SDG 13: Climate Action

As a leading institution committed to global sustainability, Prince Sultan University recognizes the urgent need to address climate change. SDG 13 serves as a guiding principle for our efforts to cultivate a climate-conscious campus and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Through innovative educational programs, research initiatives, and community partnerships, PSU is actively working to raise awareness about climate change, develop sustainable solutions, and inspire future generations to become climate champions. By integrating climate action into our academic curriculum and operations, we are striving to create a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

Local Education Programs on Climate Change:

The creation and execution of regional climate change education programs is one of PSU's main priorities. These initiatives seek to increase knowledge of the risks, consequences, adaptation tactics, impact reduction techniques, and early warning systems associated with climate change among students, professors, and the general public. PSU holds lectures, seminars, and workshops to promote creative solutions to climate-related problems and to give a thorough understanding of them. Through these programs, PSU aims to equip people with the information and abilities they need to make wise decisions and take preventative action to lessen the consequences of climate change. This strategy supports SDG 13's overarching objective of promoting local climate knowledge and awareness. The following events were held in 2023-24 to inform the local populace about climate change.

The 2nd International Conference on Sustainability: Developments and Innovations (ICSDI 2024), hosted by Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, was a significant event that aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG-13), which aims to combat climate change and its impacts.

Held from February 18 to 22, 2024, the conference brought together over 1,200 industry leaders, researchers, and professionals from more than 40 countries1. It featured discussions and presentations on various topics, including sustainable construction, renewable energy innovations, and resilient infrastructure1. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing, driving advancements in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

ICSDI 2024 played a crucial role in addressing climate change challenges and promoting sustainable practices, contributing to global efforts to achieve SDG-131.

Visit website

Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 in line with the Paris Agreement, recognizing the necessity of sustainable development. This lecture underscores the pivotal roles of stakeholders – individuals, businesses, and government – in driving sustainability.

Second Keynote Speaker Hon’ble Governor of the General Saltwater Sweetwater Foundation M. Abdullah Abdulkarim discussed the importance of sustainability in the water sweetening industry and the role of the General Foundation in climate-resilient projects. These efforts are part of the broader sustainability plans under Saudi Vision 2030, contributing significantly to the Green Saudi Initiative and other climate-related initiatives.

The Architecture Department Forum titled “Knowledge Exchange: Adaptive Greening Solutions to Tackle Climate Change” is organized by the Sustainable Architecture Lab. This forum aims to foster an open discussion on climate change, bringing together prominent national and international partners to share insights and solutions. It represents a significant opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of sustainable architecture.

Prince Sultan University, represented by the Faculty of Engineering in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment, organized a lecture titled (Electric Vertical Take-Off Electric Aircraft) presented by Michael McKissic, CEO of MK Technology, and an expert in aviation manufacturing, in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Investment and many other stakeholders. With these types of lectures and awareness on innovation to use electrical energy instead of fuel energy, the university aims to focus on a clean environment.

During the second day of the Digital Universities 2023 conference, regional and global experts discussed how to transform our campuses into sustainable and eco-friendly learning hubs.

Prince Sultan University organized a lecture titled (The Unknown and the Environment of Space) presented by Dr. Travis Blake, the manager of the SMD Space Traffic Coordination Program, NASA Directorate of Scientific Missions.

Students of Prince Sultan University, represented by the Faculty of Architecture and Design, win the second place in the Environmental Speech competition in its 23rd round in Dubai, namely: Reem Al-Kaseer, Dana Abusreh, Jud Al-Najjar, Sarah Al-Barazi, and Nadine Hashim, under the supervision of Dr. Walaa Metoli, among 22 teams from different universities and colleges, have presented innovative and non-traditional solutions to renewable energy.

The pride of Prince Sultan University, the students of the debate club win the first place in the Environmental Speech competition in its 23rd course in Dubai, they are: Abdullah Daban, Hossam Al-Aqeel, Moroccan Hind, Lin Hashim and Noura Al-Salamah, under the supervision of Mrs. Sofia Adan, and Mr. Mohamed Al-Sunnani, among 21 teams from different universities and colleges globally, they have presented innovative solutions about The environment and its importance.

A three-day workshop was held at the Prince Sultan University Campus to provide participants with practical experience in the installation and operation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

The "Hands-on Solar PV Installation Training" workshop, held on 13—15 October 2024, was conducted under Dr. Umashankar Subramaniam, Associate Professor, and Er. Sivakumar Selvam, Lecturer from the Department of Communications and Networks Engineering, College of Engineering.

Organized on behalf of the Renewable Energy Laboratory, the workshop focused on its commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions, reinforcing the importance of practical training in promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Climate Action Plan

In support of climate action, PSU has developed a comprehensive policy and taken various actions that outlines the university's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and increasing sustainability.

In the presence of His Excellency the President of Prince Sultan University and the CEO of Ready Company, a Ready for Recycling initiative has been launched in cooperation with the university represented by the Sustainability Club of the Faculty of Engineering. The idea of the device is to recycle the cans and obtain points that can be replaced in a Ready-made application, as this device is the first of its kind in the field of sustainability in Universities in Saudi Arabia.

The Community Service and Continuing Education Center organized a cleanup campaign for Wadi Laban, involving University employees, faculty, and students.

