Sustainable Development Goals

GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

As a government university, both UAEU and our facilities management partner, Khadamat follow the Abu Dhabi government policy that has defined energy-efficient standards all new buildings and renovations of existing buildings. The Emirate has mandated a new building design methodology called Estidama for constructing and operating buildings and communities more sustainably including energy-efficiency.

Our Energy Savings Approach

• Monitor energy data and equipment performance.
• Set energy reduction targets.
• Reduce unnecessary energy usage.
• Seek energy saving opportunities.

Major Projects

• Implemented Energy Dashboard to monitor energy consumption in each buildings
• Refined Campus Equipment Operation Modes
• LED Retrofit Projects
• Installation of Lighting Control timers
• Replacement of Cold Cathode lights by an LED solution

Electric Vehicle Fast-Charging Stations 

Researchers from UAEU developed a model of Electric Vehicle Fast-Charging Stations in Al Ain City and developed methods to help design and manage a coordinated fast charging Stations planning model that enhances the user experience for Electric vehicle owners. Ultimately, the project is beneficial for sustaining the fast-growing demands for Electric vehicles in UAE and helps to prepare a plan to locate and size the Charging Stations that benefit all stakeholders.

Replacing all lamps with energy-efficient dimmable LEDs 

Concrete steps towards becoming a cleaner, more energy-efficient university include replacing all lamps with energy-efficient dimmable LEDs instead of traditional bulbs. We have also limited the amount of energy used by air conditioning machines by linking them to timers and setting the target temperature centrally. We now use solar energy for heating water and are building a cycle track and a cycle park to encourage greener transportation.

Data centre 

UAEU central data centre is completely designed to be more energy efficient with minimum stress on environment. Power and cooling infrastructure is based on most sophisticatedly chosen green certified hardware. Current data centres, which are hosted in “College of IT” building, have “InRow Cooling” technology that eliminates the use of heavy-duty HVAC units. InRow cooling units draws only 25% of the energy-required compared to other solutions.

Energy Monitoring system 

UAEU has implemented an energy monitoring system in 42 buildings on campus and since 2014, the university has saved nearly 57,362MWH of energy – enough to power the entire UAEU for 223 operational days.

Electric Energy consumption 

UAEU has progressively saved electric energy consumption over the past 5 years thereby reducing carbon emission.

New Renewable Energy Index 

UAEU researcher developed a new renewable energy index. It has the potential to be used in economic analyses and planning for sustainable development. The Index may be useful in comparing countries and regions in order to encourage investment in renewable energy production.

International Conference on Renewable Energy Generation and Applications 

UAEU hosted International Conference on Renewable Energy Generation and Applications ICREG’21 discusses green energy technologies and sustainable “zero energy” systems.

Research

Optimal Fast Charging Stations Planning for Future High Penetration of Electric Vehicles in UAE

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UAEU Scientists Have Developed A System To Use Waste Product to Save Energy And Go Green

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Energy-saving model developed at UAEU for the future of data

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Start-ups assistance to support a low-carbon economy/technology

UAEU actively supports start-ups focused on low-carbon technologies and sustainability through its Science and Innovation Park (SIP). This incubator provides resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities specifically geared towards ventures that contribute to a low-carbon economy. Start-ups working on renewable energy, green technology, and sustainable agriculture solutions benefit from SIP's resources and partnerships with government and industry leaders. Additionally, UAEU’s SDG Research Program encourages innovative projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, offering further support to start-ups committed to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction.

 

Direct services to Local Industry

UAEU provides direct services to local industries aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and clean energy practices. Through its College of Engineering and National Water and Energy Center, UAEU offers energy efficiency assessments, research collaborations, and specialized workshops focused on renewable energy options. UAEU also conducts projects and workshops in partnership with Abu Dhabi Energy Services, supporting industries in implementing sustainable practices and optimizing energy usage. Furthermore, UAEU’s SDG Research Program includes dedicated research on renewable energy technologies, helping local industries access innovative solutions that align with the UAE’s clean energy goals.

The district 4.0 Project at UAEU is a transformative initiative designed to support the UAE's shift towards Industry 4.0 by creating a comprehensive innovation and technology hub. Through District 4.0, UAEU provides local industries with hands-on workshops, advanced prototyping facilities, and access to specialized expertise, enhancing their competitiveness in the global market and supporting the UAE’s goals for a knowledge-based, low-carbon economy.

 

Renewable Energy Pledge / Commitment – Way Forward

1. Largest Solar Project in UAE's Education Sector: In partnership with Abu Dhabi Energy Services (ADES), UAEU has launched the country's largest solar project in the education sector, featuring a 9000-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar PV system. This ambitious project will install over 14,000 solar panels with tracking systems across 190,000 square meters on UAEU’s campus, meeting 25% of the university's electricity needs and setting a benchmark for renewable energy adoption within academia.
2. Promoting Renewable Energy through ICREGA'21: UAEU's commitment to renewable energy extends to its role as the organizer of the "6th International Conference on Renewable Energy: Generation and Applications" (ICREGA'21). With keynotes from UAEU leadership, including H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, the conference underscores UAEU’s dedication to advancing renewable energy in the UAE and globally through partnerships and knowledge-sharing, further supporting sustainable industrial development and environmental conservation.
3. Hosting the ZEMCH 2021 Conference: As part of its broader renewable energy initiatives, UAEU hosted the 8th Zero Energy Mass Custom Home International Conference (ZEMCH 2021). The conference focused on advancing zero-energy homes and sustainable building practices, reinforcing UAEU's commitment to promoting energy efficiency, innovation in construction, and the global transition toward low-carbon living environments.