Our Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions
Al-Quds University is fully committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, in alignment with global sustainability goals and the “Race to Zero” campaign. Our roadmap encompasses Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, with measurable milestones and ongoing accountability mechanisms.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions (On-Campus Operations)
Scope 1 includes direct GHG emissions from sources owned or controlled by the university, such as campus vehicles and on-site fuel combustion.
Key Actions:
Electric Vehicle Fleet Transition: By early 2025, 30% of our campus fleet has been converted to electric vehicles. Our target is 100% electric vehicles by 2035.
Solar Thermal Systems for Heating: Pilot projects in 2024 led to the full implementation of solar thermal systems in two main campus buildings by March 2025.
Biogas Pilot: A small-scale biogas unit now processes organic waste into usable energy for campus kitchens.
Target: Reduce Scope 1 emissions by 40% by 2030, with a path to full neutrality by 2050.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions (Purchased Energy)
Scope 2 emissions result from purchased electricity and heat.
Key Actions:
On-Campus Solar Energy Expansion: In 2024, a new 300 kW solar photovoltaic system was installed on the Faculty of Science building. As of 2025, 18% of total electricity demand is now met through solar.
Energy Efficiency Retrofitting: By Q1 2025, we completed LED upgrades in 90% of classrooms and administrative offices, reducing electricity consumption by an estimated 22%.
Green Procurement Agreements: We’ve entered into agreements with regional electricity providers to source up to 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2027.
Target: Achieve 50% reduction in Scope 2 emissions by 2030, progressing to near-zero by 2050.
Scope 3: Value Chain Emissions (Travel, Waste, Procurement, etc.)
Scope 3 encompasses emissions not directly controlled by the university, including business travel, commuting, procurement, and waste.
Key Actions:
Sustainable Mobility Program: As of 2025, over 1,200 students are enrolled in a subsidized public transport card system, reducing daily campus-related emissions.
Waste Diversion: 55% of campus waste is now diverted from landfills through composting and recycling, up from 32% in 2022.
Sustainable Procurement Guidelines: Launched in 2024, these guidelines now govern 75% of all major institutional purchases, favoring local and low-emission suppliers.
Target: Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 40% by 2030, with further cuts aligned with carbon neutrality by 2050.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability
Our baseline year is 2019, with annual GHG inventories conducted using international standards (GHG Protocol).
In 2024, we published our first annual Sustainability Performance Report, outlining emissions trends, challenges, and success stories.
A dedicated Sustainability Council, formed in 2023, ensures ongoing implementation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic revision.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Al-Quds University continues to lead by example in Palestine and the region through bold, actionable climate commitments. As a higher education institution, we believe sustainability is both a responsibility and an opportunity — to educate, innovate, and inspire systemic change.
At Al-Quds University, we recognize the vital role universities play in pioneering sustainable practices and leading societal changes. That’s why we’re proud to announce that we’ve established an ambitious carbon reduction target, aligning ourselves with the international commitments to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Our goal is clear: to cut our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, setting a transformative course towards a more sustainable future.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions Reduction Plan
Scope 1 emissions encompass direct GHG emissions originating from sources controlled by the University, such as natural gas for heating and diesel for power generation and transportation. Our plan includes a set of strategies to tackle these emissions head-on:
- Renewable Energy Implementation: We aim to install solar panels on campus buildings, supplying a portion of our energy needs sustainably.
- Fleet Electrification: We intend to gradually replace our vehicle fleet with electric alternatives, thereby reducing diesel consumption.
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades: We plan to optimize our existing heating and cooling systems for better energy efficiency.
Our preliminary goal is to achieve a 40% reduction in Scope 1 emissions by 2030, setting the stage for more significant cuts by 2050.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions Reduction Plan
Scope 2 emissions result from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the University. We have designed targeted strategies to address these emissions:
- Green Energy Procurement: We’re exploring partnerships with renewable energy providers to procure a larger share of our electricity from green sources.
- On-campus Energy Conservation: We are implementing a campus-wide energy conservation plan that includes the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
Our preliminary target for Scope 2 emissions is a 50% reduction by 2030, on the path to reaching near-zero levels by 2050.
Scope 3: Other Indirect Emissions Reduction Plan
We acknowledge the challenge of reducing Scope 3 emissions, which represent all other indirect emissions that occur throughout our value chain, such as business travel, commuting, and waste disposal. Our comprehensive strategy includes the following actions:
- Promoting Sustainable Commuting: We will encourage the use of public transportation, cycling, and carpooling among our students and staff.
- Sustainable Waste Management: We will enhance our waste management system by promoting recycling and composting, thereby minimizing landfill waste.
- Online Learning and Remote Work Options: We aim to reduce the carbon footprint of commuting and business travel by integrating online learning options and facilitating remote work when possible.
Our ambitious goal is to minimize our Scope 3 emissions by at least 40% by 2030, heading towards substantial reductions by 2050.
These are not distant plans but are rooted in our current strategic goals and actions. Since the baseline year of 2019, we’ve tracked our GHG emissions, witnessing the impact of different initiatives towards our targets. Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a drop in emissions due to remote learning and work, we took it as an opportunity to learn and adapt to more sustainable practices.
Our carbon reduction target is not just about responding to global climate change. It’s about making Al-Quds University a leading example of sustainable practices in higher education, and more importantly, improving the well-being of our students, staff, and the wider community.
This initiative is supported by robust data monitoring and transparency. We’ll annually assess and publish our GHG emissions, ensuring that we remain accountable to our commitments and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.
Our carbon reduction target by 2050 signifies Al-Quds University’s firm commitment to environmental sustainability. As we navigate this path, we invite our community to join us in our efforts and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
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