GOAL 13: Climate Actions
UAEU Climate Action Agenda
Objectives
- To support UAE’s commitment towards achieving net zero initiative.
- To raise community awareness of the importance of climate adaptation actions.
- To empower youth to actively participate in climate action initiatives.
- To enhance the UAEU research efforts towards mitigation of climate change impacts.
Commitment
- To support UAE’s commitment towards achieving net zero initiative.
- To raise community awareness of the importance of climate adaptation actions.
- To empower youth to actively participate in climate action initiatives.
- To enhance the UAEU research efforts towards mitigation of climate change impacts.
- To reduce UAEU’s environmental impact and support the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2045 through innovative and sustainable practices.
Target
Targets for the Carbon footprint reduction: Baseline year: 2019
|
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
12% |
14% |
16% |
-
CO2 Emission from different sources in the main campus from utilities. 2025: 57943 tCO2e
-
CO2 Reduction from ElectricalVehicle Chargers (Kg.) 2025:1,435,589.18
Agenda
The UAEU committed to:
- Achieve a 30% reduction in food waste in all its dorms by 2030.
- Implement electronic submission of assignments and project reports, with a 50% target by 2030.
- Develop new micro-credential program on climate change.
- Eliminate diesel use for in-campus transportation by 2030.
- Develop accessible garden amenities with native plants on campus.
- Allocate significant research and development fund for the climate related research.
- Recruit top researchers on climate change and action through UAEU post-doc fellowship on climate action.
- Recruit PhD students on hydrogen and clean energy.
- Install a total of 20 electric vehicle charging stations around the campus by 2030.
- Develop and implement awareness program for local community.
- Develop 20% of the University’s electricity demand from renewable energy by 2030.
UAEU Sustainability Policy
UAEU is deeply committed to sustainability through an institutional policy that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across all aspects of university operations. This includes a strong focus on sustainable procurement and purchasing practices, where the university prioritizes environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and ethically sourced products and services. Sustainable purchasing standards consider the full lifecycle of goods, including carbon footprint, material sourcing, and end-of-life waste management. UAEU also ensures that all suppliers adhere to ethical labor and environmental standards, fostering responsible and transparent vendor partnerships. In addition, UAEU follows a sustainable investment policy, aligning its financial decisions.
Click Here to Read the Policy
UAEU Post-Doctoral Fellowship on Climate Actions
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), established in 1976, is the first and most comprehensive research University in the country. The University is based in Al Ain City with its state-of-the-art campus, fully equipped with the most advanced educational and research facilities.
Approximately 16,000+ students from 82 countries are currently enrolled in the university. The UAEU plays an active role in achieving and keeping pace with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations by supporting initiatives and projects seeking to achieve this ambitious vision. Many initiatives and research activities, related to SDGs, are currently in place within the different colleges and research centers of UAEU to support the national strategy for climate neutrality to reach the target of zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The purpose of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program on Climate Actions is to enhance and support the activities of the country to achieve its commitments towards the net zero initiative. The fellowship program provides seed money to recruit a highly qualified Post-Doctoral researcher, explore, test, and implement research ideas for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable solutions under the mentorship of a faculty member at UAE University. New and innovative contributions or methods to improve existing solutions and achieve sustainability and climate neutrality are welcomed. The UAEU Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program on Climate Actions aims to fund five research grants over the period 2024-2025. Each proposal will be internally and externally evaluated.
Low-Carbon Energy Usage
UAE University (UAEU) actively measures and manages low-carbon energy usage as part of its commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The university takes the following major initiative:
- Energy Efficiency Programs: Measures to optimize energy use, including efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, and building automation.
- Renewable Energy Projects: Integration of solar energy in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Energy Services.
- Carbon Emissions Monitoring: Greenhouse gas emissions are measured across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 in partnership with the Facilities Management Division.
- Waste Management: Initiatives like plastic bottle vending machines and food waste digesters contribute to reduced carbon footprints.
- Reporting and KPIs: Semiannual and annual reporting of emissions data are aligned with institutional performance metrics to ensure accountability.