Publications
Times Higher Education Awards MENA 2023 Shortlist
AUC has been shortlisted by Times Higher Education Awards MENA for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership for issuing AUC's Carbon Footprint and Sustainability reports highlighting the University's commitment to mitigating climate change through sustainability measures, initiatives and academic courses, as well as our environmentally friendly campus.
Carbon Footprint Report
A carbon footprint is a widely accepted method of measuring the impact of human activity on global warming. A University’s carbon footprint is the annual total of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other significant greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere due to daily activities and campus operations. AUC is one of the first higher education institutions in the Middle East and North Africa to conduct a comprehensive study of its impact on climate change. AUC issued its first Carbon Footprint report in 2012. AUC’s Carbon Footprint report is biennial
At AUC, the three main contributors to greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and domestic hot water, transportation, and electricity for lighting and other equipment (Non-HVAC). Other minor contributors are emissions from refrigerants, paper use, water supply, solid waste disposal, natural gas for domestic and lab use, and fertilizers. The University’s carbon footprint estimates the quantities of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere as a result of its operations, such as providing water and electricity needed for faculty, staff, and student utilization on campus. The carbon footprint is expressed in Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e). AUC is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and convincing others to do so as well to help sustain the long-term viability and health of Egyptian society.
Carbon Footprint Brochure
AUC’s Carbon Footprint brochure is issued annually reflecting a quick view of data on the University’s annual total of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other significant greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere as a result of the campus daily activities and operations.
Sustainability Report
In alignment with international, well-established universities, AUC launched its inaugural Sustainability Report in 2020 as a benchmark for its sustainability performance. The report aims to give a holistic view of the campus’ sustainability culture by summarizing the University’s commitment to environmental, social, and economic aspects.
The Sustainability Report recognizes AUC’s pledge to sustainable practices and identifies areas of strength and areas of improvement that the University can develop to lead in sustainability in higher education institutions locally, regionally, and globally.
AUC’s Sustainability Report is organized around the University’s different forms of engagement with sustainability, including education, research, campus operations, campus community, and public engagement. Each chapter of the report presents a comprehensive picture of one category, including data, historical information, and specific achievements and projects.
The Sustainability Report also highlights AUC’s engagement with the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All of the goals are linked to at least one of the chapters of the report to showcase AUC’s commitment to global sustainability efforts. This correspondence examines the critical role of higher education in achieving and implementing the SDGs.
AUC’s Sustainability Report is biennial, with publications alternating years with the University’s Carbon Footprint report. Thus, most of the quantitative data in this report are presented over two consecutive years. In some sections, information is presented outside of this period to provide a broader historical context. By establishing the University’s sustainability report, AUC can serve as a model to follow for similar institutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Green Guide Brochure
In the face of global climate change, AUC seeks to be a regional and global leader in reducing its impact on the planet. Thus, AUC is committed to sustainable practices through a variety of global measures. AUC’s sustainability efforts are geared toward reducing the use of natural resources and operating costs and instilling a mindset of integrating environmental and social sustainability in the community by supporting University programs in education, research, and operations.
The Office of Sustainability has issued a Green Guide Brochure that introduces information about our sustainable campus concisely to attract the attention of AUC community members toward how their campus is sustainable, especially newcomers from students, faculty, and staff, besides, AUC alumni, and even visitors.
Throughout this Green Guide, the diverse projects that AUC works on toward sustainability are categorized under energy, waste, transportation, water, wellness, campus outreach and awareness, academics and research, and global focus. This publication is one of the efforts that help in engaging members of AUC in the University’s mission of making our campus, community, and our planet at large happier and healthier.
