This chapter highlights the significant role of the UI GreenMetric, a well-established global ranking system that measures and reports on sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions. The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings is recognized as one of the most prestigious rankings worldwide and is the first to focus specifically on sustainability. It employs a conceptual framework that evaluates sustainability practices in education, research, and operations, encompassing environmental, economic, and equity aspects. The authors explore how the UI GreenMetric framework aligns with the sustainability efforts at The American University in Cairo (AUC). These efforts are integrated into various areas, including education, research, design, infrastructure, and operations. AUC’s leadership has a strategic vision that prioritizes the integration of sustainability into both the university’s educational mission and its daily operations. This chapter highlights the importance of partnerships between higher education institutions (HEIs) and global organizations as a framework for advancing sustainable development, in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the criteria set by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. The American University in Cairo (AUC) is well-regarded for its collective sustainability efforts, which have a positive impact on the community, country, and region. The university has participated in the UI Green Metric World University Rankings for over 10 years, which has advanced its sustainability roadmap in two significant ways. First, it has established a global framework for the university’s sustainability practices across education, research, and operations. Second, it has highlighted areas for improvement and identified gaps in sustainability, strengthening the university’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles. Sustainability is an interdisciplinary paradigm that intersects multiple disciplines. At AUC, sustainability is no different; it is weaved into the university’s strategic priorities, which aim to enhance the educational experience for students through the integration of cutting-edge technology, accessible spaces, and yet environmentally friendly buildings. On the one hand, sustainability-related courses and research studies are rooted in the AUC curriculum, where students are prepared to become future leaders equipped with the needed knowledge and background on sustainable development. On the other hand, AUC incorporated sustainability features into its campus starting from the design phase throughout its day-to-day operations, which include energy use, transportation, water consumption, and solid waste disposal. To benchmark its progress, AUC has a consistent sustainability reporting system that measures the impact of the university’s daily operations on the environment and showcases campus-wide sustainability efforts through its biennial carbon footprint report and sustainability report. This robust reporting system allows AUC to continue exploring opportunities for improved efficiency to address and respond to climate change issues and introduce best practices in Egypt and the region.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

The American University in Cairo as a Sustainable World-Class University: A Success Story

  • Yasmin Mansour,
  • Sahar El Ghandour

摘要

This chapter highlights the significant role of the UI GreenMetric, a well-established global ranking system that measures and reports on sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions. The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings is recognized as one of the most prestigious rankings worldwide and is the first to focus specifically on sustainability. It employs a conceptual framework that evaluates sustainability practices in education, research, and operations, encompassing environmental, economic, and equity aspects. The authors explore how the UI GreenMetric framework aligns with the sustainability efforts at The American University in Cairo (AUC). These efforts are integrated into various areas, including education, research, design, infrastructure, and operations. AUC’s leadership has a strategic vision that prioritizes the integration of sustainability into both the university’s educational mission and its daily operations. This chapter highlights the importance of partnerships between higher education institutions (HEIs) and global organizations as a framework for advancing sustainable development, in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the criteria set by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. The American University in Cairo (AUC) is well-regarded for its collective sustainability efforts, which have a positive impact on the community, country, and region. The university has participated in the UI Green Metric World University Rankings for over 10 years, which has advanced its sustainability roadmap in two significant ways. First, it has established a global framework for the university’s sustainability practices across education, research, and operations. Second, it has highlighted areas for improvement and identified gaps in sustainability, strengthening the university’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles. Sustainability is an interdisciplinary paradigm that intersects multiple disciplines. At AUC, sustainability is no different; it is weaved into the university’s strategic priorities, which aim to enhance the educational experience for students through the integration of cutting-edge technology, accessible spaces, and yet environmentally friendly buildings. On the one hand, sustainability-related courses and research studies are rooted in the AUC curriculum, where students are prepared to become future leaders equipped with the needed knowledge and background on sustainable development. On the other hand, AUC incorporated sustainability features into its campus starting from the design phase throughout its day-to-day operations, which include energy use, transportation, water consumption, and solid waste disposal. To benchmark its progress, AUC has a consistent sustainability reporting system that measures the impact of the university’s daily operations on the environment and showcases campus-wide sustainability efforts through its biennial carbon footprint report and sustainability report. This robust reporting system allows AUC to continue exploring opportunities for improved efficiency to address and respond to climate change issues and introduce best practices in Egypt and the region.