off campus.
  
• Short- and Long-term Targets: UKM’s plan sets interim carbon reduction targets for 2030, with measurable milestones leading up to the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. This phased approach allows UKM to implement and refine its strategies, adapt to new technologies, and continuously improve its sustainability practices.

Through this multi-faceted approach, UKM Climate Action Plan exemplifies a strong commitment to tackling climate change. By setting a net-zero target and incorporating innovative practices across operations, education, and community engagement, UKM aims to lead by example in higher education, contributing to a sustainable future for the university and its surrounding community.

Source: UKM Net Zero Commitment Towards Carbon Neutral 2050