BRAC University’s 1.4MW rooftop solar project now supplies 20% of campus electricity, showcasing how sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy and student engagement can reshape urban educational institutions in Bangladesh.
As global energy demand rises and uncertainty in fossil fuel markets grows, countries worldwide are accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable yet sun-rich nations, is increasingly turning to solar power as a long-term solution. In this context, BRAC University has emerged as a leading example of sustainable urban energy innovation.
A green campus in the heart of the city
Located in the dense urban landscape of Dhaka, BRAC University’s inner-city campus presents a striking contrast to its surroundings. Designed with sustainability at its core, the campus integrates open green spaces, rooftop gardens, water bodies and biotopes, creating an environment where nature and academia coexist.
The infrastructure has been carefully planned to maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing dependence on artificial cooling systems. A hybrid cooling approach, rainwater harvesting systems and modern waste management infrastructure further reinforce the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The campus is increasingly viewed as a model for future urban educational spaces in densely populated cities.
Solar power driving campus operations
A quiet but transformative energy shift is taking place on the rooftops of the university. Rows of solar panels now span the buildings, converting sunlight into electricity that powers classrooms, elevators, lighting systems and other campus operations.
Currently, nearly 20 percent of the university’s total electricity demand is met through solar energy. The installation includes 3,252 solar panels with a peak capacity of 1.4 megawatts. While a significant portion of the generated electricity is consumed on campus, surplus energy is supplied to the national grid.
University officials described the installation as one of the largest rooftop solar projects among academic institutions in the country. Over the past year, the system generated electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 5,000 households in Dhaka and helped reduce carbon emissions by hundreds of tonnes.
Vision, challenges and implementation
The initiative was inspired by the late Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, who envisioned an institution that would not only educate but also demonstrate environmental responsibility.
Implementing the project was far from simple. Engineers and planners had to address complex structural challenges, including wind-load resistance, rooftop load capacity on high-rise buildings, heat management and safety considerations. The installation process began in 2021 and was completed in 2023 after extensive technical assessments and phased implementation.
According to Khairul Bashar, Director of Communications at BRAC University, the initiative reflects a long-term institutional commitment to sustainability.
“Our goal was to build a campus that stands as a living example of sustainable development and inspires students to become more environmentally conscious,” he said.
A living laboratory for students
Beyond energy generation, the solar installation has become an active learning platform. Students from electrical and electronic engineering, architecture and computer science programmes regularly engage with the system, studying its performance and exploring ways to improve efficiency.
A dedicated technical team of 12 professionals continuously monitors system performance, ensuring operational efficiency, maintenance and cleaning schedules. The system performs optimally during sunny periods, while output naturally fluctuates during monsoon and cloudy conditions.
Former student and current research assistant Sadhan Islam Alif said undergraduate research at the university had already contributed to innovations in solar maintenance systems, including cleaning devices and UAV-based inspection tools.
Computer science student Inzammamul Haque Fahim said the system demonstrates how renewable energy can play a central role in future energy security and sustainability education.
A model for urban sustainability
As global cities grapple with energy transitions and climate pressures, BRAC University’s integrated approach to sustainable campus design and renewable energy adoption offers a compelling model. By combining infrastructure innovation with academic engagement, the university is positioning itself not just as an educational institution, but as a living laboratory for climate-resilient urban development.
