Kim Del Kaze is a doctoral researcher at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, he recently received the Highly Commended Student Sustainability Champion award at the 2024 Green Gown Awards for his exceptional contributions to sustainability. In this interview with ISAAC SHOBAYO, Kaze, whose recognition highlights Nigeria’s potential to lead global sustainability initiatives with creativity and commitment, speaks on various issues concerning sustainability. Excerpt:
Could you share a bit about yourself, your journey to Cranfield University, and what sparked your passion for sustainability?
I’m Kim Del Kaze, a final-year doctoral researcher at Cranfield University. My path in sustainability blends discovery, impact, and purpose. Growing up in Jos, Nigeria, with parents who were dedicated civil servants, I learned values of resilience and community service. My parents’ commitment to serving others instilled in me a drive to make a meaningful difference, with education viewed as a critical tool for social contribution. After earning a degree in Economics from the University of Abuja and 18 years of experience across various sectors, I naturally gravitated toward environmental initiatives—cleaning waste-laden areas and exploring energy efficiency. My economics background motivated my dream of specializing in energy economics, especially in light of Nigeria’s energy challenges. At Cranfield, my passion for sustainability crystallized into actionable solutions. Leading a team that was able to reduce 300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions on campus and seeing Cranfield ranked first in the UK for SDG 17 in the 2024 Times Higher Education Rankings were pivotal moments. My research on sustainable energy governance for Sub-Saharan Africa has reinforced my belief in the power of local solutions to create global impacts.”
What is the significance of the term ‘sustainability,’ and why is it gaining traction?
To grasp sustainability, let’s parallel it to the early days of the ICT revolution in Nigeria when terms like ‘internet’ were often dismissed—yet they became essential. Similarly, sustainability is now a crucial concept, transcending mere trend status to become vital for our planet’s future. However, as it gains popularity, it can fall victim to misrepresentation, such as greenwashing, which undermines its true significance. At its core, sustainability means ensuring that today’s needs don’t compromise future generations’ ability to meet theirs. Defined by the Brundtland Commission in 1987, it is rooted in three pillars—Planet, People, and Profit—covering natural resource protection, economic growth without exploitation, and ensuring fairness and well-being, especially for vulnerable communities. These concepts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address global challenges, including climate change and inequality. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it is a commitment to balance and a promise to preserve our planet for future generations.”
What does this recognition mean to you personally and for Cranfield University?
Thank you. Being highly commended is a humbling milestone in my sustainability advocacy journey. I share this honor with my team, students, staff, faculty, and communities who made this possible. This recognition reinforces the value of grassroots leadership and collaboration in driving impactful sustainability initiatives. It inspires me to push for more progress, especially in underrepresented regions like Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, where sustainability challenges abound. For Cranfield, this award highlights the university’s commitment towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and leading sustainability innovation. It reflects our collective efforts to integrate sustainability into research and community engagement. I hope it enhances Cranfield’s global reputation and encourages other institutions and nations to prioritize sustainability.
You engaged over 345 students in your projects. What strategies did you use to inspire and mobilize them?
Engaging such a large number of students required a clear vision, inclusivity, and practical approaches that made sustainability relevant to their lives. A key strategy was connecting sustainability to real-world impacts. By relating it to issues like climate change and economic opportunities, participants became invested in the cause. Collaborative leadership was crucial. Working with a dedicated committee, I focused on resilience, and engaging others in the vision. Establishing smaller groups empowered peers to lead and inspire. Interactive projects enhanced engagement. Initiatives like tree-planting drives and energy efficiency workshops made sustainability tangible. When people see results, they stay motivated. Diverse communication channels helped spread awareness. Using social media, university platforms, and storytelling showcased individual contributions, inspiring wider participation. Lastly, recognizing everyone’s efforts fostered inclusivity and a sense of community. Engaging diverse backgrounds ensured that many voices contributed to our sustainability agenda—strengthening our shared purpose.”
Of all your initiatives, which achievement are you most proud of, and why?
