07 Affordable and Clean Energy – �鶹��Ƶ

Bioadaptation of ecosystems in the Valle de las Palmas-Tijuana river basin. Recycling of construction waste and glass

Ada Inman — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:28:05 +0000

Teachers and students from FCITEC coordinated their courses around a project involving the community of Valle de las Palmas (municipality of Tecate, Baja California). The project seeks to evaluate the use of materials recovered from construction waste and glass in order to promote sustainable construction practices and mitigate the community’s vulnerability to soil, aquifer, and air pollution, as well as the risk of flooding inherent in the extraction of natural resources in the Valle de las Palmas area.
Students and professors from five courses in the Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programs participated. Field visits were conducted in the town of Valle de las Palmas, and in this first phase, actions were implemented at a local school.
The project is linked to an external entity called the Border Environmental Education Project (Proyecto Fronterizo de Educación Ambiental, A.C) and aims to incorporate sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and promote the use of materials derived from construction waste in the area.

On December 9th, a progress presentation was made before members of the community and local government, and works will continue during the 2026-1 semester (January-May).

The National City Earthquake Safety & Outreach Initiative

Ada Inman — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:41:12 +0000

This report contains a series of policy proposals developed by San Diego State University (SDSU) students, in collaboration with National City officials and the SDSU Sage Project, to increase the use of existing earthquake preparedness resources among National City residents. The primary focus of student research was the California Earthquake Brace + Bolt program and encouraging homeowners to engage in seismic retrofitting. Additionally, students developed policy recommendations aimed at increasing general earthquake safety, awareness, and education. Being located in Southern California, earthquake preparedness
is a topic the SDSU community is very familiar with and many students were able to use this as an opportunity to draw upon prior knowledge in their research.
Students worked to create policy suggestions specific to National City, based on methods proven effective in similar municipalities, by researching how the area’s demographics may impact the use of community resources. National City is a heavily Hispanic city, with a large population that does not speak English as a first language. As such, many of the policies in this report focus on bridging that gap in communication and establishing trust between community members and those with access to earthquake preparedness resources. Another major trend among policies developed by students was a focus on finding creative ways to lower the economic burden on residents interested in seismic retrofitting. This led to the creation of several innovative proposals focused on helping residents pay for seismic retrofitting, primarily where other government programs would not suffice. These policies may be more difficult to implement than direct outreach, but they represent an alternate approach the city could take to encourage seismic retrofitting.
The policies presented in this report were chosen for their adaptability as part of a larger earthquake awareness initiative, as well as their ability to function independently. As stressed by National City officials, the city budget does not have any extra funding for extensive earthquake preparedness programs. The purpose behind choosing policies which can operate independently is to work around these constraints and offer solutions that may be more budget-friendly. These policies are categorized based upon the type of actor affected: resident, government group, or external organization.

Exploring Tax Increment Financing Strategies for the City of Tempe

Ada Inman — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 20:02:12 +0000

The City of Tempe is a dynamic and innovative community located in the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Home to more than 190,000 residents and the Arizona State University Tempe Campus, the City is committed to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking policies that enhance quality of life for all. As part of these efforts, the City is exploring the potential of tax increment financing (TIF) as a tool to support targeted redevelopment and economic growth. Students from the School of Public Affairs will research the structure, benefits, and challenges of TIF implementation in comparable cities, engage with key stakeholders and city staff, and produce two deliverables: an internal report with literature review and case analysis, and a persuasive policy brief outlining a proposed TIF model suited to Tempe’s needs.

Incorporating Young Perspectives into Planning Tempe’s Future

Ada Inman — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:49:47 +0000

The City of Tempe is a vibrant and forward-thinking community at the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Home to more than 190,000 residents and the Arizona State University Tempe Campus, the City is committed to promoting long-term livability, economic vitality, and equitable access to opportunities for all generations. In response to shifting demographics and the evolving needs of its younger population, Tempe is proactively working to engage youth in shaping the city’s future. As part of this effort, the City is partnering with students from The Design School to explore strategies for retaining and empowering young residents in civic life. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine key social, economic, and sustainability factors that influence youth engagement and long-term community connection. Through collaboration with Tempe leaders, residents, and youth, students will develop future scenarios to inform city planning and support decision-making that anticipates the needs of upcoming generations.

