THE GREEN CAMPUS

By Peter Snashall

If you ask students at HCU what inspired them to study here, quite a few will say they were attracted by the attractive, green environment.

Many people driving by on the busy Bagna Trad road outside the university are struck by the parklands of the university, which contrast with the factories and businesses along the roadside. HCU has many green areas. It has open areas of grass, flower gardens, vegetable gardens, tree shaded roads, and several topical areas with walkways around ponds and beneath a canopy of tall trees. It’s not surprising that students would like to study in such an attractive green setting.

It's important to note though that

to note though that a green campus is not just attractive to the eye. A green campus can have many environmental benefits. It can help to improve air quality and combat climate change. It can reduce the amount of energy used and save money. It can reduce the amount of water used. It can reduce the amount of waste produced.

And of course, the green environment increases the biodiversity of the area. Gardeners grow a variety of plant species in the campus gardens. A variety of animal species inhabit the campus gardens and lawns. Many kinds of birds, including bul buls, wrens, bee eaters and and ibis can be seen around the university. And squirrels play in the trees while huge and small amphibian monitor lizards roam the grounds. Be careful of snakes if you wander off the pathways!

A green campus also has many social benefits.

It can help to create a sense of community and pride due to increased social interaction and community involvement. Many local (and not so local) organizations come to the university for activities including cultural events, seminars and sports events. Moreover, a green campus can help attract and retain students, faculty, and staff as offers a healthy working environment due to good air quality, reduced noise pollution, more natural light, increased opportunities for physical activity, and reduced stress levels. As a consequence of these factors, it improves the quality of life for everyone on campus.

So finally, we can say that a green campus contributes greatly to environmental and social sustainability.