American University in Cairo
PA-2: Commitments and Planning

AUC’s Carbon Emissions Management and Mitigation Plan: Net-Zero 
Plan 

Four areas of focus will help achieve the University’s aim of a net-zero emissions plan: 

1. Optimizing the Existing System 
To promote sustainable infrastructure development, the University's plan toward a zerocarbon campus can include initiatives and projects for ensuring optimal operations for 
the cooling, heating, and lighting systems. This can be achieved through strategies such 
as:

• Efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Higher levels of water efficiency
• Carbon-efficient electricity sources for non-HVAC systems
• Energy-efficient lighting systems
• Upgrading the existing Building Management System (BMS)
• Implementing an Eco-Rep program to monitor electricity usage in campus 
  buildings
•  Introducing renewable energy options

2. Transportation and Mobility
AUC aims to explore and encourage the use of sustainable mobility for its students, 
faculty, staff, and visitors. Initiatives and projects can focus on an accessible, 
pedestrian-friendly, and inclusive campus that caters to the needs of the AUC 
community guided by the following areas:

• Exploring well-planned use of micro-mobility within the campus.
•  Optimizing bus schedules and routes to increase bus ridership.
•  Introducing charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles in select parking 
  spaces nearest to the portal entrances.
•  Encouraging AUC community members to use public transportation and reduce 
  dependence on private cars.

3. Innovation in Design and Construction
AUC aims to set clear targets for lower carbon emissions in its campus operations 
toward its ultimate goal of a nearly zero-emissions campus in 2050. This includes: 

• Utilizing innovative solutions in the design and construction of new low-energy 
  buildings.
• Employing innovative techniques in sustainable building design.
• Promoting inclusive design that is accessible and safe yet ensures less energy 
  usage per person compared to global benchmarks.
• Incorporating smart, sustainable growth principles into AUC's future development and acquisitions for off-campus real estate.

4. Inspire AUC Community Members to Become Eco-Reps
AUC aims to empower its community to become eco-reps and sustainability advocates 
beyond its campus boundaries. This can be achieved through sustainable campus 
practices, awareness campaigns, events, workshops, and actively involving students in 
sustainability initiatives and encouraging their leadership in this field. 

Initiatives for the Future

• Gray Water Recycling and Storage: Improve water efficiency on campus by reducing 
  domestic water consumption and using treated wastewater when possible. Upgrade the 
  treated wastewater plant and explore solutions to increase graywater use for flushing 
  and capturing rainwater from more frequent rains in New Cairo. Increase the use of 
  drought-resistant and salt-resistant plants in campus landscaping. Raise awareness of 
  the AUC community about responsible water usage and employ water storage strategies 
  for irrigation.
• Solid Waste Recycling and Disposal: Work toward a zero-waste campus by phasing 
  out single-use plastic, considering onsite composting facility to capture food waste, 
  encouraging food vendors to use more sustainable takeaway packaging, enhancing the 
  sorting locations of outdoor bins and introducing indoor sorting stations and 
  implementing a permanent paper recycling system. Enact University policy for a zero-waste campus from planning to execution.
• Natural Gas for Domestic and Lab Use: Minimize natural gas usage for food 
  preparation by retaining food vendors with low natural gas consumption.
•  Education and Development on Campus: Integrate sustainability and carbon-related 
  topics into orientation activities for students, faculty, and staff. Establish an Eco-Representative program to promote sustainable behaviors on campus. Develop a 
  mandatory carbon literacy training module for AUC community members, covering: 
  an overview of the current situation and the past interventions, a basic introduction to 
  sustainability and sustainable living, and recommendations for efforts and pro-environmental behaviors that individuals can adopt to help reduce AUC's emissions. Launch awareness campaigns led by students to heighten the sensibility of the AUC community on various topics, such as plastic waste, organic waste and composting, electricity, plug, and HVAC loads. Establish a sustainability fund using energy savings to support future carbon reduction initiatives and other optimization projects.

The American University in Cairo became a signatory to the Race to Zero Campaign 

AUC Carbon Emissions’ Management and Mitigation Plan

The American University in Cairo is proud to announce its participation in the Race to Zero campaign, an UN-backed global initiative to achieve a zero-carbon world. By committing to this campaign, our institution will automatically be added to the UNFCCC Race to Zero campaign. This campaign replaces the Global Climate Letter for Universities and Colleges; all signatories have been contacted and consented to be part of the Race to Zero campaign. 

As a signatory, AUC commits to achieving nearly net zero by 2050, joining 1,118 other educational institutions in the race for a healthier, fairer, and cleaner world. Net zero means balancing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed from the atmosphere. Therefore, achieving net zero requires both the reduction of emissions and the investment in carbon removal projects. For AUC, achieving nearly net zero means reducing the University’s absolute emissions across its whole operations and supply chain. AUC has pledged to reduce its emissions by 2035 and achieve nearly net-zero emissions by 2050.

