Assiut University's Carbon Neutrality Strategy: The university has developed a strategy to achieve "zero carbon emissions" on campus, aiming to make 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.
Encouraging carpooling among students and staff.
Waste Management:
Improving waste management, recycling, and proper waste disposal processes.
Promoting a Culture of Sustainability:
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:
In 2021, 4,000 Jojoba trees were planted at the Faculty of Agriculture's demonstration farm, in collaboration with the Egyptian-Gulf Agricultural Land Company.
In 2023, a nursery for mahogany trees—high-quality wood for furniture making—was established, utilizing wastewater/industrial drainage/well water.
During the 2022/2023 academic year, 655 fruit trees and 612 non-fruit trees were planted across the Assiut University campus.
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 hosts an environmental seminar on the "Carbon Footprint" as part of the events of the First Student Green Dream Conference.
Assiut University hosts an environmental seminar on the "Carbon Footprint" as part of the events of the First Student Green Dream Conference (November 2023).
Collaborate with NGOs on climate adaptation Report