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Sustainability
In alignment with the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) 's strategic objectives regarding sustainability, the Office of Research and Sustainability has formulated a comprehensive five-year Sustainability Action Plan (SAP). The SAP delineates AURAK's commitment to advancing efforts across four pivotal programs and their associated initiatives. These sustainability programs encompass clean fuel, the promotion of a green and healthy campus, the pursuit of operational excellence, and the cultivation of change leadership.
At AURAK, we are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices across our campus. With a total campus building footprint of 79,013 sqm, we are actively working towards minimizing our environmental impact through energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction initiatives, and sustainability-focused programs. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to continuously explore new ways to create a greener and more eco-friendly environment for all.
Participation
AURAK is a member of the University Climate Network (UCN), an initiative of UAE universities to support COP 28 and Cop 29.
In October 2024, AURAK organized its Sustainability Day, coinciding with Campus Sustainability Week. During the event, the Office of Research and Sustainability, in collaboration with Surpluss, organized an Industrial Symbiosis game for faculty, staff, and students. The students engaged in sustainability project displays and poster presentations, winning prizes for the best projects.
In Fall 2023, the committee organized a Sustainability Day involving students and industry stakeholders. The students participated in a sustainability competition through this event, and several industry experts presented to the students and faculty. The students also engaged in a green plantation event and took a sustainability Pledge at Food ATM Farms. Further, in the Spring of 2024, the committee participated in a Paper Walk- a wastepaper recycling national-level project in collaboration with Emirates Angels. AURAK collected over 970 kgs of wastepaper and sent them for recycling
Sustainable Campus Initiative:
AURAK is proud to engage its students in the Sustainable Campus Initiative, which began in 2014 and is supported by Borouge and the Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD). This initiative is designed to empower future leaders to develop innovative solutions to address the most pressing environmental issues. In recognition of their contributions, AURAK students were honored by EAD for their research on the UAE's mangroves and their potential to mitigate global warming.
Middle East Solar Decathlon Competition:
AURAK's interdisciplinary team of over 60 faculty and students participates in the Solar Decathlon Competition, which challenges students to design, build, and operate a sustainable house. AURAK's team is developing a negative energy house that integrates several sustainability concepts while incorporating the region's socio-cultural values and climatic needs. The competition allows students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become the next generation of sustainability experts.
UAE Hackathon:
In February 2020, AURAK hosted the Ras Al Khaimah part of the UAE Hackathon 2020, organized by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) under the theme 'Data for Happiness & Well-Being' during UAE Innovation Month. This competitive event challenges participants to work collaboratively to solve pre-defined challenges using open data. By engaging in the Hackathon, AURAK's students, programmers, developers, designers, and project managers, work towards crowd-sourcing solutions for various issues, including environmental and sustainability concerns. A total of 36 teams, including three from AURAK, participated in the event.
Sustainability Awareness Events
At AURAK, we are committed to empowering our students with the knowledge and tools to foster a sustainable future. Through various events, workshops, and campaigns, we offer opportunities to engage with experts, learn about pressing environmental and sustainability issues, and take action toward building a more sustainable, eco-conscious world. Join us in making a positive impact on our planet!
Implementation Strategies
Institutional Commitment
AURAK has pledged to increase its reliance on renewable energy by 25% as part of its five-year strategic plan.
Waste Management and Recycling
AURAK is committed to complying with UAE federal and local environmental protection and development laws and working with the Ras Al Khaimah Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) and Waste Management Agency to identify and implement sustainable waste management strategies. The university practices environmentally sound and financially responsible waste management, reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering waste as per the best practicable environmental option. AURAK collaborates with RAK Waste Management to collect segregated waste and safely dispose of laboratory waste.
Retrofit Project
AURAK is collaborating with RAK Municipality and the Investment Development Office (IDO) on a project to retrofit all campus buildings. This initiative aligns with AURAK's long-term strategic goals of constructing and maintaining cutting-edge facilities. Sponsored by IDO, the project aims to identify potential energy savings at AURAK, with the first phase already completed.
