Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University Climate Change Mitigation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Program for 2024-2029

Climate change is one of the most significant global threats of our time, affecting all continents and countries around the world. The non-profit joint-stock company "Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University" (hereinafter referred to as the University) recognizes the importance of active measures to combat climate change and is committed to implementing a program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, raising awareness, and training specialists capable of effectively responding to climate-related challenges.

The goals of the Program are to actively combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40% by 2029, implementing renewable energy sources, enhancing the energy efficiency of university infrastructure, adopting advanced environmental practices, and increasing public awareness.

The tasks of the Program include:

• Conducting an analysis of the current state of greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and scope 2) and developing a reduction plan.
• Modernizing university infrastructure to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Implementing and utilizing renewable energy sources (solar and wind energy) on the university campus.
• Integrating climate change courses into all educational programs.
• Enhancing the qualifications of faculty and staff on climate change and sustainable development.
• Organizing awareness campaigns and volunteer initiatives to raise public awareness of climate issues.
• Developing and implementing programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the university campus.
• Establishing emissions monitoring systems and conducting annual audits to assess progress.

Key Activities:
• Analyzing the current state of greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and scope 2).
• Developing educational courses on climate change mitigation.
• Enhancing the qualifications of faculty on climate change and sustainable development.
• Preparing for an energy audit of university buildings and creating a modernization plan.
• Modernizing university infrastructure by implementing renewable energy sources (solar panels, energy-efficient heating and lighting systems).
• Integrating climate change courses into all educational programs at the university.
• Establishing research laboratories and centers to develop innovative methods for combating climate change.
• Conducting awareness campaigns for students and staff on climate change issues.
• Monitoring and evaluating the results of greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts.
• Expanding cooperation with international organizations to exchange experiences in climate change mitigation.

Program Principal Executor

The Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography is the principal executor of the program. He coordinates all climate change initiatives, including waste management and the implementation of environmental initiatives, and oversees the overall execution of the program.

Support in Program Implementation:
• Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs – responsible for the implementation of educational programs on climate change and the professional development of staff and students.
• Vice-Rector for Finance and Infrastructure Development – responsible for the modernization of university infrastructure, the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, and the effective use of financial resources directed at combating climate change.

Participation of University Departments:
• Department of Infrastructure Development – ensures the modernization of university infrastructure, including the installation of solar panels, the implementation of energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, as well as the introduction of waste separation systems and technical support for all environmental initiatives.
• Department of Educational Program Analysis – develops and integrates courses on climate change, sustainable development, and waste management into the university's curricula at all levels of education.
• Department of Academic Affairs – organizes training sessions, workshops, and educational events to enhance the qualifications of staff and students in sustainable resource management, carbon footprint reduction, and environmental responsibility.
• Department of Science – coordinates research and publications in the fields of climate change mitigation, sustainable waste management, and the development of innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact.

Control and Reporting Procedures

Quarterly reports on the implementation of the program are submitted by the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography for analysis and adjustments. Annual meetings of the University Board will evaluate the program's progress and make necessary changes. The final report on the program will be prepared in November 2029 and presented at the university's scientific conference.

Risk Management

Risk management for the implementation of this Program is conducted in accordance with the university's Risk Management Policy, approved by the university's Board of Directors on July 15, 2022, as per protocol No. 5. The implementation of this Program may lead to the following risks, as outlined in the risk register in Appendix 1 to the Regulations.