Goal 13: Climate Action

In 2024, UOK continues to enhance its infrastructure by providing secure parking spaces for foot bicycles and electric vehicles. A disused area in the Faculty of Computing and Technology was converted into a new foot bicycle parking and charging station, catering to the needs of both staff and students, in response to the growing use of these eco-friendly modes of transportation.

The Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT) successfully achieved the prestigious Platinum rating in 2024, recognizing its commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices.

University focuses on sustainable building designs that balance environmental sustainability with occupant comfort. New buildings incorporate natural ventilation to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Natural lighting is maximized through large windows and strategic openings, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, energy-efficient glass is used to regulate heat and light transmission, minimizing the demand for heating and cooling, further promoting energy conservation and eco-friendly design.

UOK is committed to moving towards a zero-waste campus by actively promoting sustainable waste management practices. In support of this goal, the university has initiated a series of annual activities, awareness programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at educating students, staff, and the broader community about the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and responsible consumption. These programs are designed to gradually increase awareness and encourage participation in sustainable waste practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

An initiative by University of Kelaniya students, Project Reclaim focuses on managing food waste sustainably through biogas production. The project, implemented in two phases, starts with a small-scale biogas system processing 6–7 kg of daily food waste, using a 500-liter tank to generate cooking fuel. The second phase will scale up to handle 20 kg of waste, increasing energy output. The initiative promotes renewable energy, sustainable technology, and a circular economy by converting food waste into biogas and compost.

he University of Kelaniya is committed to sustainability and has taken significant steps to assess and reduce its carbon footprint. The total CO₂ emissions for the period from October 2023 to October 2024 are 3,834.832 metric tons, generated from:

• Electricity Consumption: 3,812.95 metric tons

• Transportation (Shuttle Buses, Cars, Vans, and Motorcycles): 21.882 metric tons

After accounting for carbon offsets from renewable energy sources, the adjusted carbon footprint is 3,600.107 metric tons, which translates to 0.171 metric tons per person on campus.

For more Details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m6rONVH6jQRgWTqNWwwE4A-pWXmCe9LP/view?usp=sharing 

The university actively offsets its carbon emissions through renewable energy sources, including:

• Solar Energy: 232.14 metric tons CO₂ offset

• Wind Energy: 0.9125 metric tons CO₂ offset

• Biogas Energy: 1.67261 metric tons CO₂ offset

• Total Offset: 234.725 metric tons CO₂

As part of its sustainability efforts, the university initiated the ‘Haritha Pawura’ Mangrove Plantation Project in collaboration with Midas Safety Lanka Pvt (Ltd). Phase 1 of the project involved planting 500 mangrove saplings in an abandoned shrimp farm in Merawala, Chilaw. These mangroves are expected to:

• Sequester approximately 6,150 kg of CO₂ annually

• Remove up to 153,750 kg of CO₂ over their lifespan