AUS and EmiratesGBC sign Memorandum of Understanding

To further strengthen its commitment to providing a sustainable campus environment, American University of Sharjah (AUS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) at a ceremony held recently on campus.

This agreement renews the cooperation and partnership between AUS and EmiratesGBC and will see both organizations increase collaboration in a number of areas of mutual interest. Some of these include internship opportunities for AUS students, the development of competitions and seminars, and the availability of AUS faculty to provide expertise in areas of green buildings and sustainability practice, among others. The MoU was signed by Professor Kevin Mitchell, Chancellor of AUS, and His Excellency Ali Al Jassim, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, on behalf of their respective organizations.

Noting the importance AUS places on sustainability, Chancellor Mitchell said: “Sustainability-related issues are complex and multifaceted. At AUS we realize that addressing fundamental challenges related to sustainability requires collaboration, which is why we value partners such as EmiratesGBC. AUS has had a long-standing mutually beneficial relationship with the Council and we look forward to continuing to work together to increase awareness and disseminate knowledge that can translate into better practices.”

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Al Jassim, said: “The continuing partnership with American University of Sharjah to drive environmental sustainability and inculcate it as part of the learning process of students marks our commitment to foster strong academic linkages. AUS has set milestones in promoting sustainable built environments, reflected in its new Engineering and Sciences Building that meets stringent sustainability and environment standards. Through our partnership, we aim to create stronger awareness about sustainable built environments, promote innovation and research in this field, and prepare the talented students at AUS to be ambassadors of a greener UAE.”

AUS has integrated sustainability widely across campus, designating it as key theme of the university’s 2018—2022 Strategic Plan. These measures have had a significant impact on how operational and development issues are carried out. The success of these changes has been recognized by national organizations including EmiratesGBC, which awarded AUS top honors in the “Green School” category at the EmiratesGBC Awards in 2015, and the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) 7th Sharjah Sustainability Award (SSA), which presented AUS with the Outstanding Sustainable Campus award last year.

ENDS