In an era where environmental consciousness is more critical than ever, Qatar Academy Sidra has made a groundbreaking decision to place sustainability at the heart of its operations. With climate change, resource depletion, and social responsibility being some of the foremost concerns of the 21st century, QAS is stepping up to become a leader in environmental stewardship and social responsibility. As part of this initiative, Ms. Neema Saleem has been appointed as the Sustainability Coordinator, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
Why Sustainability?
The decision to make sustainability the flagship program at QAS stems from the growing recognition that institutions—whether academic, corporate, or non-profit—play an essential role in shaping the future of the planet. As future leaders, innovators, and scientists, students and faculty at QAS have a responsibility not only to excel in their academic pursuits but also to contribute to solving global environmental challenges.
Key Initiatives Under the Sustainability Flagship Program
- Sustainability Curriculum Integration: The program will ensure that sustainability is woven into the curriculum across disciplines. From sciences to design, students will gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge about sustainable practices relevant to their future careers.
- Green Campus Initiatives: The QAS campus will undergo several transformations to reduce its environmental impact. This includes the garden expansion, the implementation of waste-to-wealth systems, and improvements to water and energy conservation.
- Sustainability Research and Innovation: Students will be encouraged to pursue research projects that address environmental and social issues, while faculty members will be provided with resources and support to further their work in sustainable technologies. We are in the process of planning a science fair in December 2024.
- Community Engagement: QAS plans to collaborate with local communities on sustainability efforts. From organizing clean-up drives and tree-planting activities to partnering with local businesses on recycling initiatives, the program will be actively involved in creating a positive impact beyond the campus.
- Sustainability Certification and Recognition: To track progress and showcase QAS’s commitment to sustainability, the institution will work towards obtaining sustainability certifications such as renewing the green flag from Eco Schools, maintaining partnerships with organizations such as Roots & Shoots, hundrED and so on.
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