Related Resources
Ahlia University Climate Action Plan
- Vision and Commitment
Ahlia University (AU) envisions becoming a leading institution in environmental stewardship within the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf region. This Climate Action Plan aligns with AU’s Sustainable Development Plan (2021–2025) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action.
- Strategic Objectives
- Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implement measures to minimize emissions from campus operations.
- Enhance Energy Efficiency: Adopt energy-saving technologies and practices across all facilities.
- Promote Sustainable Transportation: Encourage low-carbon commuting options for students and staff.
- Integrate Sustainability into Curriculum: Embed climate change and sustainability topics into academic programs.
- Engage the University Community: Foster a culture of sustainability through awareness and participation.
- Action Areas
3.1 Energy and Buildings
- Continue utilizing energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LED lights, and automated lighting controls to reduce electricity consumption.
- Design and construct new campus buildings, including the Northern City campus, with sustainability principles, ensuring efficient use of natural light and ventilation.
- Implement regular energy audits to identify and address inefficiencies.
3.2 Waste Management
- Maintain and enhance waste segregation practices, ensuring recyclable materials are properly processed by specialized waste management companies.
- Promote paperless operations by leveraging digital technologies for administrative and academic processes.
3.3 Water Conservation
- Utilize water-efficient cleaning equipment and practices to minimize water usage.
- Install automatic water-saving devices in restrooms and promote the use of drought-resistant plants in landscaping.
3.4 Sustainable Transportation
- Encourage the use of bicycles and walking by providing necessary infrastructure and incentives.
- Promote carpooling and the use of public transportation among students and staff.
3.5 Education and Research
- Integrate sustainability and climate change topics into existing courses and develop specialized programs focused on environmental issues.
- Support research initiatives through the Sustainable Research Centre that address climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
3.6 Community Engagement
- Empower the Ahlia Sustainability Club to lead campus-wide sustainability campaigns and projects.
- Organize seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about climate change and sustainability practices.
- Governance and Monitoring
- Establish a Sustainability Committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, monitoring progress, and reporting annually to the university leadership.
- Set measurable targets for each strategic objective and regularly assess performance against these benchmarks.
- Continuous Improvement
- Review and update the Climate Action Plan biennially to incorporate new technologies, research findings, and feedback from the university community.
This Climate Action Plan serves as a roadmap for Ahlia University to systematically address climate change challenges, reduce its environmental impact, and foster a sustainable future for its stakeholders and the broader community.
