Innovative strategic planning for a sustainable green university: University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

Abstract

University of Ruhuna (UOR) consists of ten faculties thatspread over 366 acres in six different locations in the Southern Province ofSri Lanka. Economically viable and mutually benefited public-privatepartnerships, which ensure the common direction for the different goalsof stakeholders, are the principles of strategic green planning of theUniversity. This paper presents two key sustainable initiatives of UOR. Theproposed strategic landscaping project has been focused to utilize theopen space which accounts for 60-70% of the total land area. The totalopen space will be divided into manageable zones based on geographicalcharacteristics. Private sponsorships will be sought to cover the initialcapital and maintenance cost, allowing sponsors to do selectedpromotional activities within their zones. The second project is theestablishment of a sustainable, modern agribusiness venture. Thirty acresof land will be rented out for a private company and the company has toshare the profit with the University. University will provide consultationand technical support to the project. Cultivation of Cinnamon, Pepper andother unique spicy crops, production of organic fertilizer and bio char,protected agriculture project, Cinnamon oil extraction plant and solarpower project are the key components of this initiativeKeyword: Green university, Public-private partnerships, Strategic planning,Sustainable