Week 9 - Field Work: On Campus Observation

Sustainable Campus and Green Campus

There is no universally accepted definition of a sustainable campus, but it generally encompasses environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Campuses often create their own frameworks for sustainability, such as the Campus Sustainability Assessment Framework (CSAF). IIUM implemented practices such as:

1. Economic Initiatives

Food Bank: Partnered with organizations like Food Bank Malaysia and the OhFreeFood app to combat food waste and support those in need.

2. Social Initiatives

Mental Health Awareness: Articles and campaigns address mental health impacts, especially post-COVID-19.

Cat Shelter: A program to care for stray cats on campus.

Environmental Initiatives

Energy Efficiency: Solar panel installations and energy-saving programs.

3. Waste Management:

Recycling Stations for proper waste segregation.

Food Waste Composting: Launched in July 2017, the project aims to reduce waste management costs and environmental impact. However, collection targets (300 kg/week) were not fully met due to Ramadan and semester breaks.

4. Go Green Programmes

River Campaign (Kuantan Campus): Focused on preserving local water bodies.

World Clean-Up Day (2018): A campus-wide cleanliness drive.

Islamic Perspectives on Sustainability

Quranic verses (e.g., Surah Al-Isra’: 26, Surah Al-Baqarah: 60) emphasize avoiding waste and environmental corruption.

Practical tips to prevent water waste:

Turn off taps when not in use.

Take shorter showers.

Fix leaks promptly.

Call to Action

Students are encouraged to contribute to IIUM’s sustainability efforts through individual and group initiatives.