Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Created in 2022
Revised in 2023

1. Background: 

Environmental degradation is a top-level concern of the global community. Every country has responsibilities and mandates for protecting their environment whatever ways are available to them. As a young higher education institution Daffodil International University has formulated a set of sustainable strategies in various sectors of the university. The environmental sustainability strategy outlines the targets, goals and objectives in such a structured way that it strives to achieve the goals with a view to ensuring a greener, environment-friendly and sustainable campus. DIU has been implementing the strategies since 2021 so that it can have a better understanding and make pioneering contributions for creating a safer and sustainable planet with a target of net zero emission by 2030. DIU has progressed positively towards sustainability which has also been recognized globally though DIU’s achievement of several SDGs in the recent THE Impact Rankings.

The Strategy is also guided by our university’s values of ethics, quality, leadership, innovation, diversity, and lifelong learning. The strategy focuses on the following priority areas.

2. Curriculum:

DIU will create opportunities for its students of all programs to learn environmental sustainability, disaster management, SDGs, climate change etc. through active participation of various events both national and international round the year. Several graduate programs were designed and offered several years ago with a view to enhance achievement of SDGs as a crucial agenda of national and international communities. These programs are executed by the departments of (i) Environmental Science & Disaster Management (ESDM), (ii) Development Studies, (iii) Civil Engineering, (iv) Architecture, (v) Textile Engineering (vi) Agricultural Science etc. In addition, SDG related courses are included in the syllabi of different departments for understanding and reducing knowledge gaps of the students. Nonetheless, DIU students will be provided with experience of practical oriented best practices on environmental sustainability.

3. Assessment of Sustainability Literacy:

As a globally recognized leader in sustainability,  DIU has a responsibility to ensure that its students are equipped with a robust understanding of sustainability concepts. DIU strives to assess and enhance sustainability literacy among its students through the Assessment of Sustainability Knowledge (ASK) tool. The ASK tool offers a standardized method to measure students' knowledge across three interconnected dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic dimensions, providing DIU with data-driven insights that support informed decision-making. Many universities around the world use the ASK tool, allowing DIU to  compare its results and identify areas for improvement. This benchmarking process is valuable for an  institution that strives to be a leader in sustainability education, as it enables DIU to remain competitive  and responsive to global standards.

        3.1 Methodology for ASK Implementation at DIU

        Target Audience and Sampling Strategy: DIU will implement the ASK tool across a diverse sample of  undergraduate students, drawing participants from faculties such as engineering, business, humanities and social sciences, and health and life sciences. This approach ensures a representative assessment of sustainability literacy across different academic backgrounds and levels of study. 

Table 1: Sample Distribution by Faculties

 

Survey Administration Process: The ASK tool will be administered online, allowing students to complete the assessment conveniently and ensuring minimal environmental impact. Students will receive a secure link to the survey, with responses remaining anonymous to encourage honesty. By conducting the survey digitally, DIU can streamline data collection and reach a large sample without logistical challenges. 

Data Security and Privacy: DIU is committed to protecting students' privacy. All responses will be  anonymized, with data securely stored in compliance with DIU’s data protection policies. Aggregate data will be used for analysis, and individual identities will remain confidential, ensuring that privacy is  maintained throughout the assessment process. 

Timeline for Implementation: The ASK tool will be administered annually at the beginning of each  academic year. This timeline allows DIU to track changes in sustainability literacy over time, measure  the impact of curriculum modifications, and continuously improve its educational strategies. 

Adapting ASK to the DIU Context: DIU will tailor the ASK tool slightly to include topics specific to Bangladesh, such as urban waste management, water scarcity, and renewable energy initiatives. These adaptations will ensure that the tool remains relevant while preserving its standardized format.

4. Student Associations:

All the students will be made aware of the significance of environmental sustainability and act on it for achievement of SDG goals by the year 2030 as set by the government of Bangladesh. At least twenty student associations (clubs) are working to involve students of all the programs of the university with environmental sustainability events, community development, social works (education for all, poverty reduction, medical campaign) etc. The student affairs division of the university is responsible for providing this support through engagement of the faculty members of the respective departments.

5. Faculty:

The faculty members of the university regardless of the disciplines will participate in any national and international programs and events that articulates achievement of Sustainable development goals. The university will provide funding for organizing such programs in collaboration with the international organizations for example, WHO, UN, UNDP, UNESCO etc.

Documentation and reporting of their participation are mandatory for the teachers. These resources will be made available to the public through the DIU website.

6. Research into SDGs:

The university will continue its ongoing research and publications in the area of SDGs. The research will be governed by the university policy guidelines as well as maintaining collaborations and networking with the local and foreign universities. The University will encourage the faculty members and the students to submit research projects on different disciplines of sustainability (climate change, medical and health, solutions for environmental pollution etc.) and provide funding for undertaking these projects as per the existing policy of the university.

7. Carbon emission:

DIU targets to reduce the net carbon emission and CFC released from transports, air coolers, refrigerators, and relevant equipment used in the university premises. The department of ESDM, EEE, and Civil Engineering will take initiatives and undertake these tasks.

8. Environment friendly infrastructure and accommodation:

The construction of the physical infrastructure (buildings) of the university will follow the environment friendly building design and integrate features of renewable energy approach for example solar energy production, air flow mechanism throughout the buildings, windmill, plantations in the campus, water reservoir etc. These will enable an environment friendly campus. The university will accommodate the majority of the students in its residential halls both male and female, by 2030. DIU also has targeted to fully accommodate both academic and non-academic staff in its hostels, dormitories, studio apartments, family apartments, etc. by the year 2030 in the Daffodil Smart City.

9. Food:

DIU will strive to provide enough facilities for the residents of Daffodil Smart City (DSC) to eat balanced, fresh and safe food. It will develop proper rapport with the supply chain and will be monitoring the processing, packaging and preserving mechanism in this respect.

10. Energy:

DIU is fully committed to reduce the consumption of greed electricity by enhancing the energy generation from renewable sources. It will continue its effort in installing and maintaining solar panels on the rooftops of all the buildings of DIU campus. It will also set up a Biomass plant to produce energy from alternative sources. DIU will also explore other alternative sources of renewable energy.