Aging In Place: A Strategy for Updating the General Plan

Ada Inman — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:26:22 +0000

The City of Tolleson, located in the West Valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and affordable community for its more than 7,000 residents and thousands of daily commuter and industry visitors. As the City has reached 90% build-out, and simultaneously the General Plan 2024 has reached its maturity, Tolleson staff and leadership are interested in exploring new opportunities to plan for Tolleson to continue to be a thriving community for people of all ages. To advance these efforts, a team of Master of Urban and Environmental Planning (MUEP) Planning Workshop students will collaborate with the City of Tolleson staff, leadership, and community members through the ASU Project Cities program to explore best practices to plan for aging in place to inform a supplemental General Plan chapter focused on implementing recommended strategies throughout the City now and into the future.

Green Technology and Sustainable Education Conference

Ada Inman — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:35:45 +0000

The Green Technology & Sustainable Education Conference at Ajou University Tashkent (AUT), chaired by Professor Dr Che Zalina Zulkifli, is a major regional platform to accelerate green innovation, green university transformation, and sustainable education across Uzbekistan. The conference follows the �鶹��Ƶ Model by connecting university expertise with local environmental authorities, industry partners, and communities to address real, measurable sustainability needs.

Uzbekistan is strengthening its national commitment to environmental protection, green infrastructure, sustainable land use, and climate-resilient education.

AUT aims to serve as a regional driver for sustainable technology and green education. Through Prof Zalina’s leadership, the conference brought together academia, government, community groups, and industries to co-design solutions aligned with �鶹��Ƶ principles of:

community impact
long-term partnerships
scalable solutions
real-world implementation

The conference was designed to:

Accelerate Green University transformation
Strengthen capacity in green technologies, IoT, and smart systems
Support environmental education and sustainability literacy
Enhance university–community partnerships
Link AUT to global and ASEAN networks working on sustainability

The conference was honoured by major international and national keynote leaders:

His Excellency Ilham Tuah

Ambassador of Malaysia to Uzbekistan
Delivered an inspiring keynote on Malaysia–Uzbekistan cooperation in sustainable development, education diplomacy, and future green partnerships.

WWF-Malaysia

Representatives shared insights on:

climate resilience
biodiversity conservation
community-driven environmental solutions
green innovation partnership models

Their presence strengthened international environmental collaboration with Uzbekistan.

MARDI (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute)

Provided expert perspectives on:

smart agriculture
land sustainability
innovative farming technologies
research opportunities for Uzbekistan–Malaysia collaboration

These keynote contributions elevated the scientific, diplomatic, and technical depth of the conference.

Key Components of the Conference

5.1 Academic & Technical Sessions

Smart environmental monitoring technology
IoT and AI for sustainability
Green campus and green metrics
Smart agriculture & land management
Circular economy and eco-innovation
Environmental education models

5.2 Local Environmental Authorities & Community Partners

Local environmental protection departments
Municipal green development offices
NGOs and eco-community organisations
Youth and student sustainability groups

5.3 Industry & Innovation Partners

Green technology companies showcased:
renewable solutions
low-cost environmental sensors
smart farming tools
waste-to-resource technologies

Role of Professor Dr Che Zalina Zulkifli

As Director of ICGTSS AUT and Conference Chairperson

Developed the conference theme, structure, and academic direction
Coordinated international speakers and keynote leaders
Strengthened partnerships with environmental authorities and industry
Integrated �鶹��Ƶ frameworks into the conference design
Positioned AUT as a Central Asian hub for green technology & smart systems
Ensured high-quality scientific, educational, and community outcomes

�鶹��Ƶ Alignment

Strengthened AUT’s status as a regional leader in green technology
New pathways for international collaboration with Malaysia (government, WWF, MARDI)
Enhanced academic capacity in sustainability and smart systems
Empowered student and faculty contributions to local environmental challenges
Increased opportunities for �鶹��Ƶ aligned future projects across Uzbekistan

⸻

Future Directions

Annual continuation of the AUT Green Conference
Establishment of AUT as a Central Asia �鶹��Ƶ Demonstration Campus
Joint training programs with WWF-Malaysia and MARDI
University–local authority collaboration on green city initiatives
Applied research and community projects on land, water, and biodiversity

This conference reflects the outstanding leadership of
Professor Dr Che Zalina Zulkifli,
whose international work continues to advance green technology, sustainable education, and community-driven innovation across Malaysia, Uzbekistan, ASEAN, and the global �鶹��Ƶ network.