Green Building Strategy
AURAK is committed to meeting the green building standards set forth by the RAK Municipality's "Barjeel" regulations. These regulations aim to achieve ambitious targets of 30% energy savings, 20% water savings, and 20% renewable energy share by 2040. As part of this commitment, AURAK has already implemented these regulations in three new campus buildings, with the new library building currently being designed to comply. In the future, all new AURAK buildings will be constructed in compliance with the "Barjeel" regulations.
Collaborative Research
Research Impact Matters
AURAK’s Commitment to Sustainability Research -2024
The Impact of Pricing on Energy Consumption in the UAE
This study by Dr. Mohammed Alnahhal delves into university energy consumption and reviews 60 existing studies. It significantly emphasizes using advanced tools such as big data analytics, machine learning, and predictive models for analysis. The study underscores air conditioning systems as the primary energy consumers and suggests monitoring energy usage can reduce overall consumption. Furthermore, the study identifies key factors influencing university energy use and offers valuable recommendations for future research.
Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles: A Comprehensive Guide
Prof. Maen Takruri studied static and dynamic wireless EV charging that offer safety as a top priority, flexibility, and potential cost savings. Static wireless charging allows EVs to charge while stationary, addressing safety concerns such as trip hazards and electrocution associated with wired charging and offering greater flexibility and potentially lower costs. Dynamic wireless charging, however enables vehicles to charge while in motion, significantly extending the driving range and reducing the need for frequent stops to recharge.
A Novel Two‐stage Method to Detect Non‐technical Losses in Smart Grids
This groundbreaking study by Prof. Maen Takruri and Dr. Khouloud Salameh analyzed power companies that use smart grids and experience financial losses due to technical issues and non-technical losses (NTLs) caused by energy theft or fraud. To address these NTLs, a study utilized machine learning on data from smart meters, proposing a two-step process using the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) dataset. This process involves feature extraction and the application of the Gradient Boosting Machine for fraud detection.
Sustainable Information Systems: Shaping a Greener Digital Future
This study by Dr. Osama Sohaib explores Sustainable Information Systems (SIS), which offers an innovative approach to balancing technological advancement with environmental sustainability. By investigating the interplay between information systems and sustainability, the study uncovered practical strategies to minimize environmental impact while maximizing societal benefits. The findings fill a critical gap by showcasing how organizations can integrate sustainability principles into information systems design and operation.
Industrial Symbiosis: Exploring Sustainable Waste Management Potential in the UAE:
The UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031 emphasizes the importance of sustainable consumption and production methods, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The concept of industrial symbiosis, which involves mutually beneficial resource exchanges between separate entities, can play a key role in implementing a circular economy. However, the UAE currently needs more specific policy interventions and facilitation programs to support industrial symbiosis. AURAK’s study aims to identify, develop, and realize industrial symbiosis exchanges between parties in the UAE. The study highlights challenges, drivers, and opportunities and proposes targeted policy pathways to support regional industrial symbiosis.
Assessing Policy Alternatives and Public Support for Protecting the Ras Al Khaimah Mangroves:
Ras Al Khaimah’s mangrove wetlands are threatened due to encroaching development and waste release. AURAK’s study highlights the importance of preserving the mangrove ecosystem and assesses public environmental awareness by studying residents and visitors. The paper proposes recommendations for alternative policies and collaborations to ensure the preservation of the mangrove ecosystem.
Smart and Sustainable Cities Conference: Towards Sustainable Development Solutions:
AURAK partnered with the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) to promote sustainability research and academic exchange. In 2019, the University hosted the Smart and Sustainable Cities Conference, which brought together eminent researchers from across the globe.
Solar and Hydrogen Cars Project:
AURAK senior engineering students designed and built two car models that eliminate the use of hydrocarbon fuels: the AURAK Solar Car and the AURAK Hydrogen Car. The hydrogen model uses a fuel cell to generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen and releases only water vapor, reducing harmful car emissions.
Alternative Energy in the UAE: Potential of Biofuels Sourced from Ras Al Khaimah Mangroves:
AURAK’s policy paper explores the feasibility of investing in biofuels sourced from mangroves in Ras Al Khaimah. The study analyzes the potential of using abundant microorganisms in mangroves for biofuel production and proposes policy recommendations for supporting future research and implementing long-term energy solutions that address environmental and economic concerns.
