The Green Hub was established in early 2022 at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (FMS/USJ), with the aim of developing a green university concept within the faculty premises. The Green Hub has successfully completed several projects and continues to work on ongoing initiatives.
In April 2022, an Awareness Programme on Green Universities was organized by the Environment Pollution Control & Chemical Management Division for the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The program aimed to raise awareness among the faculty’s staff and students about green practices and sustainability.
One of the ongoing projects is an urban organic farming initiative in non-construction areas. This project aims to provide organic vegetables and fruits to staff and students at a reasonable cost. The Ministry of Environment is supporting this project, and initial plans and designs have been completed. Discussions with potential investors are currently taking place.
The Green Hub has also undertaken various recycling projects with the active participation of staff and students from FMS/USJ. Both staff and students are being informed about the collection bins available and educated about the consequences of plastic pollution, climate change, and the effects of microplastics on human health. Plastic, glass, rigifoam, and electronic waste collection bins have been placed, and both staff and students are encouraged to dispose of their waste in these designated bins. Each department has appointed a technical officer responsible for the smooth functioning of the Green Hub, and a green file has been introduced to document waste collections.
For plastic waste, two collection sites have been installed at the faculty premises, resulting in nearly 500kg of plastic being sent for recycling by FMS/USJ. Glass waste collection has a separate collation center at the Anatomy car park, with different bins allocated for various types of glass. FMS/USJ has successfully sent over 2 tonnes of glass waste for recycling. Electronic waste collection involves providing cardboard boxes to departments and officers for the collection of non-inventoried electronics waste, which will later be sent to the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) collection point when their programs are advertised.
Rigifoam waste has its own designated bin at the Anatomy car park, donated by Dr. Sajith Edirisinghe. When the bin is full, a private recycling company specializing in Rigifoam will collect the waste. Waste paper recycling is facilitated through the use of a shredder machine located at the Anatomy department. Unwanted books, past papers, and answer scripts are shredded and then sent to the waste paper collection center of the National Paper Company Limited at Kirulapone. An authorized collector from the university ensures the proper measurement and collection of paper waste.
The Green Hub’s initiatives within the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, are making a significant impact. By raising awareness, implementing recycling projects, and promoting green practices, they inspire a culture of environmental consciousness and pave the way for a greener future.
