Energy
NYU Abu Dhabi implements a range of strategies to reduce energy consumption across academic, residential, and administrative buildings through conservation and efficiency measures.
In the 2024–2025 academic year, NYUAD reached a 26 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2019 baseline. This long-term decrease in emissions reflects sustained efforts to improve efficiency in electricity use, lighting systems, heating and cooling operations, and water management.
Smarter Energy Use Across Campus
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NYU Abu Dhabi has introduced a Sustainable Living Guide for residents, designed to help tenants understand how everyday choices can reduce energy use and support the University’s broader sustainability goals. The guide provides practical, easy-to-apply tips that encourage energy-efficient living at home.
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Occupancy-based Scheduling of Air-Handling Systems
Air Handling Units are operated based on occupancy schedules, with run times adjusted according to building type, occupancy patterns, and cooling demand.
Seasonal CHW Pump Setpoint Optimization
Chilled water pump setpoints are adjusted between summer and winter conditions to optimize hydronic system performance and energy efficiency.
Humidity-Based AHU Setpoint Modulation
AHU operating setpoints are modulated based on ambient humidity levels to maintain indoor comfort and optimize energy performance.
Alternating Cooling Units in Low-use Areas
In corridors and mechanical rooms with multiple Fan Coil Units, units are alternated to avoid unnecessary energy use.
Temperature Standardization in Vacant Apartments
In unoccupied apartments, temperatures are set to 24°C — a balanced setting that is cool enough to prevent heat-related damage while still saving significant energy.
Solar Film Installation on Skylights
Solar control film is applied to skylights to reduce heat transfer into buildings, helping lower cooling demand and improve overall energy efficiency.
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Lighting Shut-off Procedures in Technical Spaces
Team members are instructed to turn off lights in mechanical and electrical rooms after use, while keeping required emergency and safety lighting on at all times.
Lighting Reduction in Sports and Fitness Facilities
At the C2 Indoor Sports Hall, Performance Gym, and North Stadium, lights that were previously operating 24/7 were reviewed and optimized to better match actual usage.
- 151 lights (250W each) were switched off when not required.
- Estimated annual electricity savings: AED ~19,200
Lighting Sensor Optimization in Academic and Residential Buildings
Motion sensor settings were adjusted to reduce the time lights remain on after spaces are unoccupied.
- Sensor delay times reduced from 15–30 minutes to five minutes.
- Implemented in buildings: F1, F2, A1A, A1C, A5C, A6A, and A6C
- All elevator lights and ventilation fans are programmed to automatically turn off after five minutes of inactivity.
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While NYU Abu Dhabi is not currently using renewable energy for electricity, 75 percent of campus water supply is heated using solar power.
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NYU Abu Dhabi is the first university to join the Direct Control Load (DCL) program, a peak load management initiative led by the Department of Energy. Through this partnership, NYUAD reduces energy use during periods of high demand, supporting the stability and efficiency of Abu Dhabi’s power grid.
Since joining, NYUAD has taken part in 21 DCL events, temporarily lowering energy use in non-critical campus areas without disrupting essential operations.
Impact
- 37 Fresh Air Handling Units (FAHUs) serving non-critical spaces were turned off during these events
- Total estimated demand reduction: 52 MWh
- Approximately 22.2 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided — equivalent to removing about five cars from the road for a year.
