A leading university in Kazakhstan has unveiled a new ecological campus, as the sustainability agenda continues to take hold in emerging markets.
Narxoz University, located in Almaty, opened its campus in June following a reconstruction in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The university’s development strategy to 2025 seeks to create a modern learning environment with a focus on sustainability.
The campus transformation employed green technologies and modern architectural solutions, introducing more than 30,000 trees and a diversity of plant species to the campus territory. Campus facilities feature a power-saving lighting system that is set to provide energy savings in the amount of about 120,000 kilovolts annually.
The university’s main building was also renovated with environmentally friendly technologies, materials and equipment. The 30,000 sqm facility now offers more than 26 IT labs, 112 classrooms, and 115 open space work areas, in addition to innovative features such as ergonomic furniture and a model courtroom.
The transformation has enabled the university to cut down on campus-wide emissions, with carbon monoxide and other pollutant emissions reduced by 78% and 74%, respectively, according to Narxoz University President Miras Daulenov. The new campus is now one of the most eco-friendly places in Almaty.
“This is a key step in fulfilling our mission, which is to provide talented young people from Central Asia with a world-class education and to conduct research that can support changes in society and in the economy,” Daulenov said.
Narxoz University was ranked as the top private university in Kazakhstan by the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking in 2022. Founded in 1963, the university today offers higher education degrees in economics, law, business, marketing, finance, hospitality management, tourism, public administration and digital technologies. It is home to five schools and four research centres, including the Sustainable Kazakhstan Research Institute.
The campus reconstruction is the latest step in the university’s mission to develop into an internationally recognised institution.
In 2022, Narxoz University received accreditation from the FIBAA, a leading international quality assurance agency for higher education institutions, which allows the university’s diplomas to be recognised in Europe.
“FIBAA accreditation is a well-deserved achievement for the university’s staff and its students. Narxoz is moving forward with its strategy to gain full international recognition, earn a recognised scientific reputation and attract talent from across Central Asia and abroad,” said Narxoz University alum and leading sponsor Bulat Utemuratov.
Birger Hendriks, a Special Representative of the FIBAA, said: “ “During the online conferences that are part of the FIBAA’s accreditation procedure, the members of the international panel could see the excellent team spirit shared by Narxoz’s academic and administrative staff. Narхoz University was initially well prepared for the accreditation process, which had a positive impact on the commission’s deliberations and assessment of quality criteria in general. The university is undergoing a period of dynamic change as it aligns its management structure, teaching and learning, and research with international standards. The FIBAA believes that this optimism is an extremely positive and promising sign for the further development of the Narxoz University and congratulates Narxoz on achieving the accreditation.”
Narxoz University is a member of the European Network for Academic Integrity (ENAI) and is recognised as one of the best universities in Kazakhstan, according to the Ministry of Education and Science and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. The university’s study programmes hold international accreditation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
SOURCE https://neweconomy.site/kzs-narxoz-university-focuses-on-sustainability-gains-fibaa-accreditation/
