On Saturday, March 22, the NYU Abu Dhabi community joined millions worldwide in switching off lights for Earth Hour, demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. Between 8:30 and 9:30pm, non-essential lighting across the NYUAD campus went dark.
"Earth Hour is a powerful symbol of collective action," said Senior Director of Sustainability and Stewardship, Antonios Vouloudis. "When our entire community comes together for initiatives like this, we not only save energy for an hour but also spark conversations about how we can all contribute to sustainability goals throughout the year."
The event aligns with NYUAD's Climate Action Plan, which outlines the university's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This plan, launched in 2023, details the institution's approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the UAE's strategic vision of Net-Zero by 2050.
Earth Hour is just one of many sustainability initiatives at NYUAD. The university continues to implement energy efficiency measures across campus, including:
Building changes that have reduced electricity consumption by 2.9% and chilled water consumption by 6.7% since implementation
Printing mindfulness program that has decreased paper usage by more than 56%
Green Workplace Certification encouraging departments to adopt sustainable practices
Water conservation measures that have reduced water consumption by over 9%
Students also play a crucial role in campus sustainability efforts through organizations like Ecoherence and Green House and through participation in the Green Grants program, which funds student-led sustainability projects.
NYUAD continues to explore innovative approaches to reduce its environmental footprint while engaging the community in sustainability practices. To learn more about sustainability initiatives at NYUAD and how you can get involved, visit the Office of Sustainability and Stewardship website.