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah has a dedicated Sustainability Committee. The Associate Provost for Research and Community Service chairs the Committee. The committee aims to develop environmental and social sustainability strategies and work with stakeholders such as students, faculty, staff, and the industry to organize sustainability events and implement and monitor the university's sustainability plans and projects.
Prof. Tahseen Anwer Arshi
Interim Dean - School of Business (Chair)Prof. Tahseen Anwer Arshi
Interim Dean - School of Business (Chair)
Dr. Uday Kumar Nutakki
Chief Sustainability Officer/Associate Professor in Chemical EngineeringDr. Uday Kumar Nutakki
Chief Sustainability Officer/Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering
Ms. Anna Ortiz
Executive Assistant - Office of Research and Innovationanna.ortiz@aurak.ac.ae
K 375
+971 7 246 8898
Ms. Anna Ortiz
Executive Assistant - Office of Research and Innovation
CARBON NEUTRALITY
AURAK’s critical objective is achieving carbon neutrality, reflecting our commitment to mitigating climate change. Our primary focus is reducing direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly Scope 1 and 2, as per the Standardized Carbon Emissions Reporting Framework and Green House Gas Protocols.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment to Net-zero by 2050 | AURAK is committed to reach Net-Zero goal by using fossil fuel-free power across campus operations in both direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions (Scope 2) | ES6 Net Zero Commitment |
| Generate baseline carbon emissions data for Scope 1 and Scope 2 | Assess the baseline total Scope 1 + Scope 2 emissions in tones (tCO2e) measured based on Gross Internal Area (GIA). | ES9 Progress Towards Target |
| Reduce Scope 1 emissions by 20% by 2030 (against 2024-2025 baseline) | Transition of the university-owned fleet to alternative energy source-driven vehicles. Decrease the operating hours of on-site backup generators. | ES7 Emissions Efficiency |
| A better understanding of value-chain (Scope 3) emissions by 2030 | Investigate effective, appropriate carbon accounting tools and offsetting schemes that assess Scope 3 emissions based on environmental, social, and economic factors. | ES9 Progress Towards Target |
For further information about the program, please click here
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Another major objective of AURAK is to reduce Scope 2 carbon emissions through renewable energy sources to power its needs. AURAK strives to increase renewable energy share in its operations thus reducing indirect emissions from fossil fuel-driven utilities.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment to Net-zero by 2050 | AURAK is committed to reach Net-Zero goal by using fossil fuel-free power across campus operations in both direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions (Scope 2) | ES6 Net Zero Commitment |
| Generate baseline carbon emissions data for Scope 1 and Scope 2 | Assess the baseline total Scope 1 + Scope 2 emissions in tones (tCO2e) measured based on Gross Internal Area (GIA). | ES9 Progress Towards Target |
| Reduce Scope 1 emissions by 20% by 2030 (against 2024-2025 baseline) | Transition of the university-owned fleet to alternative energy source-driven vehicles. Decrease the operating hours of on-site backup generators. | ES7 Emissions Efficiency |
| A better understanding of value-chain (Scope 3) emissions by 2030 | Investigate effective, appropriate carbon accounting tools and offsetting schemes that assess Scope 3 emissions based on environmental, social, and economic factors. | ES9 Progress Towards Target |
For further information about the program, please click here
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
At AURAK all new buildings and renovations on campus will be constructed using sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions, incorporating integrated Building Management Systems (BMS) to optimize internal environmental conditions. This approach will reduce carbon emissions by enhancing the efficiency of electrical equipment, HVAC systems, ventilation, elevators, plumbing, water usage monitoring, lighting, and fire alarm systems. These actions align with best practices in emissions reporting, aiming to minimize the carbon footprint associated with campus operations.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce Scope 2 emissions further by 10% by 2030 (against 2024-2025 baseline) | Reduce embodied carbon in the primary materials used in new construction and major renovations.