Smart Farming & Low-Cost DIY Farming Initiative

Ada Inman — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:30:45 +0000

This project, led by Professor Dr Che Zalina Zulkifli, introduces Smart Farming and Low-Cost DIY Farming technologies to support community farmers and student learning in Samarinda, Kalimantan. The initiative addresses the need for affordable, scalable, and sustainable farming methods suitable for both rural and urban communities.

The approach aligns fully with the �鶹��Ƶ Model, which connects university expertise with community-driven challenges, ensuring real implementation, measurable outcomes, and long-term impact.

Farmers and local communities in Samarinda face several limitations:

High cost of modern farming equipment
Inefficient water usage and traditional irrigation methods
Lack of exposure to IoT-based agricultural tools
Limited opportunities for green entrepreneurship

These issues restrict productivity and sustainability, creating a clear need for accessible, low-cost, technology-supported farming solutions.

Project Description

3.1 Smart Farming Technology

EduGreen@UPSI introduced practical and affordable tools:

IoT soil moisture sensors
Climate monitoring (temperature, humidity)
Automated smart watering systems
Mobile dashboard for real-time monitoring

3.2 Low-Cost DIY Farming Systems

To ensure community scalability, Prof Zalina’s model emphasised affordability and local materials:

DIY vertical farming modules
Low-cost drip irrigation kits
Compost tea nutrient production
Microcontroller-based automation (ESP32/NodeMCU)

Each system can be built with RM30–RM100, enabling widespread adoption.

3.3 Economic and Business Model Integration

The Faculty of Economy supported:

Micro-costing of farming operations
Market analysis for urban farming products
Business model development for micro-enterprises
Circular economy concepts (waste → compost → product → income)

Student Engagement & Academic Integration

Following �鶹��Ƶ’s experiential learning principle, students:

Built and tested IoT prototypes
Conducted on-field deployment in test plots
Collected and analysed farm data
Prepared business plans for community farmers

Lecturers incorporated smart farming topics into teaching modules, creating sustainable academic continuity.

Outcomes and Impact

5.1 Community Impact

Farmers adopt simple, low-cost technologies
Improved water efficiency through automation
Increased awareness of sustainable agriculture practices

5.2 Educational Impact

New curriculum components for Smart Farming and IoT Agriculture
Cross-faculty collaboration strengthened
Students gain hands-on, real-world problem-solving experience

5.3 Economic Impact

Potential 20–40% reduction in operating costs
Opportunities for student-led agritech entrepreneurship
Local communities can commercialise DIY farming kits

Future Plans

Establish �鶹��Ƶ–EduGreen Smart Farming Hub at UNTAG 1945.
Conduct annual Smart Agriculture Bootcamps for students and communities.
Produce joint research papers and policy briefs.
Expand the project to more districts in Kalimantan and ASEAN.

Leadership

This project reflects the leadership of
Professor Dr Che Zalina Zulkifli,
who continues to extend Malaysia’s green technology innovation to the global community through �鶹��Ƶ aligned programs.

EduGreen Composting for Sustainable Campus & Community Initiative

Ada Inman — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:25:26 +0000

The EduGreen Compost Program at UPSI is a flagship sustainability initiative designed to strengthen environmental education, green lifestyle adoption, and community practice, while embedding sustainability within the academic curriculum.

Led by Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli, this programme integrates:

Academic coursework (Communication course under Faculty of Language & Communication),
Student leadership development (HEPA Green Portfolio),
Technical and agricultural guidance from MARDI,
Hands-on composting infrastructure at EduGreen Centre.

The initiative reflects the �鶹��Ƶ philosophy: a real-world sustainability challenge matched with university expertise and an applied learning framework that directly benefits communities.

The EduGreen Compost Program is structured around a three-tier �鶹��Ƶ-aligned implementation approach involving academic integration, community engagement, and institutional collaboration.

1. Academic Integration: Communication Course Collaboration

The Faculty of Language & Communication incorporated this project into its “Communication Course”, allowing over 300 students per semester to:

Practice communication strategies through environmental messaging,
Produce campaign videos, posters, and awareness materials,
Conduct presentations and dialogues with local stakeholders,
Reflect on sustainability practices through structured assignments.

This transforms composting from a technical activity into a communication-driven behavioural change programme, aligned with UPSI’s mission to produce environmentally responsible graduates.

