KARACHI, Oct 23: The NED University of Engineering and Technology will shortly launch a project approved under the annual development programme to become Pakistan’s first green campus.

According to university officials, the government is likely to release funds for the Rs200 million Dr Ishratul Ibad Green Campus Initiative soon.

“We’ve already got solar lights on one of our streets but this project will cover the entire university that will have energy efficient lights. Old CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors will be replaced with LED (light emitting diode) monitors,” said Dean of the Civil, Environment and Architecture Dr Sarosh H. Lodhi, while adding that an awareness campaign would also be launched for energy conservation.

These measures, he said, would reduce carbon emissions up to 365 metric tonnes a year. “We can sell carbon credits after achieving our target. The university will save Rs25 million per annum in electricity bills besides it will provide additional electricity to the national grid,” said Dr Lodhi. He hoped that the university could become a role model for other institutions.

The initiative, he said, would not only help generate business and employment in renewable technology area but would also encourage research and produce experts in the area at a later stage as demand for renewable energy products would increase.

“This will prove to be a great opportunity for research and development of renewable technology and might provide basis to establish full degree programmes that would help address the issue of energy security in the country,” he said.