|
ES7
ES9
|
For further information about the program, please click here
HEALTHIER AND SUSTAINABLE BUILD ENVIRONMENT
AURAK is committed to building healthier and more sustainable architecture. It aims to reduce carbon footprint in all built environments.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce embodied carbon in construction | Take actions to mitigate em- bodied carbon related to the primary materials used in new construction and major renova- tions by a minimum of 10% compared to conventional buildings. | ES7 |
| Healthier, sustainable indoor built environments | Implement actions towards remov- ing harmful classes of chemicals, such as PFAS, from AURAK’s supply chain and incorporate sustainable building standards to improve in- door air quality | ES9 |
For further information about the program, please click here
BIODIVERSITY AND GREENSPACES
Enhancing biodiversity on campus is a strategic priority for AURAK. It contributes to environmental sustainability and improves the quality of life for the university community. In the next few years, we will focus on increasing green spaces and creating biodiversity hubs, implementing actions that align with the broader environmental goals of preserving ecosystems and reducing land-related emissions.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Expand campus green and open spaces | Expand green campus and green spacess, identifying opportunities to increase green spaces. | ES7 Emission Efficiency |
| Support local biodiversity efforts | Partner with local/international organizations to increase biodiversity efforts for lowering heat and air pollution, encouraging walking, and sequestering carbon.
|
ES9 Progress Towards Target |
For further information about the program, please click here
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
Travel significantly contributes to Scope 3 emissions, and AURAK is committed to reducing these impacts through various initiatives. This section includes actions aimed at encouraging carpooling, promoting the use of public transportation, and expanding flexible working arrangements to reduce commuting. These measures are crucial for minimizing the University’s transportation-related emissions, aligning with the GHG Protocol guidelines on managing and reporting Scope 3 emissions effectively| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Support and encourage sustainable transport modes | Add charging outlets on campus to encourage the use of electric cars. Increase the share of sustainable transport modes (public transport, carpooling, biking, living on campus, etc.) in overall campus travel. | ES9 Progress Towards Target |
| Baseline travel emissions | Establish baseline measurements for carbon emissions from business travel, staff commuting, and student travel. | ES7 Emissions Efficiency |
For further information about the program, please click here
WATER AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Efficient resource management is crucial for minimizing environmental impact. AURAK emphasizes the importance of minimizing waste through efficient resource use and promoting circular economy principles, including water conservation, recycling, and reuse initiatives. These initiatives align with the GHG Protocol Scope 3 emissions, focusing on upstream water use and waste impacts.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
Better understanding and effectively managing our water resources |
Upgrade unmetered supplies to water meters and develop a process to monitor water data | ES9
Progress Towards Target |
| Increase water efficiency | Conduct a holistic water impact assessment
|
ES7
Emissions Efficiency |
For further information about the program, please click here
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Waste management at AURAK aims to minimize the environmental impact of waste generation and disposal. We embark on initiatives such as achieving a 50% reduction in campus waste and significantly cutting down single-use plastic consumption. These efforts are designed to address the emissions associated with waste, as defined under the Scope 3 category in the Standardized Carbon Emissions Reporting Framework, thereby supporting the University’s broader sustainability objectives.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline solid waste data gathering | Measure and report data annually for major waste streams and develop guidance and resources. | ES9
Progress Towards Target |
| Minimizing on-campus municipal solid waste (or trash) and sustainably managing other waste streams, including plastics, recyclables, and organics. | Develop a zero-waste plan employing appropriate waste segregation and recycling programs.
|
ES7
Emissions Efficiency |
For further information about the program, please click here
SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT
Sustainable procurement practices are essential for reducing the environmental impact of AURAK’s operations. AURAK is committed to integrating social, environmental, and economic sustainability factors into all procurement activities. This section outlines the University’s commitment to increase the procurement of sustainable prod- ucts, which supports the reduction of upstream Scope 3 emissions related to the production and transportation of| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Promote sustainable procurement practices | Develop a strategy to integrate value-chain emissions (Scope 3) into purchasing decisions, vendor selection, and management.