This global campaign launched in 2019 and led by the High Level Climate Champions for Climate Action, Race To Zero mobilizes Companies, cities, regions, and financial and educational institutions around the globe to commit to taking immediate action to reduce emissions across all scopes—signatories of the campaign pledge to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

AUC is already taking important steps to quantify its environmental impact and identify areas for emissions reductions and increased efficiency. Produced biennially, AUC’s Carbon Footprint Report details the annual total of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other significant greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted into the atmosphere as a result of daily activities and campus operations. To achieve our net zero emissions target, AUC will focus on improving areas such as energy use, transportation, water consumption, solid waste disposal, and campus design, drawing on recommendations made in the 2023 Carbon Footprint Report. Moving forward, AUC is committed to furthering reductions, institutionalizing sustainability in both operations and curricula, optimizing the performance of our existing buildings, and planning for greener buildings with minimum environmental load and emissions.

AUC a sustainability leader in the MENA region, we hope the University’s commitment to the Race to Zero campaign encourages other institutions to join us in taking meaningful action toward reducing our carbon emissions in the face of climate change. 

Link: https://www.aucegypt.edu/sustainability/race-to-zero




In 2016, AUC declared its commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a strategic policy initiative for organizations working in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Compact is the world’s largest voluntary sustainability framework with guiding principles concerning human rights, environmental stewardship, labor, and anti-corruption conservation measures. The Office of Sustainability will submit its fifth Communication on Engagement (COE), through the University's Sustainability Report, by the end of 2024. The COE is intended as a statement of continued support for the UN Global Compact and its ten principles. As part of UNGC’s Egypt office, AUC has participated in training and networked with various Egyptian businesses. 

Academics and Research 
Education is the most effective tool for creating change, and AUC is deeply committed to 
sustainability in its educational mission. Across the University, students are given opportunities 
to learn about sustainability concepts and find solutions to complex environmental issues. AUC 
offers a Master of Science in sustainable development with concentrations in green 
technologies, entrepreneurship, sustainable cities, and sustainable communities. The program 
is offered as a multidisciplinary collaborative effort between AUC’s School of Business, 
School of Sciences and Engineering, School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and School 
of Humanities and Social Sciences. AUC also offers a diploma in sustainable development that 
prepares students for careers in the green industry and equips them with the skills needed to 
lead sustainable development in Egypt and the Middle East. Sustainability is integrated into various courses across departments in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The AUC 
School of Business has been a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact Principles of 
Responsible Management and Education (PRME) since 2014, with a mission to inspire and 
champion responsible management education, research, and thought leadership. AUC is also a 
leading member of the Africa Chapter of Business Schools for Climate Leadership (BS4CL) 
global initiative, which advocates for climate action and leadership in business schools 
worldwide. 
The curriculum at AUC incorporates the three pillars of sustainability — environment, 
economy, and society — across numerous fields of study. Specific schools, departments, and 
research centers focus on these key thematic areas, enhancing students' understanding of 
sustainability on local and global levels.
Regarding research, AUC is dedicated to contributing to social well-being, economic
prosperity, and environmental health. Sustainability research plays a crucial role in finding 
innovative and practical solutions to the world's environmental, social, and economic 
challenges. AUC values innovation and encourages its students and faculty to explore creative 
academic endeavors across various disciplines. Student and faculty research at AUC addresses 
sustainability issues on both the local and international scale, with many projects focusing on 
Cairo and the surrounding areas.

To promote sustainability initiatives and practices on campus, it is essential to comply with both internal and external guidelines. This can only be achieved by maintaining good governance within the University. Good governance involves developing policies, procedures, and best practices to integrate sustainability factors into AUC's policies, establishing a robust framework for responsible decision-making, and promoting a sustainable culture to ensure the efficient and effective management of resources while encouraging the University community to act sustainably. By doing so, universities can play a significant role in creating a more sustainable future for all.

