UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

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Sustainability Policy and Action Statements

Action Statement

UTAR Sustainability Action Statement 

UTAR is committed to translating sustainability advocacy into concrete actions by integrating eco-friendly initiatives across education, research, and campus operations. We actively implement green campus policies, including energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable water management. Our research and innovation efforts focus on developing sustainable technologies and solutions to address environmental challenges. Through community engagement programs, we collaborate with industry partners, NGOs, and local communities to drive real-world sustainability impact. By embedding sustainable practices into our curriculum and daily operations, UTAR strives to create a lasting, positive environmental and social footprint for future generations.



UTAR Climate Action Summary


 UTAR Climate Action Plan:

A Commitment to Sustainability
As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify globally, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is taking significant steps to address this pressing challenge. Through the UTAR Climate Action Plan, we are committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fostering a sustainable campus, and contributing to national and global sustainability goals.



Our Vision and Objectives

The UTAR Climate Action Plan is guided by several key objectives aimed at making a tangible difference: 

  • Supporting National Goals: Aligning with Malaysia’s target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as announced by the Prime Minister.

  • Advancing Low-Carbon Development: Adopting the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to guide university operations.

  • Promoting Green Education and Research: Integrating climate change and sustainability into teaching, research, and community engagement to educate and empower future leaders.


 Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

UTAR monitors and manages GHG emissions from the following key sources: 

  •  Electricity and water consumption across campuses.
  • Commuting emissions from students, staff, and university vehicles.
  • Business air and ground travel.
  • Solid waste generation and disposal.


 Key Strategies for Climate Action

To achieve its sustainability goals, UTAR has outlined the following core strategies:

  1. Improving Energy Efficiency:
    Conducting energy audits to identify opportunities for energy savings, promoting the use of energy-efficient equipment (e.g., LED light tubes), implementing green building standards, and encouraging behavioral changes among staff and students to reduce energy waste.

  2. Promoting Renewable Energy:
    UTAR has partnered with Ditrolic Energy Solution Sdn Bhd to install a 4.1 MWp rooftop solar system at Kampar Campus, capable of meeting 75% of its peak power demand. This project will reduce CO2 emissions by over 75,000 tonnes over its lifetime.

  3. Enhancing Transportation Options:
    Initiatives include improving campus bus services, encouraging carpooling, walking, and cycling, and exploring the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. 

  4. Reducing Wastes:
    UTAR promotes the 5R principles—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle—alongside proper waste and water management systems, food composting, and sustainable procurement policies.

  5. Advancing Research and Education:
    UTAR prioritizes cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research on climate change and integrates sustainability into academic programs, using its campuses as living laboratories.


 Carbon Monitoring and Governance

A dedicated Carbon Monitoring Task Force has been established to oversee the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. This task force includes representatives from key departments, safety officers, and student leaders, ensuring a collaborative approach to achieving our goals.


 Join Us in Making a Difference

At UTAR, we believe that everyone plays a vital role in combating climate change. We invite all students, staff, and community members to participate in our green initiatives and contribute to creating a sustainable future.

For more information or to get involved, please visit our website (https://sustainability.utar.edu.my/Home2.php) or contact the UTAR Green Campus Committee (https://greencampus.utar.edu.my/).