Progress Report on SDG 13: Climate Action
Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET)
RUET is committed to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 13. The university integrates climate awareness into its academic programs, research initiatives, campus planning, and community engagement to strengthen resilience and mitigation efforts.
Key Highlights
- Research on Climate Adaptation and Mitigation:
- The Department of Civil Engineering conducts studies on flood risk management, riverbank erosion, and urban drainage systems in northern Bangladesh, contributing to climate resilience planning.
- The Institute of Energy and Environmental Studies (IEES) engages in research on renewable energy systems, solar and biomass integration, and energy efficiency, promoting low-carbon solutions. (iees.ruet.ac.bd)
- Curriculum Integration:
- Courses in Urban & Regional Planning (URP), Industrial & Production Engineering (IPE), and Mechanical Engineering integrate climate change, sustainable energy, and environmental management into practical design and project work.
- In November 2023, the URP department launched a module on Sustainable Urban Agri-Food Systems, addressing climate-adaptive urban agriculture strategies. (bssnews.net)
- Campus Climate Initiatives:
- RUET campus (152 acres) integrates green spaces, tree plantations, and water-sensitive design features to reduce heat islands and enhance carbon sequestration.
- Renewable energy assessments indicate average solar radiation of 4–6.5 kWh/m²/day, demonstrating potential for on-campus solar energy deployment. (research.library.mun.ca)
- Community Engagement and Awareness:
- RUET conducts workshops and seminars on climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable energy for students and local communities. Example: “Self-Sustainable Green Energy System” seminar (Dec 2024). (ruet.ac.bd)
- Student-led research projects explore urban heat island reduction, rainwater harvesting, and microclimate studies, supporting local adaptation efforts.
Impact & Next Steps
RUET’s multi-pronged approach—integrating research, curriculum, campus planning, and community outreach—strengthens climate awareness, enhances adaptation capacity, and promotes low-carbon solutions in northern Bangladesh.
- Publish quantitative metrics: campus carbon footprint, annual energy consumption reductions, and renewable energy generation capacity.
- Implement solar PV and biomass systems on campus, aiming to meet 10–15% of energy demand from renewables by 2026.
- Expand community climate programs in Rajshahi city and nearby rural areas, targeting 1,000+ participants annually in climate mitigation and adaptation training.
- Develop a campus-wide climate action plan, including disaster preparedness, energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and carbon-neutral infrastructure projects.