Climate Action Policy

Introduction

Zayed University acknowledges the importance of taking an active role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices in all areas of its operation. As a leading educational institution, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a culture of environmental awareness among our university community.

Environment Policy

Purpose

This policy ensures Zayed University’s commitment to pursue excellence in environmental management by conforming to national and international standards.

Scope of Application

This policy applies to all Zayed University (“University”) faculty, staff, students, visitors, contractors, and support staff.
Policy

• The University will achieve environmental management compliance with the latest requirements from the Ministry of Education (MOE) Education Sector Occupational Environment, Health and Safety Management System General Framework (EDS EHSMS GF), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001:2015) environment certification standard.

• The University administration is committed to environmental legal compliance as well as protection of the environment including prevention of pollution by means of energy saving initiatives, waste reduction, and segregation and recycling initiatives.

• The University administration ensures the best environmental practices through engagement of all the personnel working for and on behalf of the University’s work and activities by:

• Regularly consulting with and involving University employees and students in the matters relating to the environment on campus,

• Taking into consideration internal and external issues as well as interested parties needs and expectations, impeding the environmental performance,

• Conducting formal risk assessments for all significant environmental aspects with a view to reduce the negative impact on the environment and increase the positive impact on environment by converting the risks into opportunities wherever appropriate,

• Promoting awareness and competence among the employees,

• Setting up environmental management plans in order to achieve environmental performance through the contribution of all employees.

• Every University department will comply with this policy through documented and enforced procedures/plans outlining responsibilities, resources, accountabilities, and various arrangements.

• The Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Committee will review the Environment policy and procedures towards overall institutional environmental compliance.

• The information contained in this policy will be communicated to the University community, posted in public areas on the University campuses, and made available for external communications as required.

The University will continually improve the environmental performance through application of ISO 14001:2015 in the Zayed University Environmental Health and Safety Management System (ZU EHSMS) to ensure its adequacy, and compliance towards sustainable environmental performance.

Strategies and Action Plans

Energy Management Plan

Resolution

The resolution of this plan is to create, devise and maintain a system to ensure that a comprehensive energy management plan draws together all components that directly and indirectly affect energy costs towards a sustainable approach in Zayed University Dubai and Abu Dhabi campus

Scope

This Energy Management plan is applicable to energy consumed at Dubai and Abu Dhabi Campus of Zayed University at relevant divisions and departments. All the Personnel in the campus including contracting companies are responsible to follow the energy conservation initiatives planned as appropriate.

Application

Energy management plans are capable of reducing energy costs significantly. The University Administration is committed for Environment protection and conservation of energy within the Dubai and Abu Dhabi campus and the common focus is to reduce energy consumption and procurement costs, creating energy savings to improve the reliability of the facility infrastructure systems.

Procedure:

Environmental concerns and the need to be globally competitive are providing a driving force for the organizations to change the way energy use and energy costs reviewed. Rather than being an inevitable cost of doing business, energy considered as manageable input to the process, much like any raw material or other resource cost. The first step in managing energy costs is creating an energy management plan.

This document contains a template that lays out a logical format for capturing information critical to energy management planning. It formalizes the thought process involved in understanding the relative magnitude of energy costs, the possible ways to reduce energy use, energy targets that are likely to be achievable, and other associated activities that need to occur.

While stand‐alone energy management projects are satisfying to complete, the energy management plan provides the “big picture” view as an ongoing framework for optimizing overall energy use and achieving success.

Energy management planning intended to be a process of “continual improvement”. A closed‐loop feedback approach is most effective in demonstrating results that will justify further investment in efficiency.

Establishing an accountability network:

An accountability network is in place to have a successful energy conservation plan. Although one individual will ultimately be responsible overall for energy conservation, everyone shall be accountable for energy utilization. ZU management is concerned and have energy conservation as one of their focus. The University Administration continuously display their concern to meet the objective of improved energy efficiency. 

