Periyar University promotes sustainable practices in higher education

Periyar University held a workshop on sustainable development practices in higher education in Salem on Monday. Experts discussed ways to achieve a climate-neutral economy by 2050. They emphasized eco-design, green packaging, and waste management as key practices. K Jayaraman, dean of the college development council, highlighted the importance of a circular economy. This model aims to reduce water use and emissions, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible production and consumption. R Jagannathan, the vice-chancellor, introduced the idea of bio-buildings. These structures use biological principles and materials to improve their design and operation. P Thangavel from the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management discussed integrating sustainable development goals in higher education institutions. R Selvakumar, an assistant conservator of forests, talked about boosting tree cover in the Salem area to meet state goals. S Rajakumar from Bharathidasan University shared sustainable initiatives his university implemented after cyclone Gaja in 2018. The workshop was organized by the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management and the environmental science department. It received funding from the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission and the state’s Department of Environment & Climate Change.