American University of Central Asia
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Within the campus of the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), sustainability initiatives are deeply embedded to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among students, faculty, and staff. The "Green Months" and "Green AUCA" Program spearhead waste management efforts, encouraging responsible disposal and recycling practices for various materials such as paper, plastic, and batteries. These initiatives not only reduce the campus's environmental footprint but also serve as educational platforms for the AUCA community. Through eco-events like festivals, tours, and exhibitions, awareness is raised about environmental issues, inspiring active participation in sustainability efforts across campus. Additionally, partnerships with local universities, schools, NGOs, and government agencies extend AUCA's impact beyond its borders, strengthening connections within the community and promoting collaborative approaches to sustainability. By transparently sharing results and promoting sustainability through newsletters, social media, and other communication channels, AUCA engages its campus community in ongoing dialogue and action towards a more sustainable future. Future plans, including expanding waste management programs and organizing educational workshops, demonstrate AUCA's commitment to continuous improvement and campus-wide engagement in sustainability initiatives.

Beyond the confines of its campus, AUCA actively engages with local communities, universities, NGOs, and government agencies to advance sustainability efforts and foster environmental awareness. Collaborative partnerships enable AUCA to provide valuable consultations on waste management and to leverage collective resources for broader impact. Eco-events organized by AUCA serve as inclusive platforms for public engagement, offering opportunities for dialogue, education, and action on environmental issues. Through transparent communication channels like newsletters and social media, AUCA shares its sustainability achievements with external stakeholders, inspiring broader participation and advocacy for environmental conservation. Moving forward, AUCA plans to expand its outreach efforts, creating newsletters for external partners, organizing workshops, and strengthening partnerships to deepen community engagement and promote sustainable practices beyond its campus boundaries. These initiatives reflect AUCA's commitment to empowering communities and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and action.

At AUCA, the institution is actively leveraging its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning in relation to Air & Climate sustainability. Several projects have been initiated to contribute to understanding and advancing sustainability in this domain:

1. Campus Carbon Footprint Assessment: Students are engaged in conducting a comprehensive assessment of the institution's carbon footprint. This involves measuring and analyzing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with various campus activities, including energy consumption, transportation, waste management, and building operations. By quantifying AUCA's carbon footprint, students gain practical experience in assessing environmental impacts and identifying opportunities for emission reductions.

2. Renewable Energy Integration: The institution is exploring the integration of renewable energy technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change impacts. Students are involved in researching and implementing renewable energy solutions such as solar panels, wind turbines on campus. These projects provide hands-on learning opportunities in renewable energy technology, system design, and sustainable energy management practices.

3. Climate Resilience Planning: AUCA is developing climate resilience strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and shifting precipitation patterns. Students contribute to climate vulnerability assessments and resilience planning efforts by analyzing potential risks, identifying adaptation measures, and engaging with local communities to build resilience. These projects enhance students' understanding of climate change adaptation strategies and their role in promoting climate resilience.

Overall, these projects serve as valuable experiential learning opportunities for AUCA students, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in Air & Climate sustainability. By actively engaging students in sustainability initiatives, AUCA is fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and equipping future leaders with the skills and expertise needed to address pressing climate issues.

AUCA is indeed utilizing its infrastructure as a living laboratory for applied student learning in relation to sustainability, particularly concerning Buildings. With the installation of the first thermal heating system in the country, AUCA has set a precedent for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building practices. Moreover, the incorporation of green plants throughout the buildings further enhances sustainability efforts by improving indoor air quality and fostering a connection with nature.

Projects in this domain include:

Energy-Efficient Building Design: AUCA integrates sustainable design principles into its building projects, emphasizing energy efficiency, natural lighting, and passive heating and cooling strategies. Students participate in the planning and design phases of new construction and renovation projects, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable building practices.

Building Performance Monitoring: AUCA conducts ongoing monitoring and analysis of building performance to identify opportunities for energy savings and optimization. Students are involved in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, allowing them to gain insights into the energy performance of buildings and propose recommendations for improvement.

Through these projects, AUCA provides students with practical learning opportunities to understand and advance sustainability in relation to Buildings. By engaging with real-world challenges and solutions, students develop valuable skills and knowledge in sustainable building practices that can be applied in their future careers and endeavors.

AUCA is also utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning in relation to Energy sustainability. The installation of the thermal heating system and ongoing efforts to optimize energy efficiency demonstrate AUCA's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable energy practices.

Projects in this area include:

Renewable Energy Integration: AUCA explores opportunities to integrate renewable energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal systems into its energy portfolio. Students participate in feasibility studies, system design, and implementation projects, gaining hands-on experience in renewable energy technologies and their applications in real-world settings.