Soliciting energy conservation ideas from building, staff also provides effective results and increases awareness.

A quick review of the successes and failures as portrayed by the energy accounting system should occur at periodic intervals. This should happen at both the Management and staff levels. The review need not be long or complex. Do not under estimate the effects of placing the accountability for energy usage on those that use the energy. They often understand better than management how the actual use relates to their particular situation. The accountability network must be in place for a successful energy conservation plan.

Systematic Steps involved:

The following steps demonstrate for the effective Energy Management Plan in ZU:

• Measuring the Energy Usage: A comprehensive energy analysis, consisting of collecting data from major energy consumers within a facility, examining energy usage patterns and demands, and evaluating their impact on total energy consumption, is a key component in identifying improvement opportunities. Installing power metering and monitoring is important to track and provide a baseline for energy usage.

• Fix the Basics: Typically the only tactic addressed by the facility management in the wake of an energy audit or similar study, fixing the basics is comprised of implementing passive energy efficiency measures like high‐efficiency lighting, HVAC systems, motors and capacitors (if required to improve the power factor).

• Automate: Installing active energy management measures promotes ongoing energy efficiency improvements and helps maintain and improve energy and cost savings over time. For example, measures like schedule‐based lighting control and occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on only when needed, while HVAC control regulates heating and cooling at optimal levels, which can change frequently.

Wastewater Management

Zayed University has a process in place to manage wastewater. All wastewater generated on campus is collected separately and directed to the wastewater treatment plant operated by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). This ensures that none of the wastewater is leaked on the premises, and it is properly treated in accordance with environmental regulations and standards.

Green Procurement

The University is committed to sustainability in procurement by conducting business with integrity and a strong core value of good stewardship for the environment to ensure a better quality of life, both now and for generations to come. The Contracts and Procurement Department will purchase equipment and supplies that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly whenever available and practicable.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

In line with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy and as part of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network (ADERN), the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Zayed University have announced a research collaboration to develop Green House Gas (GHG) emission factors for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Announced during COP28, the partnership will see both entities work to identify the emission factors needed to accurately calculate Abu Dhabi’s GHG inventory. The research will help develop sector-specific emission factors through the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data, and help develop local emission factors for sectors where no data currently exists.

The research will review existing studies conducted in the region, reports, and databases on global and regional GHG emissions to gain a comprehensive understanding of completeness and applicability of emission factors appropriate to the specifics of Abu Dhabi.

Furthermore, the researchers will collect and analyse primary data from relevant government agencies, industries, and research institutions to estimate emission factors while collaborating with stakeholders, including government entities, private organisations, and academic institutions, to ensure the availability and accuracy of data.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information, Science and Outreach Management at EAD, said, “The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is committed to sustainable development and reducing its carbon footprint. As part of our efforts to address climate change, it is essential to understand the sources and magnitudes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the emirate, in alignment with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy which we launched in July of 2023.

“This research project, in partnership with Zayed University, aims to enhance the quality of the GHG inventory by developing and implementing the necessary accurate and up-to-date GHG emission factors across Abu Dhabi’s various emitting sectors.”

Monitoring, Reporting & Accountability

As part of the final reporting phase, an emissions factor guidebook as well as a detailed report summarising the findings will be prepared, which also includes the Abu Dhabi-specific emissions.

Ahmed Baharoon added, “It is an extremely important project that will allow the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to define forward-looking strategic policies and regulations which, in turn, will help us to reduce our GHG emissions and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s overall commitment to mitigating climate change. This 12-month research project – an Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network initiative – also enables the external research community to engage in strengthening the scientific premise upon which all our policies and regulations are based.”

Professor Yousef Nazzal, Chair of the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences at the College of Natural and Health Sciences (CNHS) at Zayed University, said, “We’re delighted to be participating in this significant project—one that underscores our dedication to Abu Dhabi’s sustainable development and the pressing need to reduce our carbon footprint. The research conducted will help us better understand the sources and scale of greenhouse gas emissions within our emirate, which is fundamental to catalysing change.

