Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions
In response to global sustainable development priorities and the “Race to Zero” campaign, Al-Quds University shall aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Along this commitment, Al-Quds University embraces net-zero emissions defined by the University Functional Affiliation and will align to live by the emissions periodic net-zero’s over the years. Along this compliance and “Race to Zero” Campain’s goals, attain goals defined by self-determined, outlined, and embraced accountability
Scope 1: Direct emissions (on-campus operations)
Scope 1 accounts for the direct GHG emissions of campus vehicles and on-site fuel combustion.
Key actions:
- Electric vehicle fleet transition: 30% of our fleet will be converted to electric vehicles in the 1st trimester of 2025 with the goal of achieving 100% of the fleet being electric by 2035.
- Heating using solar thermal systems: We will implement solar thermal systems in two main campus buildings by the end of the 1st trimester of 2025 which will be preceded by the 2024 implemented pilot projects.
- Biogas pilot: Processes organic waste to be turned into usable energy for campus kitchens.
Target of 2030 is to achieve a 40% reduction in scope 1 emissions with 2050 being the goal for complete neutrality.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions (purchased energy)
Scope 2 emissions come 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: By 2030, aim for a 40% decrease in Scope 3 emissions, with subsequent reductions aligned to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability
- With a baseline of 2019, annual GHG emissions inventories have been prepared following international protocols (GHG Protocol).
- In 2024, the first annual Sustainability Performance Report was published, detailing emissions trends, challenges, and achievements.
- To assume responsibility for the continuous execution of the strategy, along with stakeholder outreach, and proactive strategy re-assessment, a Sustainability Council was established in 2023.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Al-Quds University strengthens its leadership position in Palestine and the region by embedding actionable, transformative climate commitments. Within higher education, we advocate for the proactive integration of sustainability into curricula and campus operations, in order to educate, foster innovation, and inspire systemic change.
At Al-Quds University, we understand how important it is for universities to be the first to adopt and implement sustainable practices and drive changes within the community. For this reason, we are happy to say we have set an ambitious target for carbon reduction, positioning ourselves with the global standards set to achieve a significant reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. A transformative course on achieving sustainability and reduction of our GHG emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) is our targeted objective.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions Reduction Plan
All Scope 1 emissions consist of GHG emissions that cannot be avoided and are sourced from within the university. Included are the natural gas used for heating, and the diesel burnt for power generation and transport. There are plans for addressing these emissions, the most pressing of which are:
- Providing renewable GHG emission-free energy. We expect the solar panels to be built on campus buildings to provide a part of our energy needs and a sustainable GHG emission-free source of energy.
- Electric substitution of the university fleet. We will be replacing the diesel consumed university fleets with electric powered ones.
- The tuned heating and cooling systems will provide the energy reduction that we are looking for.
Our goal is to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 40% by 2030 with the intention of reducing them more significantly by 2050.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions Reduction Plan
Scope 2 emissions are generated through the University’s consumption of purchased electricity. We have designed specific strategies to manage these emissions:.
- “Green” Energy: We are negotiating with renewable energy suppliers to increase the proportion of our electricity that comes from green sources.
- On-campus Energy Saving: We are developing an energy conservation program for the entire campus that incorporates energy-saving lighting and appliances.
Our preliminary goal for Scope 2 emissions is a 50% reduction by 2030, on a trajectory to near-zero emissions by 2050.
Scope 3: Other Indirect Emissions Reduction Plan
Recognizing the hurdles involved with reducing Scope 3 emissions—namely, indirect emissions associated with business travel, employee commuting, and waste disposal—we present the following comprehensive strategic actions that include:
- Promoting Appropriate Commuting: Encouraging and actively fostering students and employees to utilize public transport, cycle, or join carpools.
- Effective Waste Management: Improving waste management to promote recycling, composting, and reducing waste to landfills.
- Online Learning and Working Remotely: Implementing online learning and remote work policies to lessen the need for travel and business migration emissions.
To support our vision with the most significant and meaningful impact, we aim for a 40% reduction of our Scope 3 emissions by 2030, with a steady progress focus to achieve significant reduction by 2050.
These are not distant initiatives but rather concrete integrated initiatives on our current strategic framework. As of 2019, we have started tracking our GHG emissions, at which point we started witnessing the effects of initiatives we employed toward our overarching goals. With remote learning and working routines triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a significant drop in emissions, we took the opportunity to further learn and integrate more sustainable practices.
Our current carbon reduction targets extend beyond the Western world response to the climate crisis. Our goals include elevating Al-Quds University to the top-tier world and responding improving the quality of life to our immediate students, staff and, the larger community.
The strategy to undertake this task is further supported by robust data monitoring systems, due diligence and transparency. For accountability and responsible governance and execution of this framework, we will annually review our GHG emissions and publish our findings.
The 2050 carbon targets demonstrate Al-Quds University’s deep commitment to climate action. Al-Quds University will remain a world leader in the promotion of sustainable practices in higher education. As we undertake this journey, we encourage the entire community to follow suit.
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