Energy Conservation Initiatives: AUCA implements energy conservation initiatives to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. Students are involved in awareness campaigns, behavior change programs, and energy efficiency audits to identify areas for improvement and promote sustainable energy practices among campus stakeholders.

Energy Monitoring and Management: AUCA utilizes advanced energy monitoring and management systems to track energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and optimize performance. Students engage in data analysis, energy audits, and performance assessments, gaining practical skills in energy management and sustainability.

By integrating energy-related projects into its curriculum and operations, AUCA provides students with valuable opportunities to learn about and contribute to sustainability in relation to Energy. Through hands-on experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration, students develop critical thinking skills and solutions-oriented approaches to address complex energy challenges and create a more sustainable future.

AUCA is utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining. Several projects and initiatives contribute to understanding and advancing sustainability in this area:

1. Sustainable Food Sourcing: AUCA prioritizes sourcing food locally and sustainably to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation and support local farmers and producers. Students engage in research and partnerships to identify local suppliers, assess their sustainability practices, and establish procurement contracts that prioritize sustainability criteria.

2. Waste Reduction and Management: AUCA implements waste reduction strategies in food and dining operations to minimize landfill waste and promote resource efficiency. Students participate in initiatives such as composting food waste, reducing single-use plastics and packaging, and implementing food waste tracking systems to monitor and optimize food production and consumption patterns.

3. Promotion of Plant-Based Options: AUCA promotes plant-based dining options to reduce the environmental impact of food production, particularly associated with animal agriculture. Students collaborate with dining services to develop and promote plant-based menu offerings, conduct taste tests and surveys to gauge interest and preferences, and educate the campus community about the environmental benefits of plant-based diets.

4. Education and Outreach: AUCA provides education and outreach programs to raise awareness about sustainable food practices and empower students to make informed choices. Students organize workshops, seminars, and events on topics such as sustainable agriculture, food waste reduction, and ethical sourcing, engaging their peers and the broader campus community in discussions and actions to promote sustainability in food and dining.

These projects provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to understand the complex interconnections between food, sustainability, and the environment. By actively engaging in food and dining sustainability efforts, students develop critical thinking skills, practical knowledge, and a sense of responsibility as global citizens committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable food system.

AUCA is utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds. The use of water-saving sprinklers on the university's territory is just one aspect of AUCA's comprehensive approach to sustainability in grounds management. Here are some projects and initiatives contributing to understanding and advancing sustainability in this area:

1. Native Plant Landscaping: AUCA incorporates native plants into its landscaping design to reduce water consumption, support local biodiversity, and create resilient ecosystems. Students participate in planting and maintaining native vegetation, learning about the ecological benefits of indigenous plants and their role in sustainable landscaping practices.

2.Xeriscaping: AUCA practices xeriscaping techniques to minimize water usage in landscaping by using drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation systems. Students engage in designing and implementing xeriscaped areas on campus, studying water-saving strategies, and monitoring water usage to optimize irrigation efficiency.

3. Sustainable Land Use Planning: AUCA develops sustainable land use plans to optimize the use of campus grounds for recreational, educational, and ecological purposes while minimizing environmental impact. Students contribute to land use assessments, zoning regulations, and landscape master plans, integrating principles of sustainability, conservation, and community engagement into campus development projects.

These projects provide students with valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in grounds management and sustainability. By actively engaging in sustainable grounds initiatives, students develop critical thinking skills, interdisciplinary knowledge, and a sense of stewardship for the environment, preparing them to become leaders in sustainable land use and conservation practices.

AUCA is utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing. The institution recognizes the importance of sustainable procurement practices in minimizing environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and maximizing economic efficiency. Here are some projects and initiatives contributing to understanding and advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:

1. Supplier Sustainability Assessment: AUCA conducts sustainability assessments of potential suppliers and contractors to evaluate their environmental practices, ethical standards, and economic viability. 

2. Green Procurement Policies: AUCA develops and implements green procurement policies and guidelines to prioritize the purchase of environmentally friendly products and services. 

3. Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade: AUCA prioritizes the purchase of ethically sourced products and supports fair trade initiatives to promote social responsibility and economic equity.

By actively engaging in sustainable purchasing initiatives, students develop critical thinking skills, ethical awareness, and practical knowledge that prepares them to become responsible consumers and advocates for sustainable development.

The Green AUCA program has been operating since February 2022. Its goal is to promote the separate collection of six types of waste: paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum cans, batteries and electronic waste.

In order to raise awareness about the issue of waste management and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly habits, various informative, educational, and entertaining events are regularly organized as part of the program. These events include trainings, workshops, conferences, master classes, festivals, games, and quests. Additionally, the EcoTEDx event is held to discuss important topics related to sustainability and environmental issues.