Landmark University, Omu-Aran SDG – 12 (RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION) Updated 2023 Annual Sustainability Report towards realization of SDG-12 goals at Landmark University, Nigeria
- Post by: bankole
- October 28, 2024
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Summary
The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has, under its umbrella, SDG-12, which aims to ensure that consumption and production patterns are sustainable. This goal is highly germane to reducing the ecological footprint emanating from overconsumption, pollution, and waste. To Landmark University, SDG-12 aligns with its core mission of leading in sustainable agricultural research and education, while Nigeria will benefit greatly from attaining SDG-12 through facilitating viable ways to attend to her increasing waste management challenges with a view to eco-friendly industries. In the 2023 period, remarkable steps have been taken in efforts toward the realization of Goal 12 of the SDGs, which is called Sustainable Consumption and Production. Some key initiatives at Landmark University involve waste reduction, sustainable agricultural practices, and efficient energy use in reducing its environmental footprint. This is with a view to contributing our quota to the wheel of progress and nation efforts towards achieving the mandate. This report gives updates on in-depth analyses of efforts on sustainability at Landmark University. It also highlights some of the key challenges and recommendations that will ensure continued improvement in the realization of SDG-12 by 2030 for next year 2024.
1. SDG-12 Targets, researches and their Relevance to Landmark University
SDG-12 is made up of several targets, all of which are very important in the operation of Landmark University and in the wider perspective of Nigeria. Achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes leading to substantive decrease of waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse while engaging in researches on innovations in sustainable resource management at Landmark University is cardinal. In this vein, efforts made by Landmark University as a whole to attain SDG-12 are an ongoing process, as would be seen from this report. The report also serves as an evaluation of past action plans and as a guide for further improvement in the commitment of Landmark University to SDG-12 goals on waste management programs. Landmark University action plans on adopting minimization, recycling, up cycling programs and sorting are now been done, organic wastes were composted and used on the agricultural projects embarked on by the university, while other recyclable materials were processed in order to reduce much waste to landfills.
2. Researches by Faculties and Conferences hosted by Landmark University
Recent conferences, such as the 1st IEEE conference at Landmark, had over 300 academic papers, out of which a significant number of presentations discussed sustainable development and overcoming challenges on waste management. These research work of the faculties are associated with sustainable and circular systems for waste management, evaluating different approaches towards attaining a decided environment goal by efficient reuse and resource recovery. Such activities constituted the sustainable development of the university and correspond to the directions of SDG 12 Goal on responsible consumption and production. Landmark University’s engineering (COE), Agriculture (CAS) and pure and applied science (CPAS) colleges’ witnessed increase in published researches and reviews by faculty members on the following specific areas: circular economic models, sustainable waste treatment, and recycling through innovative approaches. These showcases Landmark University in 2023 academic session as supported by university toward reaching SDG 12 goals and best practices in sustainable waste management.
3 Sustainable Use of Resources
The University has adopted several water conservation methods and installed solar panels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In this regard, notable reductions in water and energy consumptions have been attained. This way, through the adoption of these eco-friendly technologies, Landmark University is making a tangible contribution to SDG-12.
4. Sustainable Agriculture and Research
One of the key components of the sustainability agenda of Landmark University is its research emphasis on sustainable agriculture. The researchers involved include the team of SDG-12 and the entire faculty of the university, who have been into researches on various means through which wastes could be utilized by converting organic waste into valued resources. These are bound to go a long way toward contributing directly to the attainment of the SDG-12 through innovative technologies in waste-to-wealth. This has led to the re-inauguration and revamping of waste-to-wealth units in the university’s Physical Planning & Development by hiring new employees in a bid to accomplish what was proposed last year.
5. Engagement and Capacity Building
Landmark University remains conscious and extends its education on sustainable best practices through workshops, seminars, and student initiatives. Students are encouraged to participate in activities related to sustainability projects so as to engrain a culture of environmental stewardship among themselves at the university.