• Internal 

• Campus 2026: AUC's visionary development project, designed for student-centered excellence and sustainability.
• AUC is continuously committed to further advancing its sustainability scope in the campus
  expansion by obtaining LEED Certifications for buildings and incorporating innovative waste and
  recycling mechanisms.
• Further planning is to install Electric Vehicles (EV) stations in the parking lots and integrate them
  into future plans for the campus expansion.
• AUC Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Report.
• AUC Carbon Carbon Emissions Management and Mitigation Plan - Net Zero Plan.
• Monitoring and reducing the energy consumption across AUC to reduce its carbon emissions.
• Issuance of Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy.
• Launch of Climate Change Initiative.
• Launch of Mental Health and Well-being Initiative.
• Tobacco-Free Community Policy.
• Launch of Eliminating Single-Use Plastic Free Initiative.
• Designated parking spots for carpoolers.
• Biological Control Program to minimize pesticide use and reduce pollution hazards.
• Using treated wastewater to irrigate the landscaped areas on campus.
• AUC’s campus-wide recycling program includes 48 sorting stations on the New Cairo Campus for
  collecting plastic, cans, and trash.
• Establishment of the Office of Sustainability.

• External 

• Signatory to UN Race to Zero by committing to reducing its carbon emissions by 2035 and achieving a nearly net-zero campus by 2050.
• AUC is a member of The Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
  (AASHE).
• AUC, School of Business, has been a Communicating Signatory of the Principles for Responsible
  Management Education (PRME).
• Recognition in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges.
• Featured in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Green Universities Toolkit as a
  global example of a green, low-carbon institution.
• Declared its commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a strategic policy
  initiative for organizations working in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

About Campus 2026

Since the early development plans for the New Cairo campus, the University anticipated additional buildings. In 2020, through a process of community consultations, AUC developed an updated master plan that identified several new projects. Today, AUC's campus development project, Campus 2026, provides a revitalized vision for the future of AUC New Cairo in support of the University's strategic priorities. The three new projects will enhance the student experience by incorporating state-of-the-art technology, fully accessible facilities and sustainable structures that contribute positively to climate change goals. Connecting students to the real-world, providing an ecosystem for innovation and serving the future of work, the buildings embody a bold vision for the future of AUC.

Engineering a Greener World 

Construction engineering students use waste materials that promise an 82% reduction in carbon emissions and a 56% cut in lifecycle costs.

Operations
AUC is committed to conservation and responsible resource usage in its daily operations. The 
Office of Sustainability regularly tracks and monitors energy consumption, water usage, waste 
management schemes, and natural gas consumption on campus.

• Landscape

AUC's outdoor landscape demonstrates ecological leadership and best practices in 
design and operations. Native non-invasive species of vegetation are employed to 
minimize water usage for irrigation. Over 60 acres of vegetation exist on campus, with 
all trees and plants, except the date palms, propagated and grown at AUC's nurseries 
and research stations. The garden's harvested fruits and vegetables benefit the AUC 
community. One of the great benefits of the campus’s green cover is the storage and 
sequestration of CO2 from the atmosphere, reducing AUC's overall carbon footprint. 
Landscaping waste, such as pruned tree branches and grass cuttings, is composted to 
avoid carbon emissions, utilizing a mix of on-campus compost and a small amount of 
purchased synthetic fertilizer.

• Water 

Given water scarcity in the desert and the energy required for pumping water 
throughout the campus, AUC employs various water conservation efforts. These 
include using treated wastewater, drip irrigation, and humidity sensors to irrigate the 
landscaped areas on campus. Treated wastewater is a low-cost alternative to drinking- grade water, reducing the University’s carbon footprint. Water-efficient appliances, 
such as low-discharge flush valves in toilets and low-flow shower heads in students’ 
residences, the sports complex, and the faculty housing buildings, are installed to 
conserve domestic water across campus.

• Energy 

To maintain efficient daily operations, AUC consumes considerable energy in cooling, 
heating, and lighting indoors and outdoors. The primary energy source is an on-campus 
co-generation (combined heat and cooling) plant that runs on natural gas, which is 
cleaner than coal, with electricity obtained from the Egyptian Electricity Authority 
(EEA) as a secondary source. AUC utilizes a campus-wide building control–building 
management system (BMS), along with motion sensors, continuous retrocommissioning, and other technologies, to reduce its energy consumption. Welldesigned existing buildings with insulated skin and double-glazed windows also 
contribute to lower energy demands. 

• Waste 

AUC students, faculty, and staff produce considerable amounts of waste daily, 
including packaging from food and drink containers and scrap paper. AUC is 
committed to reducing waste streams and diverting as much recyclable material as 
possible from landfills. The Office of Sustainability leads the Clean and Green 
committee, a group of dedicated faculty and staff members that spearheaded a campuswide recycling program. The program includes 48 sorting stationsfor plastic, cans, and 
trash. To reduce plastic water bottle usage, water dispensers supplying filtered, chilled 
drinking water to fill reusable bottles are installed across campus. Currently, 35 filtered 
drinking water stations are installed on AUC’s New Cairo campus, three in the faculty 
residences, and 23 stations on the Tahrir Square campus. There are plans to add more 
water-cooled dispensers in other areas on campus in the near future. Efforts are also 
being made further to minimize paper waste through the exploration of paperless 
alternatives. 

