Sustainable AASTMT

Carbon Footprint Estimation and Reduction in the AASTMT Campus Towards developing a Model for Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (Green Campus)

Full report available at Carbon Footprint Estimation and Reduction in the AASTMT Campus Towards developing a Model for Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (Green Campus)

The main objective of the study is to calculate a transparent carbon footprint of AASTMT’s Abu Kir campus from 2018 to 2021, identify the role of COVID-19 on the carbon footprint of AASTMT. The project aimed to establish a framework for ongoing monitoring and reporting of water consumption, both yearly and monthly, which can help to mitigate climate change by reducing AASTMT’s greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the study aims to strengthen the university’s finances for the long term by permanently reducing its carbon-based energy sources (including those from water demand) and provide a replicable model and methods that other higher education institutions can adopt in the MENA region to calculate and evaluate their own carbon emissions. The primary objective of this project was to estimate the carbon footprint of AASTMT and identify areas for improvement:

1. The project aimed to promote sustainable development goals through the development of a green campus.
2. The project sought to raise awareness about the impact of carbon emissions on the environment and encourage behavior change among students, staff, and faculty.
3. The project aimed to establish a baseline for carbon emissions in AASTMT and track progress towards reduction targets.
4. The project aimed to identify opportunities for reducing carbon emissions in AASTMT, including through energy efficiency measures, renewable energy, and waste reduction.
5. The project aimed to engage stakeholders in the process of carbon footprint estimation and reduction, including students, staff, and faculty.
6. 8. The project aimed to contribute to the body of knowledge on carbon footprint estimation and reduction in the higher education sector.
7. The project aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of carbon footprint estimation and reduction in AASTMT and other higher education institutions.
8. The project aimed to support AASTMT's commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

The report provides a detailed analysis of water consumption and resulting carbon emissions in AASTMT. It includes data on water consumption for each year from 2018 to 2021, as well as figures and tables that illustrate the trends in water consumption and carbon emissions over time. For example, the figures below shows the total amount of water consumption in cubic meters per year, as well as a visualization the monthly water consumption and resulting emissions for each year individually. The graphs exhibit variations in water consumption and emissions throughout the year, which can be attributed to various factors such as the academic calendar, weather, and specific events or activities on campus. The report also presents figures that show the emissions resulting from water consumption,which displays the calculated emissions (in kg CO2e/year) from water consumption in 2018. In addition, the report highlights various measures that have been implemented to reduce water consumption and associated carbon emissions on campus, such as the installation of water-efficient fixtures and the implementation of water conservation campaigns. 

It is clear that 2019-2020 record the highest water consumptions. These higher rates correspond with the establishment of the College of Pharmacy and expansions at the Gas Hotel, both of which increased the demand for water.

The figures below are used to visualize the monthly water consumption and resulting emissions for each year individually. The graphs exhibit variations in water consumption and emissions throughout the year, which can be attributed to various factors such as the academic calendar, weather, and specific events or activities on campus. 

The following recommendations are based on the study:

The AASTMT's commitment to the Race to Zero initiative and its pledge to be net-zero carbon by 2050, with a 50% reduction in emissions by 2040, present a clear and ambitious roadmap for the Academy's future sustainability efforts. The findings of this carbon footprint assessment underscore the necessity and urgency of implementing targeted strategies to meet these commitments. In light of this, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Enhanced Data Collection: Improvements in data collection practices will enable the AASTMT to more accurately track its carbon footprint, including currently unmeasured aspects such as refrigerant leakage, waste disposal, accommodation, and working from home. Incorporating these elements will provide a more holistic view of the campus's environmental impact.
2. Energy Efficiency: Continue the trend of transitioning towards energy-efficient technologies. This includes expanding the use of LED lighting, optimizing air conditioning systems, and further exploring renewable energy sources, such as solar power.
3. Sustainable Transport: Encourage sustainable transportation methods to reduce emissions from transport fuel. This could involve promoting public transportation, carpooling, cycling, or walking, where possible.
4. Water Conservation: Implement more water-saving practices, particularly given the significant role of water consumption in the campus's overall emissions.
5. Paper Reduction: Promote digital methods of communication and record-keeping to reduce paper consumption. Digital transformation efforts can substantially decrease the campus's reliance on paper and subsequently its associated carbon emissions.
6. Sustainability Awareness and Education: Foster a culture of sustainability within the AASTMT community. This could involve educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and integrating sustainability concepts into academic and administrative practices.
7. Carbon Offsetting: Explore opportunities for carbon offsetting to counterbalance the campus's carbon emissions. This could involve supporting renewable energy projects, tree planting initiatives, or other carbon reduction programs.