Universities to play key role in environmental campaign

Local universities are moving to play a central role in tackling environmental challenges in tandem with the government."

Presidents of 28 universities, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding for joint efforts to make environmentally-friendly "green" campuses.

"As low carbon and green growth has emerged as a new paradigm, universities, which consume massive amounts of energy and resources, should play a leading role in addressing the issues of the times," the MOU reads.



The participating universities have agreed to draw up annual plans to conserve energy and resources, expand liberal-arts classes on sustainable growth and the environment, and promote research on new renewable energies and eco-friendly technologies.

They also agreed to join efforts to curtail emissions of green-house gases such as carbon dioxide by promoting the use of bicycles on campus and striving to make universities car-free.

They also agreed to cultivate and spread a "green culture" across the nation in cooperation with local communities and the government.

Such a move came as the "green campus council" has been pondering ways to make campuses eco-friendly since its November inception.

The council, which includes 28 local universities, has made various suggestions. The member universities include Yonsei University, Korea University, Chungnam University, Handong University and Hallym University.

The suggestions include developing curriculum on sustainable growth, using illumination systems in classrooms that consume less electricity and offering regular cultural events to raise students` awareness of environmental protection.

The council plans to continue its research efforts in cooperation with international groups such as the United States` Association for the Advancement for Sustainability in Higher Education, officials said. It also plans to hold an international symposium on "green campus."

By Song Sang-ho



(sshluck@heraldm.com)