• Transportation 

AUC provides a collective transportation system through a bus network offering 13 
routes serving greater Cairo. The bus service operates on a set schedule to transport 
AUC community members to and from campus, contributing to lower emissions. 
Faculty and staff members can use the service six days a week, free of charge, while 
students can subscribe for a reasonable fee. AUC continues exploring options to offer 
increased carpooling incentives as an alternative to private car use. 

For more information check AUC's Sustainability report 2024 

Institutional Commitment to Racial Equity and Social Justice

Policy Name: Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination 
Policy
Responsible University Office: Office of the General Counsel 
Policy Owner: General Counsel/CCO

The American University in Cairo (AUC) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning and working environment by implementing clear, measurable objectives that address racial equity and social justice. Through its Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy, AUC outlines specific actions and accountability measures to ensure a campus free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

1. Prohibition of Racial Discrimination and Harassment

AUC explicitly prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, and other protected characteristics. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors, ensuring that racial equity is embedded in institutional policies and practices.

2. Accountability and Reporting Mechanisms

To uphold racial equity, AUC has established multiple reporting channels to address concerns related to racial discrimination:

• Advocate System: Allows students to report incidents involving other students.
• AUC Ethics HelpLine: Enables employees, faculty, and vendors to report concerns, with an option for anonymous reporting.
• Title IX Coordinator Oversight: The Title IX Coordinator ensures all reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are investigated and resolved according to institutional policy.

The university tracks and monitors these reports to assess patterns of racial discrimination and adjust policies as needed, ensuring measurable progress toward equity.

3. Investigation and Resolution Framework

AUC enforces a formal investigation and resolution process for any reported violations of racial equity policies. This process includes:

• Initial Complaint Review (5 business days) – Complaints are reviewed within five business days to determine the need for further investigation.
• Investigation Timeline (60 days) – AUC aims to complete investigations within 60 days from the report date, ensuring timely resolution of racial discrimination cases.
• Sanctions and Corrective Actions – If a policy violation is found, corrective actions range from warnings to termination, suspension, or expulsion, ensuring accountability for racial discrimination and harassment.

4. Training and Preventive Education

AUC commits to ongoing education and training to promote racial equity and social justice, including:

• Mandatory training for faculty and staff on anti-discrimination policies and racial equity.
• Workshops and awareness campaigns to educate the university community about racial discrimination and social justice.
• Resource allocation for counseling and support services for individuals affected by racial discrimination or harassment.

The university evaluates the impact of these programs through participant feedback, incident reduction rates, and training completion records.

5. Protection Against Retaliation and Ensuring Due Process

To foster a culture of safety and trust, AUC enforces a strict no-retaliation policy for individuals who report racial discrimination. Additionally, all cases are handled with confidentiality, and complainants are assured due process, with the right to appeal decisions within 10 business days of a resolution.

6. Institutional Review and Policy Updates

AUC ensures continuous improvement in its racial equity policies by:

• Conducting regular policy reviews and updates by the Title IX Coordinator and the Office of General Counsel.
• Maintaining records of all complaints and resolutions for at least seven years to track long-term progress in addressing racial discrimination.

Conclusion

Through these measurable objectives—reporting mechanisms, investigation timelines, training initiatives, accountability measures, and policy reviews—AUC demonstrates its commitment to racial equity and social justice. By tracking the effectiveness of these initiatives and making data-driven policy adjustments, the institution ensures an ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and just campus environment. 

To learn more about this policy, please visit the AUC website: Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy.

Academics

Research on sustainability plays a crucial role in finding innovative and practical solutions to global environmental, social, and economic challenges. AUC prioritizes innovation and strongly motivates students and faculty to participate in original academic endeavors spanning various disciplines. At AUC, students and faculty delve into research on sustainability topics, emphasizing on projects that support the social well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental health both locally and internationally.

Health and Well-being

At AUC, the well-being of our community members is a dual objective for sustainability and health. It is
important to encourage students, faculty, and staff to understand the intersection between human health and global sustainability and support initiatives that help our community and the planet thrive.

As part of its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and well-being for its students, faculty, and
staff, AUC has been recognized as the Best Smoke Free University in the inaugural edition of the Arab
Anti-Smoking Award. The award is presented by the Arab Union for Humanities and Development
(AUHD) to universities that have implemented effective campus policies and initiatives to create
smoke-free environments. AUHD is a reputable educational and training institution specializing in studies, scientific publications, consultations, and scientific meetings related to humanities and sustainable development. 

