Assiut University has an energy efficiency plan aimed at reducing overall energy consumption. This is exemplified by initiatives such as the "Improving Energy Efficiency in University Buildings" project, which is set to run from 2022 to 2026 and is funded by the German Development Bank (KfW). The project involves multiple renovation efforts across campus to enhance energy efficiency, aiming for a reduction in annual energy consumption by 7.5% compared to 2022 levels.
The university's strategy includes implementing energy management systems, adopting clean technologies, and increasing awareness among staff and students about energy conservation practices. Additionally, the establishment of renewable energy sources, such as solar power stations, further contributes to the university's commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
The reduction in CO₂ emissions resulting from the annual consumption savings associated with the new projects is estimated at 1600 tons of carbon equivalent (assuming that each 1 GWh reduces emissions by 500 tons of carbon equivalent).
The value of the carbon credit earnings due to the additional annual reduction in CO₂ emissions from the new projects is 48,000.0 euros (1 ton of carbon equivalent valued at 30 euros).
7.2.3 Scheme for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions
SDG7
Details:
3. Does your university as a body have a process for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions?
Yes
Reduction in CO₂ Emissions: The reduction in CO₂ emissions from annual energy savings due to new projects is estimated at 1,600 tons of carbon equivalent (assuming each GWh reduces emissions by 500 tons of carbon equivalent).
Carbon Credit Value: The annual additional reduction in CO₂ emissions due to new projects is expected to yield carbon credits worth €48,000 (assuming €30 per ton of carbon equivalent).
Assiut University's Carbon Neutrality Strategy: The university has developed a strategy to achieve "zero carbon emissions" on campus, aiming to be Assiut University a carbon-neutral campus through the following steps
Current Carbon Footprint Assessment: Conducting a precise evaluation of the university’s current carbon emissions. Analyzing the primary sources of emissions (electricity, transportation, building consumption, etc.).
Adoption of Clean Technology:
Utilizing renewable energy technologies and systems, such as solar and wind energy.
Investing in improving building energy efficiency and using green building techniques.
Enhancing Transportation:
Promoting the use of public transportation and encouraging environmentally friendly transportation, such as bicycles and electric vehicles.
Raising awareness among students and staff on the importance of sustainability and how they can contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
Organizing events and workshops on environmental topics.
Partnerships with the Local Community: Collaborating with local entities to advance sustainability and secure financial and technical support.
Continuous Evaluation and Monitoring:
Periodically assessing the university’s progress toward achieving the target.
Monitoring environmental performance and documenting improvements and challenges. By implementing this plan, the university can achieve its goal of a carbon-neutral campus and contribute to local and global environmental sustainability.
Tree Planting for Climate Adaptation: The University is planting trees to absorb CO₂, leveraging the process of photosynthesis, in which trees use sunlight to absorb CO₂ and convert it into sugars and oxygen.
Estimated Carbon Absorption by Trees: Based on tree species and environmental conditions, large trees such as oak and pine can absorb significant amounts of CO₂ (ranging from approximately 10–30 kg of CO₂ per tree per year).
Carbon Absorption by Tree Type:
Pine: Large pines can absorb approximately 21 kg of CO₂ annually.
Eucalyptus: A mature eucalyptus tree can absorb about 25 kg of CO₂ annually.
Oak: Mature oaks can absorb about 15–20 kg of CO₂ per year.
Beech: Large beech trees can absorb around 20–30 kg of CO₂ per year.
Cedar: Mature cedar trees absorb approximately 20–25 kg of CO₂ annually.
Palm: Mature palms can absorb around 20 kg of CO₂ annually.
These are estimated values that may vary depending on environmental conditions and other factors. In addition to carbon absorption, smaller trees and shrubs also contribute to environmental improvement. Additional Environmental Benefits of Tree Planting: Beyond CO₂ absorption, tree planting improves air quality, provides shade, enhances the local environment, reduces dust accumulation, and provides habitats for wildlife.
Duration of Impact: Tree planting represents a long-term investment in environmental improvement and emission reduction, with effects lasting for decades.
Impact Factors: Tree species, growth conditions (such as temperature and humidity), and vegetation density all influence a tree's CO₂ absorption efficiency.
Tree Planting Initiatives at Assiut University under the "Go Green" Initiative: 4,000 Jojoba trees were planted at the Faculty of Agriculture's demonstration farm, in collaboration with the Egyptian-Gulf Agricultural Land Company.
