Master’s students of Baitursynuly University have developed environmental projects aimed at benefiting enterprises in the region.
Within the framework of established cooperation with regional companies, Master’s students majoring in Geoecology at Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University presented their project proposals to TEHNOPARK.KZ LLP. All the initiatives focused on waste processing and recycling.
KRU successfully implements an educational approach that integrates academic training with real industrial practice — project-based learning. Instead of solving abstract problems, students work on specific challenges posed by industrial partners.
This time, TEHNOPARK.KZ LLP acted as such a partner. It is a young and innovative regional enterprise specializing in the maintenance of special-purpose equipment, logistics, and transport services.
As part of the course “Rational Energy Use of Industrial Waste and Energy Saving”, the university’s Master’s students conducted a rapid analysis of the company’s key environmental issues and developed practical solutions within a short timeframe. The projects were supervised by experienced faculty members of KRU.
During the project defense session, students presented their express projects.
Under the theme “Development of Waste Recycling Directions”, one team conducted an audit of adhesive and oil waste generated by the company. They proposed a comprehensive approach to waste classification, assessed the potential for secondary use, and identified optimal recycling technologies based on economic and environmental efficiency.
Focusing on the company’s innovative activities, another team studied waste generated by 3D printing. The students proposed a clear algorithm for organizing the collection, storage, and potential technological chain for recycling plastic waste from 3D printers.
Another project addressed the management of waste from extruded polystyrene foam boards. The students examined the disposal challenges associated with this widely used construction and packaging material. The project included an analysis of modern polystyrene recycling methods (mechanical, chemical, and thermal), their applicability under enterprise conditions, and an evaluation of the resulting recycled products.
The projects were presented to an expert commission consisting of representatives from the university and regional enterprises.
Representatives of TEHNOPARK.KZ LLP highly appreciated the depth of research, practical orientation of the proposals, and the quality of the presentations. The relevance of the selected topics to the sustainable development strategies of industrial enterprises was especially emphasized.
The experts not only gave positive feedback but also suggested further development of the proposed solutions, considering them as a basis for future research projects, Master’s theses, or pilot implementations at the TEHNOPARK.KZ site.
The hearings became a clear example of effective cooperation between academia and business. They demonstrated that project-based learning not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also prepares specialists capable of addressing real-world challenges in geoecology and sustainable environmental management already at the training stage.
Baitursynuly University and TEHNOPARK.KZ LLP are opening new avenues for cooperation aimed at the implementation of green technologies in Kazakhstan.