“We will work with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to collect data that enhances the quality of our GHG inventory by developing and implementing precise emission factors tailored to the emirate’s diverse emitting sectors."

This research will help shape a more sustainable future and equip our policymakers with the data they need to craft strategies to counter the threat posed by GHG emissions. “I would also like to thank the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network (ERN). This network acts as an enabler and further underscores the effectiveness of collaboration on innovative solutions, which will be key to success in our long-term climate action goals," he added.

Student Engagement and Sustainability Initiatives

 

A group of students at Zayed University have launched a new Sustainability Club with ambitious plans to raise awareness of issues around climate change and promote the UAE’s target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The club is seeking to raise awareness of issues around sustainability and promotes an interdisciplinary approach to tackling issues around climate change, in particular looking at the role businesses can play in this area. The club is led by Alia Abdulmajeed Hussain Abdulrahim Ahli, a second-year student in Zayed University’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies. She is supported by the official club supervisor Dr Suzanna El Massah, who also leads Zayed University’s newly established interdisciplinary undergraduate programs in Sustainability. At the club’s first event, held at the Zayed University campus in Dubai on 18 January, the “Path to COP 28” initiative was announced. This initiative seeks to provide students with the knowledge and skills to act as student ambassadors at the COP 28 event to be held in the UAE later this year.

The club was created after the students from Zayed University were selected to participate in a UN sponsored COP 27 Simulation Model at the British University in Cairo. Their contribution at this event was recognised by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment who then invited the group to host an event at the official COP 27 summit in November last year.

Speaking after the launch event, ZU student Alia Ahli, said: “This is a hugely important year for the UAE, and it is vital that the youth in this country engage in the COP 28 process. Our two visits to Cairo last year for COP 27 cemented in my mind the importance of a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to tackling issues around sustainability. This club enables us as ZU students to play our part and we look forward to delivering a range of initiatives and a busy calendar of events in the build-up to the main event later this year.”

Speakers from Carbon Middle East gave a presentation during the club’s first event which looked at the subject of sustainable packaging. This followed the UAE’s newly announced ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, which will take effect in 2024. A similar ban will also apply to plastic cups, plates and cutlery from January 2026.

Suzanna El Massah, Zayed University’s Sustainability Program Lead, added “I am so pleased that the students we took from ZU to COP 27 have been inspired to set up this club. This shows the impact COP 28 can have in inspiring a generation of young Emiratis to tackle issues around sustainability and help deliver the ambitious agenda the UAE government has in this area. Clubs like this one, give students both a voice and a platform to learn and I am proud to support this student-led initiative.”

Innovation and Research

Renewable Energy Research & Collaboration

As part of its commitment to sustainability and clean energy innovations, Zayed University hosted Professor Joondong Kim from Incheon National University, South Korea, on October 23 for an insightful discussion on the future of renewable energy. This event, organized by Professor Yousef Nazzal from the College of Natural and Health Sciences, saw participation from fellow faculty members and our acting VP and Provost, Dr. Michael Allen. In collaboration with Incheon National University, we're embarking on a journey to research and develop transparent solar panels. At Zayed University, we stand committed to a greener and sustainable future. Professor Michael Allen, Acting Provost of Zayed University, welcomed His Excellency Professor Joondong Kim from Incheon National University, South Korea, to lecture students on the future of renewable energy. The event, organized on the university’s Abu Dhabi campus and led by Dr. Yousef Nazzal from the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University, was attended by a number of faculty members. In collaboration with Incheon National University, we're embarking on a journey to research and develop transparent solar panels, reflecting Zayed University’s commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

AI-Driven Innovation in Clean Energy

Zayed University’s 15th Annual Conference on Undergraduate Research on Applied Computing (ZURC2024) underscores its commitment to advancing clean energy and sustainable practices. The conference focuses on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for a sustainable economy, with specific emphasis on:

• AI for Green Energy and Renewable Resources: Showcasing innovations in renewable energy solutions.