Under the presidential "100 Million Trees" initiative, 1,000 fruit trees were planted at Assiut University during the 12th International Conference on Development and the Environment in the Arab World, held from February 25–27, 2024.
Assiut University has implemented several programs to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These programs focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, campus greening, and other efforts as follows
Assiut University has adopted a comprehensive energy efficiency strategy across all its campuses to minimize electricity consumption and promote the use of sustainable technologies. The university has progressively replaced conventional lighting and electrical appliances with modern energy-efficient alternatives in all campus buildings. Moreover, on the roofs of the campus buildings and lampposts, a solar PV power station is installed. This program helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy (Assiut University)
Assiut University provides internal campus transportation services (commonly known as “Taftaf” minibuses) to move students between gates, faculties, and facilities. These shuttles reduce walking distance and improve mobility inside the large campus. This reduces the number of private cars entering campus and decreases overall CO₂ emissions per trip.
Assiut University has launched an initiative to encourage the use of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) and electric vehicles, as part of the work of the Community Service and Environmental Development Committee. Within the same framework, several electric charging units have been established within the university campus.
Ride-Sharing and Smart Mobility Initiative: A Ride-Share Program has been introduced to connect students and staff commuting from nearby cities and districts. To strengthen this effort, a group of Assiut University students developed a mobile application named “Mumayaz”, which functions similarly to Sofeel (ride-hailing systems). The “Mumayaz” app enables students to coordinate shared rides to and from the university efficiently, reducing the number of individual car trips and minimizing the campus’s overall carbon footprint.
Assiut University Invites Faculty Members, Researchers, and Innovators to Participate in the First Scientific Forum for Sustainable Green Environmental Projects
The Carbon Footprint Initiative (Fiscal Year 2024/2025): Assiut University launched a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment program (initially implemented at the Faculty of Education). This project analyzes energy consumption patterns and emissions to create corrective strategies for maximum energy conservation. Assiut University reviews the carbon footprint initiative report for the Faculty of Education for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
7.2.2 Plans to upgrade existing buildings to higher energy efficiency
SDG7
Details:
2. Does your university as a body have plans to upgrade existing buildings to higher energy efficiency?
Yes
It is expected that the university's annual energy consumption will decrease by 7.5% compared to 2022 levels due to projects that have been initiated (seven projects costing approximately €1.5 million), funded under the "Improving Energy Efficiency in University Buildings" project. This initiative is implemented across 18 public universities under the full supervision of the Supreme Council of Universities and funded by the German Development Bank (KfW). The German company GOPA Infra provides technical support for this project from 2022–2026.
Solar Power Generation Stations: Photovoltaic (PV) solar stations with a capacity of 800 kW (peak) will be installed on several university buildings as models for future expansion in new and renewable energy sources. These stations are expected to generate approximately 1.4 GWh annually, covering about 4.0% of the university's annual consumption, with 2022 as the baseline year.
Plans to upgrade existing buildings to achieve maximum energy efficiency.
Assiut University has also adopted a comprehensive energy efficiency strategy across all its campuses to minimize electricity consumption and promote the use of sustainable technologies. The university has progressively replaced conventional lighting and electrical appliances with modern energy-efficient alternatives in all campus buildings. Key initiatives include:
LED Lighting Conversion: More than 80 % of lighting fixtures across lecture halls, administrative offices, laboratories, and outdoor areas have been replaced with LED lamps, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
Smart Lighting Systems: Motion sensors and daylight detection systems have been installed in corridors, classrooms, and outdoor spaces to automatically regulate lighting usage (in some places).
Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems: The University utilizes inverter-type air conditioners and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems to optimize cooling efficiency and reduce power demand.
Efficient Office and Laboratory Equipment: Replacement of old desktop computers, refrigerators, and laboratory freezers with Energy Star.
certified models that consume 25–40% less energy. - Solar-Powered Lighting: Solar LED poles have been deployed in main pathways and parking areas to reduce grid dependency.
Awareness and Monitoring Programs: Energy audits are conducted annually to track appliance efficiency and identify further opportunities for savings.