The University offers students a range of health and well-being services on campus. The Center for Student Well-Being prioritizes all students' overall health and well-being, including those with disabilities. In particular, students with disabilities have access to the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Unit, which ensures that they have equal access to all aspects of University life by providing tailored support and accommodations. The center provides various programs and services, such as student counseling, mental health assessments, and workshops on various topics. These resources aim to assist students in developing the skills and resilience they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. The Psychological Counseling Services and Training Center offers free and confidential counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. These services include workshops, psychological assessments, and community outreach. The counseling services are provided by Masters-level student clinicians supervised by faculty members from the psychology department. They cover a wide range of areas, including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, relationships, and marital conflict. 

Governance

Governance plays a crucial role in AUC's commitment to addressing the climate crisis as one of the greatest challenges of our time. Across the University, AUC community members, faculty, students, and staff are working together to generate and spread the basics of sustainability for current and future development.

Engagement

AUC has implemented meaningful changes that make campus operations more
sustainable, but as a globally oriented University, we always seek to engage with
external partners. As an institute of higher education, AUC recognizes its ability to
impact the surrounding community positively. AUC is committed to sharing
sustainability beyond its campus boundaries through public events, external
partnerships, and global initiatives.

AUC's Climate Change Initiative was established in response to worldwide climate change challenges and the active role academic and research institutions must play in understanding and addressing them. 

About the Initiative

This initiative includes research, student activities, teaching and learning, as well as outreach activities. It draws on AUC’s extensive international network and rests on the academic and research expertise at the University’s departments and research centers. The initiative’s areas of focus are aligned with national and regional climate change and sustainability priorities.

Focus Areas

Executive Summary 

In 2022, The American University in Cairo (AUC) became a signatory to the global UN-backed 
Race to Zero Campaign for Universities and Colleges. A task force comprised of AUC faculty, 
staff, and students was formed to develop the University’s Net-Zero Plan in response to this 
campaign. Launched under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 
(UNFCCC) in 2019, the Race to Zero initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions. As a 
signatory, AUC has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 2035 and achieving a nearly 
net-zero campus by 2050. AUC will implement a series of initiatives to achieve emission 
reductions in the future. 

The AUC Net-Zero Plan is based on sustainability best practices across the University's design, 
operations, activities, culture, research, and academics. It outlines a vision for a nearly net-zero 
emissions campus, utilizing different scenarios to reduce future emissions.
AUC is the leading University in Egypt and the region and takes a proactive role in 
sustainability initiatives among local and regional higher-education institutions. Since 2012, 
AUC has been measuring its environmental impact by quantifying carbon emissions and 
publishing the University's Carbon Footprint Report. AUC continues to explore opportunities 
for improved efficiency to address and respond to climate change and introduce best practices 
in Egypt and the region.

Task Force Team Members and Acknowledgments

Carbon Emissions Management and Mitigation Plan 2023 Task Force Team Members 

Office of Sustainability
Yasmin Mansour, Sustainability Director
Sahar El Ghandour, Sustainability Manager

Dean of Graduate Studies
Adham Ramadan, Associate Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, School of 

Sciences and Engineering
Office of the Vice President for Management and Operations
Shereen Shaker, Vice President for Management & Operation
Sherif Maged, Executive Director, Integrated Services
Mohamed Abdelaziz, Executive Director, Project Management Office & Infrastructure Services

School of Business
Ali Awni, Professor of Practice and Director of The John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, 
Civic Engagement, and Responsible Business, Department of Management
Sherwat Elwan, Associate Professor & Associate Director of EMBA/MBA Programs, Department of Management

Office of the University Architect
Khaled Tarabieh, University Architect & Associate Professor of Sustainable Design, 
Architecture Department

School of Sciences and Engineering
Sherif Goubran, Assistant Professor, Architecture Department

Meet our faculty members who are working on climate change across various research areas, including water scarcity, urban development, green finance, energy transition, and public health. Their research aims to explore and develop solutions to the climate crisis. Many of our faculty members will also be participating in diverse activities at the COP27 conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, scheduled for November. Click here to know more about AUC's participation at COP27.

From the School of Sciences and Engineering, some examples of professors working on climate change include:

• Professor Ahmed El Gendy

• Professor Khaled Tarabieh

From the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, you can find faculty members such as:

• Professor Bahia Shehab

• Professor Kate Ellis

From the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, we have professors like:

• Professor Hussein Amin 

Brief Biography

Dr. Hussein Amin is a distinguished academic and media professional with a PhD from Ohio State University. He has lectured globally and contributed to numerous media journals and publications. His research focuses on global media systems, especially media law, regulations, and policies in the Middle East.

