Brac University, in collaboration with Brac and the Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance (BSA) has launched the “Net Zero Project and Plastic-Free Zero-Waste Campus” initiative to transform its campus into a sustainable, waste-free environment.
This initiative focuses on eliminating single-use plastics, enhancing recycling programs, and promoting sustainable alternatives. It aligns with the mission of BSA, a platform formed in November 2023 by Brac, Unilever, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, PRAN-RFL Group, and Marico Bangladesh to implement practical solutions for reducing plastic pollution.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Md. Liakath Ali, Director of Climate Change, Urban Development, and Disaster Risk Management Programme at Brac, and Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of Brac University, formalizing the commitment to sustainability.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan adviser of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change lauded Brac University’s leadership in fostering a culture of sustainability. She emphasized the role of educational institutions in changing mindsets and habits to combat climate change and reduce ecological footprints.
Tamara Hasan Abed chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Brac University reaffirmed the university’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its core education. She highlighted the importance of embedding environmental conservation across all disciplines, stressing that sustainability is a shared responsibility.
Chairing the event, VC Syed Ferhat Anwar reiterated the university’s dedication to waste reduction, responsible resource management, and environmentally friendly campus operations. He expressed Brac University’s aspiration to lead the Global South in sustainability practices.
Event also featured speeches by David Dowland registrar of Brac University and Sankalita Shome chief coordinator of BSA who spoke on collective efforts toward a zero-waste campus.
Additionally, seed funding was awarded for the “Zero-Waste University Challenge” a student pitch contest run by the Social Impact Lab of Brac University – encouraging innovative sustainability projects.
Attendees explored poster presentations by students from various schools and colleges, showcasing eco-friendly product alternatives and insights into a zero-waste lifestyle. These presentations were a culmination of awareness sessions conducted by BSA and the Brac University Outreach Program on responsible consumption, waste reduction and segregation.
This initiative marks a significant step in Brac University’s journey toward sustainability, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in environmental responsibility and action-driven change.