• AI for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Exploring how AI can reduce environmental impacts and support clean energy adoption.

• Smart Cities and AI for Sustainable Urban Development: Promoting energy-efficient urban solutions powered by AI.

• AI-driven Circular Economy Initiatives: Encouraging sustainable energy use through resource optimization.

This event highlights the intersection of technology and sustainability, fostering collaboration among young researchers, industry leaders, and academics to drive impactful solutions for clean and affordable energy.

Advancing Sustainable Solutions for Clean and Affordable Energy: Research and Innovations at Zayed University

Sustainability challenges of critical minerals for clean energy technologies: copper and rare earths

The transition to a clean energy economy in an effort to mitigate climate change has brought the need for intense mining exploration of a critical class of minerals, previously mined and used at a fraction of what is required today and for the upcoming decades. For some common metals, such as copper, major deficits are forecasted to 2030, and for some less common, such as rare earths, mined quantities have currently increased 32 times relative to the mid-1950s, and are expected to increase sevenfold from current levels by 2040. This situation is expected to become more severe given the long timespan needed for exploration of new sites, the declining ore grade of existing mines, the geographical distribution of these minerals, and the environmental degradation caused by mining and mineral processing activities. It becomes, hence critical to vastly improve existing mining operations, reduce waste volumes and fresh water use, reduce environmental impacts, and recover increased quantities of minerals from mine tailings, as well as from the recycling of post-production products. The current article focuses on copper and rare earths to expound on their exploitation issues, their processes, the sustainable utilization of mineral waste and tailings, and their recovery from end-of-life consumer and industrial items.

Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival

The inaugural Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival, organised by Zayed University and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat, from February 6th to 8th, and will be free to the public. It will feature a curated selection of acclaimed films highlighting pressing environmental issues, from climate change to issues such as single-use plastics, e-waste and food waste.”

Khansa Al Blouki, Director of Environmental Outreach at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, stated “We aim through the Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival to highlight crucial environmental issues from different points of view to inspire and motivate audiences to better understand the threats and challenges that our planet faces”.

She concluded by saying “The focus of this year’s festival is on waste and its impact on the environment as it is considered one of the main environmental challenges that require public awareness. We aim to change that awareness into positive and sustainable behaviour leading to conserving the environment and achieving the goals put forth by our leaders to ensure a sustainable future for us and future generations”.

Dr Fares Howari, Dean and Professor of the College of Natural and Heath Sciences and College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Zayed University said “Zayed University started to promote stronger environmental consciousness in both the humanities and sciences curriculums, many years ago. The Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival not only reflects our university goals of nurturing commitment to the environmental sciences, but also promoting more environmental awareness among our communities.”

“We are proud of our partnership with EAD that has taken a strong role in supporting this event, and the leadership of our university for nurturing initiatives that connect the arts and sciences.  The UAE has committed itself towards a path of sustainability for the next fifty years and we see ourselves being an integral part of this effort.” He concluded.

Dr Nezar Andary, Associate Professor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Zayed University and the festival’s creative director commented “We will be showcasing creative films that are highly relevant to local environmental issues in the UAE. We have also coupled them with dynamic events to ensure that audiences think and interact. Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival is much more than screenings, every aspect has been considered to ensure an exceptionally moving audience experience.”

The inaugural Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival will feature ground-breaking and award-winning films; exploring the connections between mankind and the environment and presenting thought provoking perspectives on the natural world. It aims to trigger debate and mobilise action on important environmental issues. Other planned activities at the festival include; an art exhibition with artwork created from waste specifically single-use plastic waste, talks with environmental activists, workshops, and a photographers’ gallery. Al Sidr Film Festival will also be organising screenings in various Abu Dhabi Schools to engage young minds and involve students in the dialogue on climate change and the environment.