Amin has held significant positions in media organizations, including the Egyptian Radio and Television Union and Telecom Egypt, where he helped shape key projects. He also played a vital role in drafting the Arab Satellite Charter and media strategies for Arab women through the Arab League.

He is actively involved in professional associations and serves on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals, including Arab Media & Society and Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly. His work is widely published in both English and Arabic, and his book Civic Discourse and Digital Age Communication in the Middle East is considered a key reference in the field.

Amin has delivered keynote addresses at international conferences and appears frequently as a media expert on major networks like CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera. He has received numerous awards for his contributions, including the Stephen H. Coltrin Award and Medallions of Honor from Nilesat and Egyptian Media City.

• Professor Ghada Barsoum

And from the Business School, we have experts such as:

• Professor Abeer Elshennawy

• Professor Moataz El-Helaly

These are just a few examples, but there are many more professors working on climate change across various disciplines. To explore the full list of faculty involved, please check out the following Link: https://www.aucegypt.edu/climate-change/faculty

Faculty Research

For the third year in a row (2022-2023), AUC faculty members have been named among the top 2% of the world's most impactful scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier. Experts at Stanford University created the database, and it is based on data from Elsevier's Scopus, which is "the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature." The database includes the top 2% of scientists in 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields and provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator (c-score).

 AUC faculty listed in the 7 top 2% of impactful research by Stanford University - Elsevier AUC Faculty Develop 2 Winning Courses on Climate Change and Sustainability during the Research and Creativity Convention 2023 AUC's faculty and students, both graduate and undergraduate, present and share original research findings and creative outcomes across various fields such as sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, and arts, demonstrating the breadth and depth of AUC's research mission.RCC is a tribute to the University's excellence in research, entrepreneurship, and creative endeavors.

The Research and Creativity Convention (RCC) at AUC is a collective event that combines diverse
activities of research, design, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. It has demonstrated growth and success over time. The main goal is to enhance knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary research partnerships, and projects with community or economic significance. The convention serves as a platform to spotlight AUC's strategic priorities, enhance research capabilities, stimulate campus creativity, and address important regional and global issues.

AUC’s Carbon Emissions Management and Mitigation Plan: Net-Zero 
Plan 

Four areas of focus will help achieve the University’s aim of a net-zero emissions plan: 

1. Optimizing the Existing System 
To promote sustainable infrastructure development, the University's plan toward a zerocarbon campus can include initiatives and projects for ensuring optimal operations for 
the cooling, heating, and lighting systems. This can be achieved through strategies such 
as:

•  Efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Higher levels of water efficiency
•  Carbon-efficient electricity sources for non-HVAC systems
• Energy-efficient lighting systems
• Upgrading the existing Building Management System (BMS)
• Implementing an Eco-Rep program to monitor electricity usage in campus 
  buildings
• Introducing renewable energy options

2. Transportation and Mobility
AUC aims to explore and encourage the use of sustainable mobility for its students, 
faculty, staff, and visitors. Initiatives and projects can focus on an accessible, 
pedestrian-friendly, and inclusive campus that caters to the needs of the AUC 
community guided by the following areas:

• Exploring well-planned use of micro-mobility within the campus.
• Optimizing bus schedules and routes to increase bus ridership.
• Introducing charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles in select parking 
  spaces nearest to the portal entrances.
• Encouraging AUC community members to use public transportation and reduce 
  dependence on private cars.

3. Innovation in Design and Construction
AUC aims to set clear targets for lower carbon emissions in its campus operations 
toward its ultimate goal of a nearly zero-emissions campus in 2050. This includes: 

• Utilizing innovative solutions in the design and construction of new low-energy 
  buildings.
•  Employing innovative techniques in sustainable building design.
• Promoting inclusive design that is accessible and safe yet ensures less energy 
  usage per person compared to global benchmarks.
• Incorporating smart, sustainable growth principles into AUC's future 
  development and acquisitions for off-campus real estate. 

4. Inspire AUC Community Members to Become Eco-Reps
AUC aims to empower its community to become eco-reps and sustainability advocates 
beyond its campus boundaries. This can be achieved through sustainable campus 
practices, awareness campaigns, events, workshops, and actively involving students in 
sustainability initiatives and encouraging their leadership in this field. 
Initiatives for the Future