2. Student Leadership (HEPA Green Portfolio)

Selected student leaders manage compost operations,
Organise green campaigns at colleges and hostels,
Monitor food waste collection,
Conduct workshops for peers and schools,
Coordinate data reporting (waste diverted, compost produced, participation rates).

This creates a leadership pipeline where students gain environmental management skills while contributing to UPSI’s green campus agenda.

3. Technical Guidance & Local Government Collaboration (MARDI)

Expertise in composting science,
Technical validation of the composting system,
Training modules for university and school participants,
Advisory support for scaling the programme to district-level agriculture offices.

This strengthens the initiative’s credibility and aligns it with Malaysia’s national agricultural sustainability framework.

4. EduGreen Centre Infrastructure

Demonstration site for composting technology,
Training hub for UPSI and external visitors,
Data collection and monitoring centre,
Research facility for smart compost innovation (IoT, sensors, etc.).

This infrastructure enables the programme to serve as a national and international model for integrating green technology into education.

Environmental Impact

Significant reduction of organic waste from UPSI cafeterias and hostels.
Production of high-quality compost used for campus landscaping and community gardens.
Measurable decrease in waste collection frequency, contributing to carbon-footprint reduction.

Educational & Academic Impact

Students experience authentic learning by applying communication theories to real sustainability issues.
Faculty integrates applied environmental content into assignments and assessments.
Increased student confidence in public speaking, project management, and advocacy.

Community Engagement

Workshops delivered to schools and local communities.
Composting awareness expanded to nearby districts through MARDI collaborations.
Strengthened public understanding of waste reduction and circular economy practices.

Institutional Impact

UPSI moves closer to its Green Campus and Green University targets.
Recognised as a model for other Malaysian universities seeking curriculum-based sustainability integration.
Strong cross-faculty cooperation—an important indicator of long-term sustainability culture.

Alignment with the �鶹��Ƶ Model

The EduGreen Compost Program demonstrates full alignment with �鶹��Ƶ’s foundational principles:

1. Community-Identified Needs: Food waste and environmental awareness were key issues identified by:

HEPA,
MARDI,
campus management,
local communities.

2. University Courses Integrated

The Communication course integrates sustainability into academic learning, making the project part of structured coursework.

3. Long-Term Partnerships

UPSI (EduGreen Centre, FBK, HEPA),
MARDI,
schools and local communities.

4. Student Leadership and Engagement

Students lead compost operations, communication campaigns, workshops, and reporting—demonstrating authentic �鶹��Ƶ style engagement.

5. Scalable Model

The programme is now ready for:

Expansion to all UPSI faculties,
Replication in Malaysian schools through teacher training,
International demonstration to Central Asia and Southeast Asia through EduGreen partnerships.

Future Expansion

The next phase includes:

Integrating IoT and Smart Sensors for automated compost monitoring,
Producing research publications and a Composting Guidebook,
Expanding green entrepreneurship models for students,
Establishing EduGreen Compost Demo Sites in partner schools,
Preparing the programme as a national �鶹��Ƶ model case study.

The EduGreen Compost Program is a powerful example of how curriculum, community, and technology can merge under the �鶹��Ƶ approach.
By combining academic learning, local government support, and real environmental action, UPSI has created a scalable, impactful, and internationally relevant sustainability model. The programme continues to strengthen UPSI’s position as a regional leader in environmental education and green innovation, guided by the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli and supported by dynamic faculty and community partners.

E-Sport EduGreen Environmental Education Initiative

Ada Inman — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:18:03 +0000

Aligned �鶹��Ƶ Model: Community-Driven Sustainable Development through University–Local Government Partnerships

The E-Sport EduGreen Environmental Education Initiative is an innovative, youth-focused sustainability programme that integrates digital engagement, E-sports culture, environmental literacy, and community behavioural change.
Developed and led by Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli, this initiative has rapidly expanded across Malaysian communities, involving:

174 green schools in Seberang Perai
Local government partnerships (MBSP & MBPP)
�°¹�–M�� collaboration
Industry support (Flex Technology, Amphenol, CIMB EcoSave, Habitat Foundation)

This model demonstrates an impactful synergy between education, technology, environmental advocacy, and policy relevance—perfectly reflecting the �鶹��Ƶ mission of leveraging university expertise to solve community challenges. The programme is built on a multi-layered, community-based �鶹��Ƶ structure, with UPSI acting as the academic anchor.

