Creating a “green university” in China: a case of Shenyang University

Moving towards an eco-city, the local universities should play an active role. To create a green university is one effort so that all the faculties, staff members and students can join such an effort. However, how to initiate a green university project remains questionable in China. In this paper an integrated model on green university is proposed. Such a model aims to manage all the campus activities on a sustainable basis. It addresses all the issues related with one university's metabolism and ensures that the views and goals of different stakeholders are considered together. In order to test its feasibility, a case study approach is employed. Shenyang University (SU) was chosen due to its unique feature and data availability. Various efforts at SU are detailed, such as the application of ground source heat pump, wastewater recycling at the campus level, integrated solid waste management (such as collection of discarded PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, etc), green education and research. With all these efforts, significant economic, environmental and social benefits have been received, such as more efficient materials and energy use, cost savings from lowered insurance costs and reduced environmental penalties, reduction of greenhouse gas emission, reduction of wastewater discharge and solid wastes, avoidance of toxic materials, increased environmental awareness, improved green image, etc. The achievements that Shenyang University has made have demonstrated a robust model to other Chinese universities so that they can start their initiatives by considering their own realities. During this process, the close collaboration with local government, strong leadership and a comprehensive plan will be necessary so that all the stakeholders can join it and more resources can be gained to support its implementation.