Sustainable Development and Climate Change Policy

1. Introduction

1.1. The Non-Profit Limited Company "M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University" (hereinafter referred to as the University), as an educational and scientific center, participates in shaping a sustainable future.

1.2. The University is committed to integrating the principles of sustainable development in its strategies, processes, and decisions.

1.3. The Sustainable Development Policy of JSC “M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University” (hereinafter – the Policy) is developed in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Charter of JSC “M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University” (hereinafter – the University), and regulates the main relations in ensuring the sustainable development of the University.

1.4. The purpose of this Policy is to define the fundamental norms, principles, rules, and approaches that the University should follow in building a management system in the field of sustainable development.

1.5. The University bases its sustainable development on three main components:
E – Environmental responsibility (ecological balance);
S – High social responsibility;
G – High-quality corporate governance (economic growth).

1.6. The principles of the University in the field of sustainable development include openness, accountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect, legality, human rights, and zero tolerance for corruption. The principles of sustainable development are integrated into the University’s key processes: educational, research, educational outreach, planning, human resources management, investment, reporting, and strategic development.

1.7. The objectives of this Policy are to:

1) Define the principles and areas of the University’s activities in the field of sustainable development;
2) Establish the roles, competencies, and responsibilities of each University body and every employee in implementing the principles of sustainable development;
3) Identify the interrelation of key University processes in the area of sustainable development and their impact on the environment.

1.8. In addressing sustainable development goals, the University formulates its mission, goals, and objectives, transforming them into a long-term Development Program. In implementing this Program, the University relies on established international codes of conduct and principles enshrined in relevant sustainability standards, ensuring that its activities align with international best practices.

2. University Goals and Objectives in the Field of Sustainable Development

2.1. The University’s goal in sustainable development is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, in accordance with Goal 4 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University monitors progress on the remaining 16 SDGs and reflects it in its annual report. Education can accelerate the achievement of all SDGs and therefore must be a component of strategies to achieve each of them.

2.2. The University sets the following objectives:

1) Integrate sustainability principles into the University’s strategy, planning processes, decision-making, and development of internal regulations;
2) Create conditions for students and staff to form an informed attitude toward environmental, social justice, and sustainability issues through academic courses, projects, and extracurricular activities;
3) Implement sustainability principles into the internal culture, everyday operations, engagement with staff and students, and promote sustainable behavioral models;
4) Implement initiatives on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, sustainable procurement, waste minimization, and green campus development;
5) Promote inclusive and equitable education for all population groups, including individuals with special educational needs and representatives of vulnerable and underrepresented groups;
6) Develop cross-sectoral cooperation with government bodies, civil society, and international organizations to exchange experience, implement joint projects, and expand the University's contribution to achieving the SDGs;
7) Establish a sustainability assessment system, conduct regular monitoring of achieved results, and ensure transparent reporting on progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Policy.

2.3. Considering the strategic challenges in the field of sustainable development, the University views climate change as one of the most critical threats of our time, affecting all aspects of sustainability—from education quality and social resilience to environmental conditions and economic stability. Therefore, climate change mitigation and adaptation are becoming a priority area for the University’s activities.

3. University Climate Action Policy

3.1. The University recognizes climate change as one of the key global threats and reaffirms its commitment to actions aimed at mitigating its impacts and adapting to climate risks. The University seeks to contribute to the achievement of national and international climate goals, including the Paris Agreement and the UN SDGs.

3.2. The University publicly commits to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions – direct and indirect emissions from energy consumption.

3.3. To achieve this goal, the University:

1) Develops and implements a system for assessing and regularly monitoring the University’s carbon footprint (Scope 1 and Scope 2), including electricity, heat, fuel, and other resource consumption;
2) Implements measures to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of its infrastructure, aimed at reducing environmental impact and optimizing resource use;
3) Promotes the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in procurement, paperwork, and mobility on campus;
4) Supports the development of a culture of climate awareness in the academic and student community;
5) Develops green infrastructure on campus as a means of sustainable natural resource management and residual emissions offsetting;
6) Cooperates with government agencies, international organizations, and other universities to exchange best practices and achieve climate goals.

4. Final Provisions

4.1. The provisions of this Policy shall be observed by all University departments in activities involving interaction with stakeholders during planning and implementation, development of internal regulatory documents, information dissemination, and other communications.

4.2. The Sustainable Procurement Policy is subject to regular review in light of changes in the external environment, international standards, and University priorities. Where necessary, changes and additions may be made to improve its effectiveness.