Earlier this month the University of Pretoria became the green heart of the country, hosting the annual Green Campus Conference (GCC). The theme for 2023 was “Greening beyond our campus and impacting society”, drawing participants from 18 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) committed to the cause of environmental sustainability.
The GCC has earned its reputation as the largest gathering of students and staff involved in campus greening and environmental sustainability projects within the higher education sector. The conference provides an invaluable platform for sharing ideas, presenting progress, and fostering collaborations through formal and informal interactions.
Representing Sol Plaatje University (SPU), green ambassadors were among the participants, contributing to the student-led green conversations. The SPU team, one of the 12 HEIs participating in these discussions, diligently educated and engaged in presentations, panel conversations and small group discussions. Their vibrant participation culminated in a showcase at the green fashion show.
Under the conference’s sub-themes, SPU focused its efforts on nine specific areas:
- Awareness and Behaviour
- Energy Conservation and Efficiency
- Renewable Energy
- Green Buildings
- Green Purchasing
- Recycling and Waste Reduction
- Water Conservation
- Student Residences
- Research and Development
This strategic focus led to a broad and in-depth exploration of campus greening, which extends beyond just physical spaces, and includes how the students and staff live, consume and think about their environment.
In a thrilling highlight for SPU, the team received recognition for their innovative approach to green fashion, winning the award for the best green garments. As we celebrate the success of the conference and SPU’s notable achievements, we also look forward to the continued impact of these greening initiatives on our campuses and beyond.