Assiut University actively implements green building and sustainable campus initiatives. Driven by its architectural and engineering departments, efforts focus on passive cooling designs, energy-efficient retrofitting, life-cycle assessments, expanding green spaces to enhance the university's environmental performance, and other activities to improve overall campus comfort. For example, the Faculty of Engineering at Assiut University proudly integrates principles of sustainable design across its buildings, serving as a practical model for green architecture. These buildings are equipped with fundamental passive and active green systems, including self-ventilation systems to promote natural airflow, strategic daylighting to maximize the use of sunlight, and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout. Beyond these core features, the buildings employ advanced technologies for superior energy management. This includes a periodic monitoring system for energy consumption to optimize efficiency, and inverter-based air conditioners and water heaters that significantly reduce electricity use.
The university activated dedicated committees within its faculties and institutes to conduct on-site monitoring, ensuring that both existing and renovated buildings strictly comply with sustainability and energy-saving standards.
Examples of Energy Efficient Appliances Usage: Solar Cell
Examples of Energy Efficient Appliances Usage: Solar Cell
المشروعات التي تنفذها جامعة اسيوط، بقيمة 1.5 مليون يورو، بالتعاون مع المجلس الاعلى للجامعات والعائد منها من خلال مشروع "تحسين كفاءة الطاقة في المباني الجامعية"
7.2.1 The University's energy efficiency standards
SDG7
Details:
7.2 University measures towards affordable and clean energy
1. Does your university as a body have a policy in place for ensuring all renovations / new builds are following energy efficiency standards? (Relevant standards to be indicated)?
Yes
Assiut University emphasizes energy efficiency in its construction and renovation projects, particularly through initiatives such as the "Improving Energy Efficiency in University Buildings" project. This project, running from 2022 to 2026 and funded by the German Development Bank (KfW), involves the renovation of several buildings, integrating modern energy-saving measures. It aims to implement standards aligned with ISO 50001, which is specifically geared towards energy management systems. In addition, our university has many projects and partnerships in this field, including:
"Improving Energy Efficiency in University Buildings" Project (2022–2026), funded by the German Development Bank (KfW). This includes seven ongoing projects covering the Electrical Engineering Department building, the Architectural Engineering Department building, the administrative building, the student dormitory building S, road lighting, and the wastewater pumping station.
Participation in the preparation and writing of the Climate Change course book developed by the Academy of Scientific Research.
Projects funded by STDF, NTRA, and the Academy of Scientific Research related to energy.
Smart Urban Governance Center (SUGC) for a Sustainable, Resilient, and Livable City.
Designing and local manufacturing of a passive air conditioning system using the solar chimney concept
Sustainable Urban Development in arid Cities regarding the establishment of Urban Climate Labs
PV Stand-Alone System for Green Hydrogen Generation and Storage for a House Hybrid Loads.
An optimized AI Map for Solar Energy Maximization and Prediction.
Smart Monitoring System for Distribution Power Grid - Smart Network in Assiut University.
Assiut University Energy Management Center (https://www.aun.edu.eg/sp_units/ar/emc) with the following rules:
Establishing an ongoing comprehensive program aimed at reducing energy consumption and overseeing its implementation.
Coordinating with energy conservation agencies to select appropriate methods and modern techniques for energy savings.
Promoting the concept of conservation among students, the future generation, through various events and activities, and tracking the implementation of the plan to assess goal achievement levels.
Conducting studies to modify control systems in air conditioning and lighting devices to operate only in necessary areas.
Organizing seminars and workshops to raise awareness among university members about the importance and necessity of energy conservation.
Organizing training courses for those interested in energy conservation, both within and outside the university.
Assiut University actively implements green building and sustainable campus initiatives. Driven by its architectural and engineering departments, efforts focus on passive cooling designs, energy-efficient retrofitting, life-cycle assessments, expanding green spaces to enhance the university's environmental performance, and other activities to improve overall campus comfort.
The university activated dedicated committees within its faculties and institutes to conduct on-site monitoring, ensuring that both existing and renovated buildings strictly comply with sustainability and energy-saving standards.
Assiut University organized an international conference entitled “9th International Architectural Conference (IACA-9)”: it focuses on sustainable architecture, climate-responsive building design, green buildings, energy-efficient construction, and urban resilience to climate change.
Solar Energy Seminar titled: A Gift for Supporting Sustainable Development in Egypt
Assiut University organized a seminar entitled "Solar Energy: A Gift for Supporting Sustainable Development in Egypt" to raise awareness about the importance of solar energy as a clean, renewable, and sustainable energy source. The seminar highlighted the role of solar energy in achieving Egypt's sustainable development goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
