An Overview of Advancing Green Energy Solutions and Environmental Protection toward Green Universities
Abstract
As global climate concerns worsen, higher education institutions are increasingly viewed as essential drivers of sustainability. Green institutions, which incorporate environmental sustainability into education, research, operations, and community engagement, are at the forefront of climate change mitigation efforts. This paper provides an overview of green energy solutions and environmental protection measures in higher education, with a special emphasis on green universities' role in influencing sustainable development. These institutions serve as both green technology research hubs and living labs, promoting renewable energy, carbon reduction, and environmental stewardship. Green colleges lower their environmental impact while simultaneously educating future leaders in sustainable practices by incorporating sustainability frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report covers major global universities' green energy projects, using case studies from Europe, North America, Asia, and Kazakhstan. Specifically, Abai University and Fudan University are cited as examples of how Asian institutions are incorporating green technologies, fostering sustainability research, and creating educational curriculum to assist environmental protection. The review goes over major aspects of constructing green campuses, such as renewable energy research, sustainable building designs, trash management, and student involvement in green activities. Furthermore, it investigates the constraints and potential for universities to influence green energy policies at the local, national, and global levels. This review synthesizes existing literature on sustainability practices in higher education to provide useful insights into the potential impact of green universities on global environmental policies, as well as recommendations for future breakthroughs in green education and campus sustainability.