Issued: 24.02.2023

SCOPE

This Climate Action Plan serves as a road map for our transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient university. By collaborating, making decisions that include everyone, and involving the whole university community, we will create a future that strikes a balance between environmental responsibility and academic achievement.

Our main strategic goal is to fully incorporate sustainability goals and targets into all areas of the university, including research, education, operations, development of infrastructure, and community involvement. By acting in accordance with these values, we intend to promote a sustainable culture and make a significant contribution to the creation of a brighter, more sustainable future for everybody.

GOALS:

Aim to Reduce GHG Emissions:

• Establish challenging and measurable goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with international climate goals.
• Evaluate GHG emissions on a regular and transparent basis, and produce thorough reports to monitor your progress.

Comprehensive Education and Training:

• Hold yearly awareness campaigns and educational programs about the dangers, effects, adaptation, mitigation, and early warning systems of climate change.
• Incorporate teaching on climate change into university curricula across all levels and disciplines, including policy, law, ethics, sociology and economics.
• Work together to align curricula with international best practices by collaborating with national institutions such as the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

Research and Innovation:

• Carry out state-of-the-art studies in the areas of early warning systems, sustainability, flood protection, and disaster prevention.
• Share research findings with local and regional governments by publishing research papers and policy evaluations.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Track the results and implications of research;
• Measure the success of education programs and initiatives;
• Monitor the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis;
• Evaluate the adoption of sustainable practices on campus.

In order to make sure that plans and actions are in line with the main aims and objectives of the Climate Action Plan, Baku Eurasian University intends to make necessary adjustments. Through the implementation of this all-encompassing Climate Action Plan, BAAU hopes to significantly contribute to the mitigation of climate change, the advancement of sustainability, and the promotion of environmental education, all of which will help create a more resilient and sustainable future for future generations.

One of the ultimate goals is to achieve carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2050. In order to achieve this target Baku Eurasian University aims to:

•  use the data to establish a baseline year for comparison;
• upgrade buildings with energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, and windows;
• implement smart energy management systems to monitor and optimize energy use in real-time;
• install solar panels on campus;
• enter into power purchase agreements (PPAs) to buy electricity from off-site renewable energy projects;
• replace natural gas boilers with electric heat pumps;
• develop or enhance district energy systems to distribute low-carbon heating and cooling across campus;
• transition the campus vehicle fleet to electric vehicles;
• promote and subsidize public transit, biking, and walking for students and staff.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS:

Ecosystems and Biodiversity:

• Create sustainable gardening techniques and increase the amount of green space on campus.
• Promote habitat restoration and conservation programs as means of preserving the native flora and wildlife.

Knowledge Dissemination:

• Reach a wider audience, publish research papers, policy analysis, and educational resources on sustainability and climate change.
• Involve stakeholders and distribute research findings, provide workshops, seminars, and exhibitions.

 Better Education on Climate Change:

• Improve climate education, curricula should be updated and expanded on a regular basis to include the most recent advancements in climate science, policy, and adaptation techniques.
• Provide workshops and specialized training programs to give professionals and students the tools they need to effectively address climate change concerns.

In Baku, Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Plans for climate action and sustainable development will advance with international pledges and collaborations. Particular emphasis is placed on inclusivity in Azerbaijan, where youth, public and business sectors, developed and developing nations, and everyone face the problem of climate change together. Baku Eurasian University (BAAU) has proactively aligned its work with national and global climate initiatives in advance of COP29.

The environmental vision of Azerbaijan, which strives to protect and develop the nation's natural heritage while increasing resource efficiency and enhancing quality of life, is in line with BAAU's commitment to sustainability. BAAU supports national initiatives in areas including waste management, water resource management, biodiversity conservation, clean air and noise pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation by combining the principles of environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

As part of its commitment to achieving global and national objectives, BAAU is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. BAAU employs methods to reduce its environmental effect, maximize energy use, and advance sustainability throughout its campus and activities as part of its climate action plan. These initiatives back Azerbaijan's pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and aid in the worldwide effort to combat climate change.

In addition to having a long-lasting effect on the environment, we can set an example for others to follow by acting decisively and ambitiously on climate change. We can create a better future for future generations and leave a lasting legacy of positive change for our university, society, and the environment by working together and being committed to sustainability.

Review

Reviewing this policy will occur at least every two years. Up until the new version of the policy is adopted, the old one will still be fully enforceable.