Sustainable development is integral to KAUST's overall mission to nurture innovation in science and technology, and support world-class research in areas such as energy and the environment that are important to Saudi Arabia, the region and the world. This emphasis on sustainable practices influences KAUST’s research agenda, campus planning, and operations.
KAUST integrates sustainable measures into the design of the entire community. The University demonstrates new ways to build in the region, and new ways to live that promote responsible stewardship of energy resources.
The unique desert climate of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East create opportunities and challenges for KAUST, including ample sunlight, limited rainfall and potable water resources. KAUST has an important role to play in conserving these resources, finding new and innovative methods to manage and sustain them, and exploring and developing alternative energy sources.
Since many of the traditional Middle Eastern building methods have been formed by environmental responses that pre-date the use of energy-intensive building processes, KAUST’s sustainable development will help to increase awareness of local aesthetics and culture. This educational value will extend beyond research in the classrooms, and continue throughout the daily lives of all those who live, work and study in the KAUST community.
The University’s focus on sustainable development is also reflected in the choice of location and in the campus and community plan. The physical campus and its operations will minimize the environmental footprint through efficient use of water, electricity and other resources, and through materials reuse and recycling. Construction will be performed with care to preserve the environment. A signature feature of the campus will be a marine sanctuary and research facility focused around a unique coral reef ecosystem located on the University’s near-shore and shoreline property.
Vision KAUST will be a globally renowned graduate research university that makes significant contributions to scientific and technological advancement, and will play a crucial role in the development of Saudi Arabia and the world.
By 2020, KAUST will be characterized by: 1. Cutting-edge, basic and goal-oriented research in science and technology comparable to that of the world’s top 10 science and technology universities, the success of which will be demonstrated by:
publications in Science, Nature, and other prestigious professional journals;
a significant number of scientific discoveries and technological innovations;
a high average citation index (ISI) among KAUST faculty.
2. A focus on research and academic activities in areas where KAUST can be exceptional by global standards. The focus will be on impact rather than quantity, and KAUST will have Research Centers that are recognized as world leaders in their fields.
3. Graduates who are highly trained and skilled and will have the capabilities and drive to be leaders in education and business.
4. Research and commercialization activities that demonstrably contribute to the diversification and strengthening of the Saudi economy, as measured by job creation, and new industry development and growth in GDP per capita.
5. A diversified and sustainable revenue base that supports both its operating and capital requirements.
Mission KAUST advances science and technology through bold and collaborative research. It educates scientific and technological leaders, catalyzes the diversification of the Saudi economy and addresses challenges of regional and global significance, thereby serving the Kingdom, the region and the world.
Research and education, as well as their transformative potential, are central to KAUST’s mission. KAUST has a three-part mission:
Research at KAUST – both basic and goal-oriented – is dedicated to advancing science and technology of regional and global impact. Research excellence inspires teaching and the training of future leaders in science and technology.
Research and education at KAUST energize innovation and enterprise to support knowledge-based economic diversification.
Through the synergy of science and technology, and innovation and enterprise, KAUST is a catalyst for transforming people's lives.
Values Members of the University community are committed to the values of achievement, passion, inspiration, diversity, openness and integrity. At all times, KAUST community members need to behave in ways that uphold these values, both as individuals and as representatives of the University.
Achievement: Determination to advance science and engineering for the welfare of all mankind.
Passion: Pursuit of the KAUST mission with enthusiasm and confidence and seeking individuals who share that passion.
Inspiration: Commitment to stimulate inspiration and celebrate those with the ability to inspire others.
Diversity: Collaboration among scientists, researchers, and students from different disciplines, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds.
Openness: Openness which allows students and faculty to think clearly, study freely, and examine complex problems though the clear light of reason
Integrity: Commitment to uphold the highest standards of moral, ethical, and professional conduct.
Citizenship: Be a good neighbor and strive to make a positive impact on the University’s surroundings.
Sustainable development has influenced six main areas of KAUST’s campus design:
Sustainable Site Planning
Building Materials and Resources
Water Conservation
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Ventilation and Lighting
Coral Reef and Mangrove Protection
In addition to these six main areas, KAUST has implemented a community-wide recycling and composting program to reduce the amount of waste produced by the University, and an alternative transportation plan to provide fuel efficient transportation options for all residents. KAUST will follow the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED rating system for establishing performance criteria in sustainable development. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the internationally recognized benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. The University aspires to achieve a LEED Platinum designation − the USGBC’s highest rating − when it opens in 2009.
KAUST is committed to innovation in sustainable development and increasing global public awareness about these important issues. The University act as a living laboratory, demonstrating that environmentally responsible methods of energy use, materials management, and water consumption are viable in the region.
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