Implementation follows four major pillars:

1. Academic Integration

Environmental education modules embedded into digital learning, E-sport game design, and STEM-based activities.
Pre-service and in-service teacher training through EduGreen@UPSI.
Use of data-driven methodologies to track learning outcomes and behaviour change.

2. Local Government Collaboration

The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) adopted E-Sport EduGreen as part of its city-wide sustainability and anti–single-use plastics campaign.
Program supports municipal objectives: waste reduction, green campus development, and youth engagement.

3. Industry & Civil Society Support• Industry partners sponsor:

Digital infrastructure
School implementation kits
Educational content production
�°¹�–M�� contributes expertise in environmental messaging and community outreach.

4. Community & School Engagement

School tournaments merge E-sport excitement with environmental missions.
Students complete real-world sustainability tasks (recycling campaigns, green innovation projects) to earn in-game or tournament rewards.
This framework builds lifelong green habits using a youth-friendly approach.

The project demonstrates measurable achievements aligned with �鶹��Ƶ’s outcome-based impact model.

1. Educational Impact

30,000+ students reached directly through Eco-Digital activities.
Significant improvement in environmental awareness, measured through pre/post assessments.
Increased student leadership in zero-waste and green innovation initiatives.

2. Community Impact

174 schools implemented environmental action plans.
Measurable reduction in single-use plastics in several districts.
Stronger collaboration between schools, local government, and communities.

3. Institutional Impact

UPSI recognized as a national leader in digital environmental education.
Municipal governments adopted the programme as part of their annual sustainability agenda.
Scalable model for national and regional replication.

4. Policy Influence

The programme is now used as a reference model for:
Green school certification
Youth engagement strategies
Local government environmental outreach

Alignment with the �鶹��Ƶ Model

The E-Sport EduGreen project fully embodies all five �鶹��Ƶ pillars:

1. Community-Identified Needs

waste management,
single-use plastic reduction,
lack of youth engagement in environmental programmes.

2. University Support & Academic Integration

curriculum development,
research,
teacher training,
monitoring and evaluation.

3. Long-Term Partnerships

MBSP
�°¹�–M��
Industry partners
Ministry of Education (state-level)

4. Student & Faculty Engagement

digital innovation
game design
community-based environmental projects
Faculty contribute research, module development, and supervision.

5. Scalable Model with Measurable Impact

This �鶹��Ƶ aligned model has already expanded from:• pilot schools → district-wide → state-wide impact
The system can be replicated across ASEAN, Central Asia, and global �鶹��Ƶ partners.

Future Expansion

The initiative is now positioned to expand into:
• AI-driven environmental learning modules
• Green E-Sport international tournaments
• Cross-country �鶹��Ƶ collaboration (Malaysia–Uzbekistan)
• Youth sustainability leadership academies

With �鶹��Ƶ global visibility, this model can become a flagship example of how technology, sustainability, and community partnership can transform environmental education.

The E-Sport EduGreen Environmental Education Initiative stands as an exemplary �鶹��Ƶ project—demonstrating how a university-led, community-driven model can generate real, measurable sustainability outcomes while engaging the next generation through innovative digital tools. UPSI and Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli continue to commit to expanding this model internationally and contributing to the �鶹��Ƶ mission of building sustainable, resilient, community-engaged universities around the world.

Connecting Communities: Recommendations for Micromobility and Transit Integration

Ada Inman — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:10:53 +0000

To improve the connection between active and public transportation in Lane County, the Bicycle Transportation class partnered with Lane Transit District (LTD) and Cascadia Mobility to produce comprehensive street redesigns, GIS mapping and implementation recommendations, and community outreach findings. Through the lens of street design, geographic mapping, policymaking, and community engagement, students provided a basis for LTD to transform the transportation system in Eugene-Springfield and the broader Lane County area by connecting multimodal transportation options.

Students assessed current infrastructure gaps, community beliefs and needs, and the politics of redesigning streets to accommodate multimodal transportation in the region. By impacting the physical, cultural, and systemic environments, students believe LTD could further connect their service to bike infrastructure. For example, mapping studies identified gaps in bikeshare service while community engagement recorded community members’ feelings and needs surrounding bikeshare and infrastructure. Students also used policy studies alongside street redesigns to identify areas with the greatest street improvement needs, generating proposals to encourage future infrastructure improvements. In addition, one group looked at the existing transit system through an equity and access lens and advocated for prioritizing marginalized neighborhoods in transportation planning and addressing network barriers for people with disabilities.