The Center for Local Administration in Prince Sultan University organized a workshop titled "Towards Sustainable Smart Cities" in the presence of decision-makers and practitioners. During which experiences and experiences were exchanged on best practices and strategic solutions to enhance the concept of smart cities, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and a launch from the Kingdom's achievements in achieving quality of life and promoting improvement The infrastructure of the cities.

Inform and support government

Inform and support local or regional governments in local climate change disasters or risk early warning and monitoring.

The generosity of the Saudi Center for Energy Efficiency, Prince Sultan University represented by the Faculty of Engineering; in view of its efforts in the development of human capacities in the field of energy efficiency, as part of the events of the #ISCO_Saudi_Arabia_2024 meeting

The work of the third and final day of the Second International Conference on Sustainability ICSDI2024 kicked off, where Dr. Mohamed Al-Atibi, General Supervisor of the Research, Development and Innovation Development Authority, spoke about promoting the Kingdom's developments and innovations to achieve national priorities of the RSD and Innovation sector, and its importance in the growth of the world's economies.

Dr. Fahad Al-Shrihi, Vice President for Sustainability in Sabak, also spoke about leading the industry transformation, the power of corporate sustainability, and the Sabak's strategy for carbon neutralization, and focusing on Sabak's circular economy.

Environmental education collaborate with NGO & Collaborate with NGOs on climate adaptation

Prince Sultan University, represented by the Faculty of Engineering, signed a partnership agreement with Shell Company during the participation of the university team in the Shell Eco Marathon for the 2024 season in Indonesia, to build a high-energy-efficient vehicle with modern design and high-quality technology.

The work of the second day of the Second International Conference on Sustainability has begun at Prince Sultan University, where Ms. Nahid Hussein, the resident representative of the United Nations Development Program in Saudi Arabia, spoke at the beginning about the sustainable development goals and the efforts of the Kingdom to achieve them.

Dr. Ton Segren, Director of Deltaris Middle East and Africa, spoke about the challenges of water management in a changing world, where increasing water scarcity has become a major challenge facing sustainable development.

Later Professor Bernard Amadi, President of the organization (Engineers Without Borders) in America, spoke about global engineering and the importance of engineering contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Prince Sultan University students from the Electrical Engineering Program visited the Solar & Energy Storage KSA 2024 on Oct. 16 to get first-hand knowledge about the latest technologies in energy storage, solar panels, and innovative technology systems.

The expo is the Kingdom's leading solar and energy storage event that was held from 15-16 Oct 2024 in Riyadh, attracting several manufacturers, businesspersons, distributors, entrepreneurs, practicing professionals, academicians, students, and startups. The PSU undergraduate students were led by their College of Engineering faculty, Dr. Umashankar Subramaniam and Mr. Sivakumar Selvam.

Several local and international companies providing solar solutions participated in this expo, such as Solar Arabia, Solar Land Energy, Riyadh Cables, Zayel Solar, Bahr Cable, Al-Rabeh International, Fluke Systems, Sun Grow Systems, Wenzhou Kinee Electrical co., Jinko Solar, Runergy, PowernSun, etc.

PSU students took the opportunity to discuss potential research and solar projects with startup companies. During the visit, they met delegates from Solar Arabia and discussed cooperation and supporting the University. They discussed future research collaboration and support for renewable energy projects supporting SDG 7 and SDG 13.

Prince Sultan University is partnering with Climate Impact Partners, an expert in carbon market solutions for climate action, to earn CarbonNeutral® certification. The university had an independent evaluation of the greenhouse gas emissions created by the 5000 tonnes of CO2e covered by certification. The first Saudi university to pledge net zero carbon university by 2060 will be at Prince Sultan University. The race to zero for universities and colleges campaign is jointly managed by EAUC, Second Nature, and UN environment. The University also has CSC (Prince Sultan University Center for Sustainability and Climate), which is the first student SDG Club in Saudi Arabia with Prince Sultan University.

Together with Prince Sultan University, Jahez plants 500 trees in an effort to cut carbon emissions and meet sustainability goals.

Prince Sultan University (PSU) is deeply committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. This commitment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PSU’s efforts include:

• Environmental Education: PSU conducts various programs to raise awareness about climate change, including lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Collaborative Initiatives: The university partners with organizations like Climate Impact Partners to implement carbon market solutions.
• Sustainability and Climate Center: PSU’s Center for Sustainability and Climate drives initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices.
• Net Zero Pledge: PSU is the first Saudi university to pledge becoming a net zero carbon institution by 2060.

Recommended Practice for Energy Efficiency improvement

The Energy Efficiency Improvement Report for Building 105 at Prince Sultan University identifies operational inefficiencies in the rooftop chiller plant, underground water pumping systems, and the improper use of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Key findings include suboptimal chiller setpoints, uneven pump load distribution, non-operational VFDs, and excessive pipeline vibrations.

The report outlines recommendations such as resetting temperature setpoints, reactivating VFDs, implementing soft start/stop sequences, and addressing pipeline vibrations through dampers or expansion joints. It also emphasizes the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), routine maintenance logs, energy monitoring systems, and staff training. Expected benefits include reduced energy costs, extended equipment life, risk mitigation, and alignment with sustainability goals, particularly SDG 6, 7, 12 and 13. The report suggests replicating these measures across other university buildings to enhance overall energy efficiency.

Read Full