Reaching Net-zero

Although Baku Engineering University is a young institution with much room for improvement, we have already established a sustainable and environmentally efficient campus for our students. However, we understand that our responsibility extends beyond building and enhancing a sustainable campus. It is crucial for us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions not only for our campus community but also to contribute to creating a healthier environment for the broader community. The university sector is inherently attractive to the younger generation and those driven to make a positive impact, both locally and globally, thereby enhancing regional internationalization and tackling sustainable development challenges.

BEU students and staff have actively addressed regional issues to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in our surroundings. As a young university, Baku Engineering University aims to initiate and sustain optimal carbon emissions reduction to establish a foundation for achieving net-zero emissions in the future. Our campus location outside the city provides opportunities to address sustainable development challenges. However, the lack of historical data on carbon emissions poses challenges to efficient development, although it may help identify areas for improvement in the future.

While scope 1 and 2 emissions for this year have significantly decreased compared to previous years, our goal remains to further minimize these percentages through sustainable campus policies. Challenges persist, particularly in areas such as various laboratories that require significant energy consumption, posing practical challenges in implementing a low-carbon energy strategy.

TAKING ACTIONS AND OUR STRATEGY

The university has been particularly effective in managing scope 3 emissions, highlighting the success of ongoing practices. Recent actions, including:

• Implementing a policy of not using electricity between 22:00 and 6:00 to reduce consumption.
• Partially transitioning to cloud-based systems to reduce printing.
• Organizing informational sessions for students, staff, and the wider community to raise awareness.
• Conducting tree plantation events to enhance green spaces both on and off campus.
• Shifting campus transportation to bicycles and student-built electric cars to reduce reliance on high-carbon vehicles.

These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to minimizing emissions and promoting sustainability on campus.

Looking forward, our university's strategy aims to further reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. Our strategic initiatives include:

• Fully transitioning to renewable and sustainable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
• Divesting our endowment investments away from fossil fuel extraction and processing.
• Doubling research efforts in sustainable development projects to gather data for future improvements.
• Expanding informational sessions to other regions and schools across the country to promote awareness and engagement.

These steps will guide us toward our goal of becoming a leading institution in sustainable development and carbon neutrality.