• Gray Water Recycling and Storage: Improve water efficiency on campus by reducing 
  domestic water consumption and using treated wastewater when possible. Upgrade the 
  treated wastewater plant and explore solutions to increase graywater use for flushing 
  and capturing rainwater from more frequent rains in New Cairo. Increase the use of 
  drought-resistant and salt-resistant plants in campus landscaping. Raise awareness of 
  the AUC community about responsible water usage and employ water storage strategies 
  for irrigation.
• Solid Waste Recycling and Disposal: Work toward a zero-waste campus by phasing 
  out single-use plastic, considering onsite composting facility to capture food waste, 
  encouraging food vendors to use more sustainable takeaway packaging, enhancing the 
  sorting locations of outdoor bins and introducing indoor sorting stations and 
  implementing a permanent paper recycling system. Enact University policy for a zerowaste campus from planning to execution.
• Natural Gas for Domestic and Lab Use: Minimize natural gas usage for food 
  preparation by retaining food vendors with low natural gas consumption.
• Education and Development on Campus: Integrate sustainability and carbon-related 
  topics into orientation activities for students, faculty, and staff. Establish an EcoRepresentative program to promote sustainable behaviors on campus. Develop a 
  mandatory carbon literacy training module for AUC community members, covering: 
  an overview of the current situation and the past interventions, a basic introduction to 
  sustainability and sustainable living, and recommendations for efforts and proenvironmental behaviors that individuals can adopt to help reduce AUC's emissions. 
  Launch awareness campaigns led by students to heighten the sensibility of the AUC 
  community on various topics, such as plastic waste, organic waste and composting, 
  electricity, plug, and HVAC loads. Establish a sustainability fund using energy savings 
  to support future carbon reduction initiatives and other optimization projects.

Efforts that the university is doing related to research 

• Water Scarcity

The Sustainable Way Forward

Egypt is working on maximizing its water resources to meet the growing demand. The national measures include rationing water use, improving water quality, providing additional water resources and creating a suitable climate for optimal water management. The government has launched a national plan for water resources until 2037 and allocated $50 billion for water projects, possibly extending to $100 billion.

Where AUC is Making an Impact

Well-educated graduates and innovative technologies are crucial to implementing water-related adaptation actions in Egypt and the region. Therefore, AUC supports innovation in water-related education and research activities.

• The Water, Energy, Food Technologies Diploma aims to qualify professionals in the field of water, agriculture and energy to implement adaptation measures and sustainable resources management in desert areas.
• Research activities addressing water scarcity encompass water and wastewater treatment and recycling using low-cost approaches; water desalination research, including the development of novel desalination membranes with enhanced performances; the optimization of water desalination systems for solar energy use; and performance enhancement of mobile desalination units for use in remote locations.
• The Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability (CARES) aims to help Egypt, Africa and the MENA region to adapt to climate change by combining the three S’s of sun, sand and salty water to produce food sustainably. The Water-Energy-Food nexus entails research models for achieving resource security and demonstrating the concept of a circular economy, resting on the use of solar energy in seawater desalination and using the resulting fresh water for fish farming, from which the effluent water is used in crop cultivation.

• Energy Transition

The Sustainable Way Forward 

Egypt is blessed with an abundance of three different forms of renewable energy, namely wind, solar and biomass, all of which can save the climate from fossil-based energy's harmful effects. Concentrated in the Zafarana area on the Red Sea coast, wind farms deliver their electrical output straight to the national grid. Surplus wind energy can be exploited to generate green hydrogen, the most environmentally friendly form of fuel generated from renewable energy.

Solar energy is also abundant in Egypt, particularly in the south. It is used on a residential scale by employing roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems to provide electricity and heat. On a larger scale, solar is replacing power plants by using a large number of interconnected ground-mounted PV modules; alternatively concentrated solar energy may be employed to replace fossil-fueled boilers as the source of heat necessary to run thermodynamic power plants.

Finally, biogas can be generated from waste biomass using locally built digesters. Biogas is formed from 60 -70% methane gas and hence is an excellent replacement for fossil natural gas. Used as a fuel, biogas releases carbon dioxide, but at the same rate as it would have if left to decay naturally, making its use carbon neutral. However, it saves the environment from the carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels.

The main challenge in replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy is that the latter is dependent upon availability in the environment and thus outside our control, which makes matching supply and demand challenging. Thus there is a need for some form of energy storage. Virtual storage for large energy generation systems is implemented by connecting all energy supply sources, conventional or renewable, to a common massive electrical grid; the demand side(consumers) are all also connected to the same grid. Due to diversity factors and randomness of both supply and demand, if several national grids are interconnected, it may be possible to rely totally on renewable energy resources to power the world in the future.

Where AUC is Making an Impact

AUC faculty researchers are tackling a wide spectrum of energy-related interests, including:

• Conventional, sustainable and hybrid energy systems design and component design
• Grid integration
• Cogeneration, energy storage, energy efficiency, clean energy production, efficient building climate control, green hydrogen production and energy economics

• Green Finance

The Sustainable Way Forward

Governments and financial regulators have recognized the need to establish a market that funnels investments into green projects that reduce emissions, mitigate the negative impact of pollution or preserve biodiversity. One of the most common green financing instruments is the green bond, among other financing mechanisms such as direct investment or loans.

