Race to Zero - Al-Quds University’s Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions
Al-Quds University is prepared to address the urgent challenge of climate change on a global scale. As the foremost Middle Eastern beacon of knowledge and education, Al-Quds University recognizes the urgent “climate emergency” the world is experiencing; the role that educational institutes can make on such triggers was very important in deciding Al-Quds University’s commitment to the international “Race to Zero” campaign. The following report describes the steeps the university has engaged in to help make an impact that is felt beyond the university.
A Pledge for Tomorrow
The compelling nature of the need for action is borne out in our commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse Gas sustainable emissions and GHG emissions reduction registries by 2050 at the very latest. It is urgent, and we aim to achieve this goal sooner. This pledge is dedication to our students, faculty, and the surrounding community that we are prepared to stand to the end in climate action and this commitment is in unity. It sets the tone for the world’s climate ambitions as enounced and stated within the Paris Agreement and the climate emergency that we intend to address as a collective.
Our Comprehensive Carbon Management Plan
The first step towards meaningful change is having a plan, and Al-Quds University has an extensive Carbon Management Plan focused on capturing every strand of direct and indirect emissions every corner of our campus produces. This extensive plan has shown us a pathway toward minimizing our emissions, and has also helped us to identify the most pressing areas in need of improvement.
Embedding Sustainability in Everyday University Activities
At Al-Quds University, our commitment to the Race to Zero campaign is a testament to the fact that our community embodies the principle of sustainability in its daily activities. This includes plans for the installation of energy efficient buildings, comprehensive systems for waste management, and systems for sustainable modes of transportation. The aim is to integrate the principle of sustainability into every operational function of our University so that our students and staff can see us living our sustainable values.
Sustainable Development Goals at our University
Educational institutions are charged with the responsibility of advancing knowledge. As such, we understand the importance of cultivating an appreciation for environmental stewardship among our educational community of students, faculty, and staff. To this end, we integrated the teaching of the environmental issues, and developed a culture that champions cross-disciplinary collaboration on sustainable innovations and technologies. Furthermore, we frequently held community workshops on the difference small, everyday, sustainable actions make for the community and the environment.
Research and Innovation for a Sustainable Future
With our innovative researchers and students, we position our university as a leader in transformative environmental sustainability research. The creativity and dedication of our researchers are key assets in our quest for net-zero emissions. We enthusiastically continue our support for research at the university, and for faculty and students scholarship in hopes of adding to the world-changing knowledge for environmental sustainability.
Evidence of Progress: Our Last Conducted Inventory
Sustainability embraces working with the community. In 2023 we carried out a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory. This revealed the emissions associated with our energy use, transportation, and waste. This showed our carbon footprint and where we needed to improve. Our emissions reduction will help improve this. We will carry this out periodically so we can measure our progress and adjust our actions accordingly.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Net-zero emissions will be achieved by working beyond our campus. We are collaborating with a plethora of organizations and globally aligned partners to achieve sustainability in the wider community. Partnerships span a variety of environmental challenges. Wastes and renewables are at the forefront and scaling collaboration provides win-win solutions to the aligned partners.
Looking Forward
Al-Quds University commits to zero GHG emissions by 2050. We look to the environmental sustainability efforts of the community. We carry change from within, a burning desire to embark on this exhilarating journey of change.
Decisive participation in the Race to Zero initiative protects our university’s future and allows us to contribute to the global movement for a sustainable environment. We intend to motivate other educational institutions to do their part in the pursuit of sustainability. The scope of our activities extends far beyond our campus, and activists state we owe our allegiance to the future of the Earth and its inhabitants. Activists state that we hope for a future that is clean and sustainable, and each action we take to promote sustainability is a step in the right direction.