Al-Qasim Green University
Climate Action Policy of Al-Qasim Green University

Date created: 01-09-2023
Last reviewed: 01-09-2024

1. Overview

Al-Qasim Green University (QGU) actively pursues sustainable development and its policy on climate action, incorporating an all-encompassing approach. As a higher education institution, QGU understands its importance in cultivating future leaders who can create a lasting positive impact in society. The university continuously works towards embedding sustainability in all of its operations, academic and research activities, as well as in community engagements.
The policy intends to make certain that QGU’s students, faculty, staff members, and other stakeholders are provided with an inspiring and responsible environment while at the same time ensuring that resources are spared and protected, and adverse impacts of climate change are reduced.

2. Perspective

Al-Qasim Green University intends to be one of the top institutions, particularly in the spheres of environmental sustainability, climate action, and sustainable development. Innovation and education along with partnerships are the tools QGU will utilize to promote a culture of sustainability.

3. Core Principles

The climate action policy of the university is based on the following principles:

• Climate Responsibility: The university recognizes the need to address climate change and pledges to reduce its carbon footprint.
• Environmental Stewardship: QGU will strive to preserve natural resources by creating a sustainable, healthy, and clean environment for future generations.
• Sustainable Development: QGUs will encourage those practices that parallel the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with SDG 13 being relevant to Climate Action.
• Education and Awareness: The QGU will generate a university-wide understanding of sustainability and climate action, enabling students as proactive agents of change in their working lives.

4. Sustainability Goals

University’s sustainability goals are to minimize the environmental impact, promote climate action, and develop sustainable practices among its operational and educational activities:

• To Carbon Neutrality by 2040: QGU pledges to reach carbon neutrality by 2040 in energy, waste, transportation, and other operations on campus.
• Sustainable Energy Transition: The institution aims for a complete shift to renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, and geothermal) by the year 2030, in an effort to decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
• Waste minimization and circular economy: QGU will implement waste minimization strategies, support recycling, and understand the role of circular economy in its resource management.
• Sustainable Food and Water Management: The university will utilize water resources efficiently and source food for campus dining services sustainably.
• Building a Campus that is Green: QGU will focus on sustainable development, including sustainable construction and retrofitting of its campus, incorporating energy-efficient design elements and eco-friendly materials.
• Engagement and Advocacy: QGU will engage and advocate with local communities and proponents to encourage a sustainable society beyond the borders of the university.

5. Strategies for Implementation

QGU will implement the following strategic plans to achieve its sustainability and climate action objectives:

• Adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy
• Perform energy audits throughout campus to identify opportunities for energy conservation.
• Create energy efficient lighting, heating, ventilation, and cooling systems for campus buildings.
• Use on-site renewable energy installations (like solar panels).
• Work with local government to investigate options for purchasing renewable energy.

5.1 Carbon Footprint Reduction:

• Measure and limit greenhouse gas emissions related to university operations (e.g., from transportation, heating, cooling and electricity use).
• Implement a sustainable transportation plan that encourages walking, cycling, electric vehicles, and the use of public transit.
• We must work towards green procurement policies that prioritize low-carbon and eco-friendly products and services.

5.2 Waste Management and Recycling

• Develop and implement a comprehensive waste management program which emphasizes reduction, reuse, and recycling of campus waste.
• Establish a Zero Waste program that reduces trash going to landfills by 90% by 2030.
• Encourage on-campus dining and garden organic waste composting.

5.3 Management of water and food sustainably

• Use water conservation measures, such as low-flow fixtures; water-wise landscaping.
• Food Production. Create policies for dining services to decrease food waste and promote plant-based meals to minimize the greenhouse gas emissions generated through food production.
• Advocate for the availability of local, organic and fair-trade food so that the food served at all meals includes sustainable and just sourcing.

5.4 Curriculum Design and Research

• Integrate climate change, sustainability and environmental justice into curricula for all subjects.
• Foster and support faculty research on sustainability and climate action issues, both locally and globally.
• Advocate for university-led research initiatives that can help solve climate-related issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.

5.5 Sustainable Campus Operations

• Implement green building standards (e.g., LEED certification) in new campus construction, and in retrofitting of existing buildings to meet sustainable standards.
• Invest in sustainable landscaping by incorporating native plants and promoting biodiversity conservation efforts.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• University Presidency: The presidency at QGU will oversee and ensure accountability for the implementation of this policy. The President will make sure that sufficient resources are allocated to sustainability initiatives.
• Faculty and Staff: Faculty members will incorporate sustainability themes into their courses and promote research focused on sustainability and climate change. Staff will receive training to adopt sustainable practices in their daily responsibilities.
• Students: Students are invited to get involved in sustainability initiatives through campus organizations, sustainability clubs, and volunteer opportunities. They will also be motivated to think about sustainability in their future professional paths.

QGU will set up systems to monitor progress on sustainability goals, which will include annual carbon audits, reports on energy consumption, waste management statistics, and renewable energy usage. The university will release an annual sustainability report that outlines its achievements, challenges, and future plans regarding sustainability and climate action on campus.

7. Partnerships and Collaboration

QGU will proactively pursue partnerships with local governments, environmental organizations, and other academic institutions to exchange best practices, research initiatives, and collaborative efforts aimed at promoting sustainability and climate action.
Al-Qasim Green University aspires to establish a benchmark for sustainable practices in higher education institutions through the implementation of the above Sustainability and Climate Action Policy. We are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint, enhancing climate resilience, and playing our part in the global battle against climate change. With focused efforts, innovative solutions, and teamwork, QGU aims to create a greener and more sustainable future for everyone.

Approved by: Department of Quality Assurance
Date: 01-09-2024