With a combined value of hundreds of billions of dollars, the United States, China and France are the world’s largest green-bond issuers.

There is a significant need for green financing instruments and a regulatory framework in developing countries in general and Egypt in particular. First, financing green projects is essential for the developing world to progress and achieve its SDGs. The Egyptian government has recognized the importance of finance in its National Climate Change Strategy and identified a financing gap of $153.6 billion in mitigation projects and $94.7 billion in adaptation projects with varying time spans until 2050. It is inconceivable that green projects such as renewable energy generation and transportation, for instance, could grow without a viable source of finance that recognizes the impact of this investment on the global environment and climate change action. Furthermore, green financing in a sound regulatory framework is an international financial instrument that helps developing countries tap into the international capital markets. The absence of this type of financing deprives governments, private sectors and small and medium enterprises of access to capital markets in the advanced economies

Where AUC is Making an Impact

The American University in Cairo is well placed to support Egypt’s government to develop and expand the usage of green financing in Egypt and beyond through:

• Suggesting policies related to developing the much-needed regulatory framework that would govern the issuance and validity of green financing instruments
• Supporting capacity building for small and medium enterprises, which are one of the primary beneficiaries of such financial instruments
• Supporting the financial institutions operating in Egypt and the region in designing and evaluating green investment instruments
• Providing capacity building for operators in the financial sector
• Identifying the essential and critical projects that need green financing through AUC faculty research in the areas of mitigation and adaptation 

• Urban Development

The Sustainable Way Forward

Architects and city planners regularly implement mitigation strategies to limit the effects of climate change. These are usually in the form of architectural design approaches, land preservation or smart growth strategies.

Green architecture is an approach that considers the impact a building will have on the environment, and green buildings are environmentally sustainable structures that are designed, constructed and operated with sustainable strategies in mind.

Green construction promotes using natural resources and applying passive design strategies, such as better ventilation, daylight and waste reduction. A common myth is that these strategies, such as adding better insulation, would cost more than traditional building practices. However, payback analyses suggest that green buildings cost less than traditional ones.

Mainly due to overpopulation, challenges related to urbanization, food supply and others are of great relevance to Egypt. Furthermore, combatting climate change is not just a matter of mitigation and adaptation; migrating toward greener development planning requires seizing new opportunities to allow sectors with lower carbon consumption and production, such as small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs), to flourish.

As part of a new sustainable plan for the future, Egypt is currently beginning several infrastructure projects to create development opportunities, considering the change in the construction industry and the market’s demand for water and energy resources.

Where AUC is Making an Impact

Higher education institutions are expected to lead discussions on such global issues by showcasing their ability to provide immediate solutions to the climate crisis. At AUC, the Department of Architecture trains students and develops research with an eye on the future and an understanding of the challenges ahead. The department applies cutting-edge technologies, digital design and fabrication technologies and develops policy interventions to foster the transition toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• University research is underway to develop state-of-the-art methods for energy-saving architecture, building envelope (climate-appropriate, structurally sound exterior walls) design, building efficiency in retaining or preventing heat passage, carbon footprint measurement and evaluation, indoor air quality and ventilation.
• In addition to the environmental design focus, a parallel effort is taking place to advance the aspects of social sustainability, humanities and accessibility, mobility, and inclusiveness.
• Undergraduate, graduate and professional courses across the University’s engineering disciplines integrate sustainability in their curriculum.

• Public Health

The Sustainable Way Forward

The WHO, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree that the most vulnerable populations to climate change are children and the elderly. Therefore, nutrition and food quality are key areas of investigation by global health scientists and students, particularly concerning child prenatal, perinatal and adolescent health.

The global health perspective on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is that the other 16 goals impact good health and well-being (Goal 3), proving that environmental health is, indeed, human health. 

Where AUC is Making an Impact

At AUC, global health scientists, including physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, dentists, statisticians, toxicologists, environmental scientists and health analysts, investigate the direct and indirect consequences of a changing climate and the impact of the pollutants generated by human activity on human health, which includes:

• Cataloging the preclinical and clinical effects and underlying mechanisms associated with acid precipitation and tropospheric ozone-induced cardiovascular and respiratory disease (e.g., atherosclerosis, asthma and emphysema)
• Investigating the eutrophication of water systems and health effects of persistent organic pollutants, leached and precipitated heavy metals and the burden of the synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used to overcome soil degradation-parasite redistribution and the consequences of draught
• Determining the levels of toxicant and bacteria levels in water, fish and plants, as well as mitigation methods