I’m proud of all my projects, but the most significant achievement was winning a competitive grant from the Energy Research Accelerator and the Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure, Cities, and Energy. This fund enabled us to host a two-day student-led conference on ‘Nurturing Sustainable Ecosystems in UK Universities.’ The conference galvanized delegates from nine universities, culminating in a ‘Green Pledge’ that inspired the establishment of the International Green Team Network, a platform for global engagement among sustainability advocates. This experience was a masterclass in project management, from planning to execution. The positive feedback from attendees and the resulting collaborative framework showcased how grassroots sustainability can have a far-reaching impact.
What challenges did you face while leading these initiatives, and how did you overcome them?
One primary challenge was time management. Balancing my academic responsibilities with my role as a Green Officer required strategic planning. I focused on high-impact actions to ensure measurable outcomes. Engaging a diverse and busy student population was another hurdle. I addressed this by fostering an inclusive approach, empowering students to take ownership, which enhanced participation even when I was stretched thin. Maintaining momentum was crucial, given the long-term nature of sustainability work. Celebrating small wins helped keep everyone energized and committed. These challenges ultimately provided invaluable lessons in managing resources and inspiring collective action, lessons I’ll apply as I continue advocating for sustainability in contexts like sub-Saharan Africa.
What role should universities and educational institutions play in addressing global sustainability challenges?
Universities must act as catalysts for sustainability transformation. They are knowledge hubs and incubators for future leaders who will shape our climate ambitions. While institutions in developed countries often have ample resources to lead in sustainability innovations, those in sub-Saharan Africa face greater constraints.
However, this creates an opportunity for universities to develop localized solutions to unique sustainability challenges. In my view, universities should: one, focus on localized research addressing specific challenges, such as urban flooding and energy poverty; two, integrate sustainability into their curriculum to equip graduates and make them capable of tackling climate issues in their respective fields; three, leverage limited resources for impactful projects, like tree planting and waste recycling, to foster a sustainability culture; four, engage with communities and policymakers to advocate supportive policies that enable sustainability practices; and five, encourage international collaborations for access to expertise and funding. In short, universities need to lead by example, inspiring students and partnering with sectors to drive systemic change.
How important is cross-institutional collaboration in achieving sustainability goals, and what did you learn from your conference experience?
Cross-institutional collaboration is essential for achieving sustainability goals, embodying the spirit of SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals. Sustainability challenges are global, necessitating coordinated action across institutions. The two-day conference I co-led demonstrated collaboration’s impact. By gathering diverse perspectives, we fostered innovative ideas to enhance sustainability across campuses. The ‘Green Pledge’ and subsequent International Green Team Network exemplify how sharing strategies amplify collective impact. Cranfield’s collaborations significantly contributed to our sustainability success, enhancing our ranking in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for SDG 17. This highlights the vital role of partnerships in advancing global sustainability.
In what ways do your sustainability efforts align with broader goals discussed at COP29?
My sustainability initiatives closely align with COP29 priorities, such as climate finance and global cooperation. For instance, my research on sustainable energy governance in Sub-Saharan Africa echoes the conference’s call for equitable transitions that ensure no one is left behind in reaching net-zero goals. Collaboration, central to my initiatives, mirrors the ethos of COP29. Through inter-university conferences, I’ve created platforms emphasizing collective action that can drive sustainable solutions on both local and global scales.
What practical steps should policymakers take to support grassroots initiatives like yours at forums such as COP29?
Policymakers can enhance grassroots sustainability by expanding access to climate finance, ensuring funding reaches local projects. They should invest in capacity-building programs that equip communities with skills to implement solutions effectively and foster collaboration across sectors to scale impactful projects. Including grassroots representation in decision-making ensures policies align with local realities. By focusing on replicable, scalable solutions, they can connect global goals with local actions, driving measurable progress.”
If you had addressed world leaders at COP29, what message would you convey about the role of students and universities in driving climate action?
If I spoke to world leaders, I’d emphasize that students and universities are vital drivers of innovation and systemic change in tackling climate change. Higher education institutions are not merely academic spaces; they are sources of climate solutions that nurture future leaders equipped to confront urgent challenges. To maximize their potential, policymakers must support enabling policies and strategic investments. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, universities can anchor sustainability transformation, facilitating solutions for local energy poverty and biodiversity loss. Moreover, investing in education, empowering students, and collaborating with universities is crucial for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. By amplifying the voices of young innovators and academic leaders, we can accelerate change, ensuring no one is left behind in the shift toward a resilient, equitable future.
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