Climate Action Plan for Al-Quds University
Overview
As a leading academic institution, Al-Quds University recognizes its responsibility to the global community and future generations to address climate change. In pursuit of this responsibility, we are embarking on a robust, comprehensive Climate Action Plan with the ultimate goal of making the university climate-neutral and net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment is aligned with the targets set forth in the Paris Agreement, putting us in step with international efforts to curb global warming and create a more sustainable future.
Background
Al-Quds University’s journey towards sustainability and climate resilience began earnestly in 2016. Since then, our primary strategy has been to mitigate our contribution to climate change through two main areas: operational (scope 1 and 2) and value chain (scope 3) emissions.
Operational emissions are those directly resulting from our activities, such as energy use in our buildings and transportation for our university services. Our aim here is to significantly reduce these emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources and electrifying our campuses. This involves replacing fossil fuel-dependent systems with more eco-friendly alternatives, such as solar and wind energy, and electric vehicles for campus services.
Value chain emissions are those from our broader network of activities, including those from suppliers and investments. For these, we aim to engage with key suppliers to ensure they uphold sustainable practices and divest from fossil fuel investment holdings, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with our procurement and financial activities.
Targets
Our Climate Action Plan sets forth several ambitious, yet achievable targets:
- 2030: We aim to reduce our emissions by 50%. This reduction not only aligns with but significantly exceeds the Paris Agreement’s emissions reduction target for 2030, thereby contributing to the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- 2035: We aim for a further 50% reduction in emissions from extended impact sources, including commuting, business air travel, food systems, waste and materials, and embodied carbon. This second phase of reductions ensures our continuous alignment with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.
- 2040: We intend to achieve an 85% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions. By this point, our direct emissions should be minimal, thanks to our transition to renewable energy sources and other emissions-reducing initiatives.
- 2050: Our ultimate goal is to achieve net-zero emissions. By mid-century, Al-Quds University aims to be completely climate-neutral, contributing no net emissions to the planet’s atmosphere.
| Year | Target | Description |
| 2030 | 50% reduction in emissions | This significantly exceeds the Paris Agreement’s emissions reduction target for 2030 |
| 2035 | Additional 50% reduction in emissions from extended impact sources | This keeps our reductions in alignment with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target |
| 2040 | 85% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions | By this point, our direct emissions should be minimal |
| 2050 | Net-Zero Emissions | Achieving climate neutrality by balancing the amount of emitted greenhouse gases with the equivalent emissions that are either offset or sequestered |
Strategies and Actions by Focus Area
- Campus Operations: Our commitment to transition to 100% renewable energy for campus operations by 2040 will involve a comprehensive overhaul of our energy systems. This includes the installation of solar panels and wind turbines, the use of geothermal heating and cooling systems, and the retrofitting of campus buildings to enhance energy efficiency.
- Commuting: The development of a green transportation plan aims to reduce emissions from commuting by 35% by 2035. This strategy involves promoting carpooling, cycling, walking, and the use of public transport through incentives and the provision of necessary infrastructure.
- Food Systems: Sustainable food procurement practices will be established to cut emissions from our food system by 50% by 2030. We aim to promote locally sourced, organic, and plant-based options, reduce food waste, and educate our community about the environmental impact of their food choices.
- Waste & Materials: We intend to achieve zero waste status by 2040 through initiatives such as composting 80% of food waste by 2030, eliminating single-use plastics on campus by 2030, and implementing comprehensive recycling and waste management programs.
- Engagement & Outreach Programs: Engaging the university community and beyond is essential for the success of our plan. We will conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, seminars, and community events to foster a culture of sustainability.
- Business Air Travel: The university aims to reduce air travel by 20% by 2030, promoting the use of virtual meeting platforms, thereby reducing our carbon footprint associated with travel.
- Embodied Carbon: We will engage with our suppliers to ensure their practices align with our sustainability goals, with an aim to reduce embodied carbon in procurement by 40% by 2035.
Measuring Progress
To ensure the efficacy of our strategies and to hold ourselves accountable, we will establish a system for regular monitoring and reporting. We will conduct annual reviews, using science-based targets to assess our progress in each focus area. These reviews will guide us in refining our strategies, addressing any shortcomings, and celebrating our achievements.
