The Role of Tertiary Institutions in Greening

the Economy

Clean Energy Week28 September – 1 October 2015

HICC, Harare, Zimbabwe

by

Mercy Manyuchi

Green Economy Definition

• A Green Economy is one that results in increased human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities

Green Economy Importance

• An economic vehicle for sustainable development

• Has strategies to end the persistence of poverty

• It is a central theme of Rio+20

• A new economic paradigm that can drive growth of income and jobs, while reducing environmental risk and scarcity

Features of a Green Economy…..1

• low-carbon energy (especially renewable energy and resource of energy efficient technologies

• sustainable water supply systems, water and sanitation, and waste management;

• sustainable production of food (organic, biodynamic farming and sustainable practices for livestock)

• the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

Features of a Green Economy…..2

• sustainable transport systems with an emphasis on public transport, planting the automotive industry;

• sustainable tourism• green jobs, sustainable lifestyles and

livelihoods that provide social justice and equality and establish concrete measures in order to progress and prosperity;

Importance of Tertiary Institutions in Green Economy….1

• Student interest• Research funding• Quality assurance• Community outreach• Employability• Accountability

Importance of Tertiary Institutions in Green Economy….2

Tertiary Institutions in Greening Economy

• Research and development• Innovation• Technology transfer• Technopreneurship• Curriculum development

Research and Development• Research and development trends that focus

on sustainability: Renewable energy, appropriate buildings, energy management

• Appropriate research to meet our national demands e.g. the solar heaters usage in Zimbabwe

• Functional prototypes for demonstration of appropriate technologies e.g. mini biodigesters; solar water heating systems

Innovation•Innovations that promote sustainability•Need to look for alternative sources of energy •E.g. alternative waste management strategies to value added products

Curricula• Curricula must

address green economy issues

• Promotes transdisciplinary programs

Technoprenuership

• Technology transfer from research to commercialization

• Techno-economic assessment of technologies essential

Industrial Liason

• Partnerships with industry essential

• Industry can advocate for the technology transfer

National Policy Formulation

• Advice policy makers on appropriate technologies for greening the economy

Conclusion• A Green Economy is the future• Lets go for it• Universities must walk the talk