Energy Conservation and Sustainable Clean Energy: Pathways to Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals

On November 7, 2024, the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology held an event for the residents of Almaty. The event focused on energy conservation and alternative sources of clean energy, with an emphasis on supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dean of the Faculty Meruert Sakenovna Kurmanbayeva delivered a speech highlighting the importance of developing new energy sources and conserving biological resources to achieve SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). She discussed opportunities for using bioresources to produce environmentally friendly energy that helps preserve the environment.

The head of the Department of Biotechnology, Aida Serikovna Kistaubayeva, presented projects related to biodiesel and biogas production. These contribute to reducing carbon emissions and align with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13. She emphasized that the department’s technologies help minimize carbon footprints and facilitate a transition to renewable energy sources.

The head of the Department of Biophysics, Almira Melsovna Kustubaeva, spoke about the effects of electricity on human physiology, underlining the importance of ensuring sustainable and safe energy consumption in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

The head of the Department of Biodiversity and Bioresources, Akmaral Sadykkyzy, highlighted the potential of certain plants for alternative energy production, contributing to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and supporting the development of biologically sustainable solutions.

The head of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zhunusbayeva Zhazyra Kabylkyzy, discussed the potential of molecular biology in developing producer strains to increase biogas production. This project supports the implementation of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as it aims to create innovative biotechnologies for sustainable energy production.

Thus, the event raised awareness about available energy-saving methods and demonstrated the university’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.