Progress Statistics per Focus Area (2016-2050)
| Period | Campus Operations | Commuting | Food Systems | Waste & Materials | Engagement & Outreach Programs | Business Air Travel | Embodied Carbon |
| 2016-2020 | Installed energy-efficient appliances in buildings | Implemented bike sharing program, Carpooling | Switched 30% of food procurement to local sources, Reduced food waste by 15% | Reduced campus waste by 20%, Started composting program | Conducted 15 awareness campaigns, Reached 2000 students through seminars | Reduced air travel by 5%, Encouraged use of teleconferencing tools | Engaged 50% of suppliers for sustainable practices |
| 2021-2025 | Transitioned to 40% renewable energy, Installed energy-efficient appliances in more buildings | Green transportation plan fully implemented, Carpooling increased by 20% | Switched 50% of food procurement to local sources, Reduced food waste by 30% | Reduced campus waste by 40%, Composted 40% of food waste | Conducted 30 awareness campaigns, Reached 5000 students through seminars | Reduced air travel by 10%, Expanded use of teleconferencing tools | Engaged 75% of suppliers for sustainable practices |
| 2026-2030 | Transitioned to 60% renewable energy, All buildings installed with energy-efficient appliances | Commuting emissions reduced by 30%, All staff and students aware of green transport options | Switched 75% of food procurement to local sources, Reduced food waste by 50% | Achieved zero waste status, Composted 60% of food waste | Conducted 50 awareness campaigns, Reached entire student body through seminars | Reduced air travel by 20%, Teleconferencing becomes norm for meetings | All suppliers engaged for sustainable practices |
| 2031-2035 | Transitioned to 80% renewable energy, All buildings retrofitted for energy efficiency | Commuting emissions reduced by 50%, Majority of students and staff using green transport options | All food procurement from sustainable sources, Food waste minimized | All waste is either recycled or composted, Single-use plastics eliminated | Ongoing engagement and outreach, Integration of sustainability in all university programs | Air travel reduced by 40%, All possible meetings conducted virtually | Reduced embodied carbon in procurement by 40% |
| 2036-2040 | Transitioned to 100% renewable energy, Zero emissions from campus operations | Commuting emissions reduced by 75%, Electric vehicles make up majority of university fleet | Food systems fully sustainable, No food waste | University maintains zero waste status, All waste managed sustainably | Sustainability becomes integral part of university culture | Air travel reduced by 60%, All non-essential travel eliminated | Full alignment of suppliers with sustainability goals |
| 2041-2050 | Maintenance of 100% renewable energy usage, Continuous improvements for energy efficiency | Minimal emissions from commuting, Transition to fully electric or non-motorized transport | Fully circular and sustainable food system, Zero food waste | Waste management systems improved and updated as needed, Continuous efforts for waste reduction | Continuous engagement and outreach, Evolution of programs as per latest sustainability science | Negligible emissions from air travel, Virtual platforms used for all possible communication | Continuous collaboration with suppliers for further reduction of embodied carbon |
Climate Action Policy
Our Climate Action Plan forms a key part of Al-Quds University’s wider environmental sustainability policy. This policy is not just an institutional guideline, but a commitment from each student, staff, and faculty member. Everyone in our community has a role to play, whether it’s reducing energy consumption, recycling, or advocating for climate action.
Education and Research
Al-Quds University recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but also an educational one. We have a critical role in educating the next generation of leaders, policymakers, and citizens who understand the challenges of climate change and are equipped to address them. This commitment extends to our research, where we will promote and support interdisciplinary research on climate change and sustainability, aiming to contribute to the global body of knowledge and solutions.
Final Word
Climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions. At Al-Quds University, we recognize that our efforts alone are not enough. But by doing our part and continually striving for greater sustainability, we contribute to a worldwide momentum for change. We commit to continuously reviewing and enhancing our actions on climate change, consistently with the evolving climate science and our pledge to future generations.
As we embark on this ambitious journey, we’re not just crafting a Climate Action Plan; we’re shaping our legacy for future generations. Our hope is that our commitment to combating climate change inspires other institutions to do the same, creating a global network of climate leaders and innovators.