Al-Quds University’s Commitment to Carbon Reduction Targets by 2050

Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions

In line with the initiatives of the Race to Zero Campaign, Al Quds University has declared to reach net zero by 2050 for greenhouse gases (GHG). To date, the university’s baseline year is 2019, and progress has been made in the GHG reduction metrics with regard to the university’s first, second, and third scope of emissions, with the numbers dropping to 2019. From 2622 tCO₂e, to 2025 predicted numbers of 2018.5 tCO₂e, there is about a 23% drop.

The statement of commitment is founded on science-based metrics in accordance with the GHG Corporate Standard. The university is assuring the integrity of metrics by implementing necessary accountability checks in all processes.

Scope 1: Direct emissions (on-campus operations)

The Scope 1 emissions relate to the combustion of fuel on site and university owned vehicles that are undocumented.

Key Actions:

• Electric Vehicle Transition: in 2025, 30% of the university’s vehicle fleet has been electrified, and by 2035 a goal has been set to achieve complete fleet electrification.
• Solar Thermal Systems: to reduce the requirement of heating fuel on campus, this system has been installed
• Biogas Pilot Project: the campus has installed equipment to convert organic waste into bio-energy

Goals:

• 2030: 40% scope 1 emissions reductions
• 2050: Full campus carbon neutral flood

Scope 2: Indirect emissions (purchased energy)

Primary Steps:

• Development of Solar Energy: Installation of photovoltaic systems, starting in 2025, will meet 18% of electricity demand through solar energy.
• Encouragement of Energy Efficiency: Due to the implementation of LED retrofitting in 90% of campus facilities, the electricity demand will lower by around 22%.
• Adoption of Green Energy: Contracts will be signed by 2027 to ensure the procurement of 50% of electricity from renewable sources.

Goals:

• 2030: 50% of Scope 2 emissions decrease
• 2050: Scope 2 emissions meet ‘near-zero’ emissions

Scope 3: Value Chain Emissions (Travel, Waste, Procurement, etc.)

The Scope 3 emissions category encompasses the commuting and travel-related emissions as well as those related to procurement or the disposal of waste.

Key Actions:

• Sustainable Mobility Programme: More than 1,200 students joined subsidized public transport programs, which lessened commute emissions.
• Waste Diversion: The campus diverted 55% of its waste through recycling and composting initiatives to replace traditional landfills.
• Sustainable Procurement Policy: 75% of significant institutional purchases include sustainability practices.

Targets:

• By 2030: 40% decrease in Scope 3 emissions
• By 2050: Net carbon neutrality

Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability

• Annual evaluations of GHG emissions are done following the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.

• The emissions trajectory from 2019 to 2025 is expected to show a decline.

• For the sake of transparency, the University regularly disseminates its sustainability reports.

• The 2023 Sustainability Council was created to implement, monitor, and improve continuously.

Looking Ahead

Al-Quds University will continue to lead in Palestine and the region’s sustainability and climate efforts through the following initiatives:

• Increasing renewable energy participation
• Limit Scope 3 emissions
• Enhance sustainable practices
• Maintain sustainability through education, community, and research.

The initiatives are aimed at reaching a low-carbon campus.

Related link:

Climate Action

Climate Action Plan for Al-Quds University

Race to Zero

Towards a Sustainable Future: Al-Quds University’s Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions

GHG Emissions Reporting

Al-Quds University’s GHG Emissions Reporting