Waste Management Action plans
The University has identified some action plans, which are existent to fulfill the agenda of waste management for attaining sustainable production. The action plan on Solid Waste Management was aimed at waste reduction and recycling.
6. Sustainable Consumption and Production Initiatives
Landmark University SDG 12 Team launched an Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production which was expected to shift the community who are consumers toward more sustainable practices. A number of pilot programs were launched in university community and environs like training on plastics, agriculture waste collection, and reduction in energy consumption to encourage responsible production. However, more practicing toward it sustainability will be needed for wide acceptability with the view to meet the targets of SDG-12 by 2030.
7. Public-Private Partnerships
Collaborations between the university and the Kwara State Government includes the setting up of a special task force on waste management to do away with indiscriminate dumping of refuse, aimed at sustaining a clean and hygienic environment for healthy living. These have been instrumental in advancing the progress toward SDG-12. Initiatives that have been made to create partnerships with recycling companies have created an avenue for better ways of collecting and processing waste.
8. Landmark University Composting Program
Landmark University launched a composting program in 2022 to manage food waste from the university cafeterias. This program continue to divert organic waste to landfills for the production of nutrient-rich compost used in the university’s agricultural fields. The program further reduced food waste by 35% and enhanced the soil quality in the university farms.
9. Landmark quarterly hands-on training of Campus Keeper and waste to wealth team
Sensitization quarterly program series targeted the Campus Keepers and waste to wealth teams at Landmark University for maintaining the cleanliness of the campus environment. It includes supervisors and cleaning staff. The participants had different levels of knowledge and experience regarding waste management. Practical sessions were held, and the Campus Keepers were enlightened on:
a. Waste Segregation Process: Participants were made to understand how to sort out waste into respective categories, using separating bins.
b. Proper Handling and Disposal: Demonstrate ways through which different types of wastes can be handled in a non-hazardous and clean manner. Highlight toxic substances.
c. Recycling Techniques: Participation in understanding the recyclable materials by identification and appropriate handling practices to minimize contamination.
10. Output Performance Indicators and Impact Assessment for year 2023
KPI’s
University performance measurement is done through:
• Non-recyclable waste reduction rates: 40% waste non recyclables reduction
• Energy efficiency: 20% reduction in energy use after solar panel installations
• Food waste management: 35% food waste reduction due to composting initiatives
• University recycling rate: 20% increase within the last year.
• Waste Diversion: The University has been able to take more of its waste away from landfills through the use of recycling programs.
Challenges and Recommendations
• More funding is solicited from the University’s management to enhance its ability to grow in its sustainability programs.
• Resistance among some students and staff in adopting new practices that reduce waste.
Recommendations
• Collaboration with more private and international organizations in order to facilitate increased funding and available resources.
• Sensitization campaigns: Organize more “Town-gown” sensitization campaigns on responsible consumption methods.
Agenda for Landmark University, 2024
For the next year, the university has come up with the following targets:
• Increase research funding meant for activities that have a focus on waste-to-wealth technologies.
• Expand the programme on sustainability to further engage students in the initiatives revolving around SDG 12.
• Enhancing waste management infrastructure by investing in improving collection services.
Conclusion
Landmark University are making an effort to achieve goals of SDG-12, though much work needs to be done. This calls for is sustained commitment, strategic partnerships, and the engagement of the general public in the responsible consumption and production of goods by 2030.
Acknowledgments
The team would like to acknowledge contributions from all stakeholders involved in promoting the goals of SDG-12 for 2023 academic session: students, faculty members, private organizations, and governmental bodies.
Prepared by: SDG 12 Monitoring Team Members (December 28, 2023)
- Dr. Olaniran Abiola (SDG-12 Team Lead and Chair- Action Plan implementation Committee)
- Dr. Ayeni M.D (Assistant Co-ordinator, SDG 12, Member-Action Plan implementation Committee)
- Engr. Oluwafemi O.C (Secretary -Action Plan implementation Committee)
- Dr. Awe T.E (Member-Action Plan implementation Committee)
- Mr. Ishola, O.J (Member-Action Plan implementation Committee)