|
ES7
Emissions Efficiency |
| Awareness of sourcing and optimization of asset utilization |
|
ES9
Progress Towards Target |
For further information about the program, please click here
EDUCATION
Integrating sustainability into education and enhancing efforts in the University’s learning and teaching initiatives increase the visibility of sustainable development (ESG) across all programs. By embedding sustainability principles across various programs and extending sustainability education to the community, AURAK fulfills its educational mandate and contributes to societal change.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Integrate sustainability literacy into all academic disciplines | Develop courses on environment/climate science/environmental sustainability Provide dedicated training and assessment on both the environmental and social aspects of sustainability (e.g. SulitestR TASK) |
EE3
Climate Science and/or Sustainability Courses |
| Develop a student club for sustainability | Form of a student society focusing on environment, conservation, and climate issues. Encourage students to provide feedback and recommendations on overall sustainability strategy and collaboratively lead projects to advance the University’s sustainability vision and priorities. |
ES5
Student Society focused on Environmental Sustainability |
| Improve staff perception of environmental sustainability | Train all staff about sustainability and AURAK’s impact on society, through teaching and research. | KE3
Staff perception GG9 Staff perception |
| Encourage knowledge exchange | Increase efforts to share best practices, academic expertise, and access to resources and skills (e.g., laboratories, funding) to improve | KE1
Knowledge Exchange: Progress / Dissemination |
For further information about the program, please click here
RESEARCH
Integrating sustainability into research is essential for advancing AURAK’s commitment to environmental stewardship. By leveraging partnerships, utilizing campus resources, and embedding sustainability in academic inquiry, AURAK fosters a culture of innovation and responsible research. The following actions are proposed to enhance the University’s research capabilities in climate and sustainability.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Strengthen research collaboration to produce ESG-related papers/policies | Partner with national and global research centers to co-develop joint papers/policies on environmental and sustainability topics. Improve citations of published research and encourage open-access publishing. |
ER4
KE4
P GG10
GG2
|
| Utilize campus as a sustainability research platform | Develop research centers on environmental sustainability and transform the campus into a living lab for applied research on climate and sustainability. Incubate, pilot, and accelerate transformative new ideas on campus and with partners to test and validate innovative solutions. | ER3
Research Center with an Environmental Sustainability Focus |
| Encourage environmental sustainability-focused research by staff and students. | Assess the impact of research across the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. | ER1
IE1
EQ1
HW1
EO2
|
For further information about the program, please click here
GOVERNANCE AND EQUALITY
Effective governance and strong diversity initiatives are foundational to achieving AURAK’s sustainability goals. By establishing robust governance structures, including a dedicated sustainability committee and compre- hensive policies, AURAK ensures that sustainability is integrated into all decision-making processes. This section also emphasizes promoting di- versity and inclusion to foster an equitable and supportive environment, aligning with global SDGs and enhancing social impact as evaluated by the QS Sustainability Rankings.| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Establish a sustainability framework/policy on climate action | Develop a dedicated staff member or team whose sole responsibility is to advance sustainable development at the institution. Publish a policy referring to a strategy to mitigate AURAK’s climate impact, measures to be environmentally considerate, and future targets. |
GG3 ES10
|
| Nurturing culture rooted in ethics | Support and facilitate an organizational culture based on institutional ethical values. | GG1 |
| Promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) | Develop a policy on EDI, manage gender ratios appropriately, and provide disability support. | EQ5
EQ4
EQ6
EQ7
|
For further information about the program, please click here
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Provide an environment and educational experience that promotes health. | Establish on-campus access to healthy, affordable food options, as well as healthcare and mental health support for staff and students. | HW2
Health Provision on Campus |
For further information about the program, please click here
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS
| OBJECTIVE | KEY ACTIONS | QS MAPPING |
|---|---|---|
| Increase community participation in sustainability initiatives through outreach programs. | Offer outreach projects for the local community. Organize Sustainability Day, workshops, and awareness campaigns |
KE2
Outreach and Community Engagement |
| Partner with industry for applied research | Establish strong industrial partnerships for research on environmental sustainability. | EO5 Partnerships with Industry |
For further information about the program, please click here
At AURAK, we are committed to fostering sustainable growth and positive societal impact through our investment practices. Our Sustainable Investment Policy is designed to guide investments that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By prioritizing investments that promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term well-being, we strive to contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
For further information, please get in touch with the Office of Institutional Strategy and Excellence at oise@aurak.ac.ae.
For more information please click here
Related Information
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