KAUST's Sami Al-Ghamdi is conducting multidisciplinary research on urban sustainability to mitigate climate change and optimize resource consumption. His work supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly urban gigaprojects like NEOM and Saudi Downtown. He develops computational models to assess the environmental impact of various aspects of the built environment. Why it matters: This research is crucial for advancing sustainable urban development in Saudi Arabia and achieving its ambitious environmental goals.
KAUST and the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) have signed two agreements focused on sustainability assessments and methodologies, including life-cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle cost (LCC) modeling for seawater concrete technology. The collaboration aims to strengthen national sustainability capabilities, improve data quality, and standardize assessment frameworks in line with Saudi Vision 2030. A KAUST-hosted workshop convened global experts to advance the adoption of LCA for sustainable development in Saudi Arabia, also launching EPD Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: The partnerships and initiatives signal a commitment to integrating sustainability into industrial and infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's broader environmental goals.
KAUST's Urban Lab is developing the Saudi National Life Cycle Inventory, an environmental database providing quantitative data on the environmental impact of products and processes in Saudi Arabia. The database includes information on raw material use, energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and air pollutants specific to the Kingdom. This project was highlighted at the 'Greening the Giga' workshop, where KAUST also released a report on building a national framework for Life Cycle Assessments. Why it matters: The database and framework can guide multiple sectors in adopting green technology and help Saudi Arabia achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2060.
KAUST launched the Circular Carbon Initiative (CCI) to address carbon management, capture, conversion, and storage of atmospheric CO2. The initiative involves developing materials and technologies to capture CO2 and exploring geothermal energy and geological storage. Novel fuel production will redefine CO2 as a valuable material through e-fuel developments. Why it matters: The CCI positions KAUST as a key player in developing sustainable technologies and contributing to Saudi Arabia's climate goals.
KAUST Professor William McDonough was named one of TIME's 100 most influential climate leaders in business for his "cradle-to-cradle" design approach. McDonough advocates for circular manufacturing and sees carbon as mismanaged rather than inherently negative. He is involved in the KAUST Circular Carbon Initiative, which promotes research, innovation, and startups in circular carbon economies. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's and the GCC's increasing role in global sustainability initiatives and circular economy research.
International scientists and innovators presented the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) at UNFCCC COP25, an event organized by the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia and KAUST. The CCE model, promoted by Saudi Arabia, focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions (4R). KAUST is contributing to the CCE through scientific advances in engineering, chemical, and biological technologies. Why it matters: The CCE framework represents a pragmatic approach to addressing climate change in the region while leveraging technological innovation and natural processes.
Two KAUST professors, Sami Al-Ghamdi and Hussein Hoteit, have been selected as lead authors for the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7). Al-Ghamdi will contribute to the Asia chapter, while Hoteit will focus on carbon dioxide removal technologies. The AR7 report is expected to be completed in 2029 and will inform international climate policy. Why it matters: This appointment places KAUST at the forefront of global climate research and strengthens the university's influence on international climate policy.