Environmental Policy

University of Peradeniya

• Policy name:   Environmental Policy of the University of Peradeniya
• Policy number:   UoP-P 004
• Date of Approval:   2021.02.14
• Supersedes:   Not applicable
• Approving Authority:   The Council, University of Peradeniya
• Administrative Responsibility:   Environmental Management Committee of Respective Faculties, Centres, and Units, University of Peradeniya
• Monitoring Responsibility:   Environmental Management Committee, University of Peradeniya

Overview

The University of Peradeniya is one of the most prestigious universities in Sri Lanka, located in the suburbs of the historical city of Kandy. Regarded as one of the most beautiful universities in the world, it spans 773 hectares, where its natural environment harmonizes with university life.

The university accommodates more than twelve thousand undergraduate and eight thousand postgraduate students. As a residential university, it houses a large number of students and staff on its premises. With activities related to education, research, accommodation, and other facilities, environmental concerns inevitably arise.

As a responsible organization, the university addresses these issues proactively, encouraging students and staff to participate in environmental management activities. This helps generate environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility that will aid them in future workplaces.

Scope and Application

This environmental policy applies to all faculties, institutes, student residences, units, centers, and service-providing entities within the University of Peradeniya.

Key Policy Principles

The University shall:

• Commit to maintaining environmental performance beyond legal and other requirements by monitoring, controlling, and preventing pollution from university activities.
• Take proactive measures to reduce energy consumption through improved conservation, efficiency, and the use of renewable energy.
• Set a role model by adopting innovative methods for managing chemical, clinical, and solid waste.
• Manage its land sustainably through proper planning and sustainable forest management.
• Reduce water and carbon footprints through appropriate actions.
• Practice the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle) to minimize resource utilization's environmental impacts.
• Promote environmental awareness and responsibility among staff and students through campaigns and training programs.
• Commit to continual improvement in environmental performance.

Responsibility

Students, staff, and other stakeholders share the responsibility of achieving the environmental policy's objectives.

Relevant Guidelines/Standard Operating Procedures

ISO 14001 Environmental Management System-related procedures.