The Role of Engineering Universities in Kolkata in Promoting Sustainable Development Goals

The SDGs cover various aspects of social, economic and environmental sustainability, such as quality education, clean energy, climate action, gender equality and innovation. The SDGs are interlinked and require collective action from all sectors of society, including governments, civil society, private sector and academia.

Engineering universities play a vital role in advancing the SDGs through their core functions of teaching, research and outreach. Engineering universities can contribute to the SDGs by educating future engineers and leaders who can apply their skills and knowledge to solve complex challenges, by conducting cutting-edge research that generates new solutions and technologies for sustainable development, and by engaging with local and global communities to share best practices and foster partnerships for positive change.

In this article, we will explore how engineering universities in Kolkata, one of the largest and most populous cities in India, are promoting the SDGs through their various initiatives and activities. We will focus on four key SDGs that are relevant to the context of Kolkata: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

SDG 4: Quality Education

Quality education is essential for achieving all the other SDGs, as it empowers individuals and societies to create and use knowledge for sustainable development. Engineering universities in Kolkata are committed to providing quality education to their students by offering diverse and relevant curricula, enhancing teaching and learning methods, promoting interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

For example, the University of Engineering & Management (UEM), Kolkata, one of the leading private engineering universities in Kolkata, offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, management, computer science, law and other disciplines. UEM also provides various opportunities for students to participate in national and international competitions, workshops, seminars, conferences and projects that enhance their skills and exposure. UEM has also established several centers of excellence in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, biotechnology and nanotechnology that facilitate research and innovation among faculty and students.

Another example is the Jadavpur University (JU), Kolkata, one of the oldest and most prestigious public engineering universities in Kolkata. JU offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in engineering, science, arts and other fields. JU also has a strong focus on research and has been ranked among the top research universities in India by various agencies. JU has several research centers and laboratories that conduct interdisciplinary research on topics such as energy systems, environmental engineering, nanoscience and nanotechnology, biomedical engineering and social sciences. JU also collaborates with various national and international institutions and organizations for research and academic exchange.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Affordable and clean energy is crucial for ensuring access to electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing economic growth and improving quality of life. Engineering universities in Kolkata are involved in developing and promoting renewable energy sources and technologies that can provide sustainable solutions for energy challenges.

For instance, the Heritage Institute of Technology (HIT), Kolkata, another prominent private engineering university in Kolkata, has established a Centre for Renewable Energy Research (CRER) that conducts research on solar photovoltaic systems, wind energy systems, biomass gasification, hydrogen production and storage, fuel cells and smart grids.

CRER also organizes training programs, workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns on renewable energy for students, faculty, industry and society. CRER has also installed a 100 kW rooftop solar power plant on the campus that provides clean electricity to the institute.

Similarly, the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur,a premier public engineering university located near Kolkata, has set up a Centre for Green Energy and Sensor Systems (CGESS) that conducts research on solar cells, solar thermal systems, wind turbines, energy harvesting devices, energy storage devices and smart sensors.

CGESS also offers consultancy services, testing facilities and training programs on renewable energy and sensor systems for various stakeholders. CGESS has also developed several prototypes and products based on renewable energy and sensor technologies, such as solar lanterns, solar cookers, wind pumps, biogas plants and smart meters.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sustainable cities and communities are those that provide safe, inclusive, resilient and environmentally friendly living conditions for their inhabitants. Engineering universities in Kolkata are engaged in improving the urban environment and infrastructure of the city by conducting research, developing solutions and providing consultancy on various aspects of urban planning, management and governance.

For example, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), Kolkata, a public university that offers engineering, management and other professional courses, has established a Centre for Urban Studies (CUS) that conducts research and training on urban issues such as housing, transportation, water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, disaster management and urban governance. CUS also provides consultancy services and policy inputs to various urban stakeholders such as government agencies, municipal corporations, non-governmental organizations and private sector.

Another example is the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, a premier public engineering university located near Kolkata, that has set up a Centre for Urban Science and Engineering (CUSE) that conducts research and education on urban systems such as smart cities, urban ecology, urban health, urban mobility, urban energy and urban informatics. CUSE also collaborates with various national and international partners for joint research projects, academic exchange and capacity building on urban issues.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Climate action refers to taking urgent measures to combat climate change and its impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptation and resilience, and supporting mitigation and finance. Engineering universities in Kolkata are involved in addressing the challenges and opportunities of climate change by conducting research, developing technologies and promoting awareness and advocacy on climate issues.

For instance, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Durgapur, a public engineering university located near Kolkata, has established a Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) that conducts research on climate change science, impacts, vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation. CCCR also organizes workshops, seminars, conferences and outreach programs on climate change for students, faculty, researchers and policymakers.

Similarly, the Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU), Shibpur, a public engineering university located near Kolkata, has set up a Centre for Climate Change Studies (CCCS) that conducts research on climate change modeling, assessment, adaptation and mitigation. CCCS also offers courses, training programs and consultancy services on climate change for various stakeholders.

Conclusion

Engineering universities in Kolkata are playing a significant role in promoting the SDGs through their teaching, research and outreach activities. They are contributing to the SDGs by educating future engineers and leaders who can apply their skills and knowledge to solve complex challenges, by conducting cutting-edge research that generates new solutions and technologies for sustainable development, and by engaging with local and global communities to share best practices and foster partnerships for positive change. Engineering universities in Kolkata are thus demonstrating their commitment and responsibility towards achieving the SDGs and creating a better world for all.