Public reporting on university progress and performance related to SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
Published Progress – SDG7 (17.3.7)
Introduction:
Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) is fully committed to achieving energy sustainability and transparency, aligning its operations with SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy and Jordan’s National Energy Strategy (2020–2030).
Through the Sustainability & International Ranking Center (SIRC), the Facilities and Environmental Services Department, and the Finance and Planning Units, AAU publicly reports measurable progress in renewable-energy adoption, energy efficiency, and low-carbon performance.
Between 2023 and 2025, AAU recorded transformational achievements including:
- achieving 100 % coverage of campus electricity demand from on-site solar-PV systems;
- reaching a net-zero balance between total campus electricity consumption and on-site renewable generation (113.37 % solar generation relative to demand);
- integrating smart-metering and energy-monitoring systems across university facilities; and
- publishing detailed energy-performance data through open sustainability reports and online platforms.
All information is publicly accessible on AAU’s Sustainability Portal, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and compliance with UN SDG 7 targets (7.1–7.3) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Centers and Departments:
Activities:
Impact Evaluation & Development Plan
- Performance Evaluation
- Transparent Energy ReportingAAU’s sustainability reports disclose total kWh consumption, renewable-generation capacity, and carbon-intensity indicators. The 2024 Sustainability Report confirms that campus solar-PV systems generated 113.37 % of total annual electricity demand, allowing AAU to offset grid-supplied electricity and effectively operate on 100 % renewable electricity coverage.
- Renewable-Energy InfrastructureThe University operates advanced ground-mounted and rooftop solar-PV systems linked to smart inverters and digital monitoring platforms. These systems provide real-time visibility on generation performance, load coverage, and efficiency metrics, supporting data-driven decision-making and transparent public reporting.
- Energy-Efficiency MeasuresAAU has implemented a comprehensive energy-efficiency program that includes:
- replacing conventional lighting with LED technology across all academic, administrative, and outdoor areas;
- deploying motion-sensor and daylight-controlled lighting systems;
- introducing smart building-management systems (BMS) and optimized HVAC schedules to reduce peak loads and unnecessary consumption.
These measures have contributed to significant reductions in electricity intensity per square meter and per capita, as reported in AAU’s Sustainability Report 2024–2025.
- Low-Carbon Operations and Clean-Energy CultureAAU has significantly reduced its dependence on conventional energy sources by maximizing solar-PV utilization, optimizing building operations, and gradually introducing electric vehicles and EV-charging infrastructure into its mobility ecosystem. This transition supports Jordan’s Green Growth Plan and reinforces the university’s role as a national model for clean-energy adoption in higher education.
- Public Access and Verification
All energy-related results are published annually and verified internally by SIRC in coordination with the Facilities and Environmental Services Department. The validated datasets are then used as official evidence in AAU’s submissions to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and other international sustainability frameworks, demonstrating AAU’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Development Actions
Action 1: AAU Energy Transparency Dashboard (2025–2028) Develop an online dashboard displaying near-real-time data on solar energy production, campus electricity consumption, and emissions avoided.
Target: Dashboard operational by 2026; updated at least quarterly.
Action 2: Renewable-Energy Storage Pilot Project (2025–2028) Introduce battery-storage systems to capture surplus solar generation and enhance campus energy resilience.
Target: Battery systems covering at least 10 % of peak campus load by 2027.
Action 3: Smart Energy Education Program (2025–2028) Launch interdisciplinary training modules and practical workshops on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and smart-grid technologies for students and staff.
Target: 500 students and trainees engaged annually; learning outcomes reported in AAU’s Sustainability Report.
Action 4: Community Solar and Knowledge Partnerships (2025–2028) Expand AAU’s role as a regional clean-energy partner by sharing expertise and exploring joint projects with schools, municipalities, and neighboring institutions.
Target: At least three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed with external partners by 2028 focusing on clean-energy awareness and capacity building.
Action 5: Annual Energy and Carbon Disclosure Report (2025–2028)
Publish a dedicated Energy and Carbon Disclosure Report that consolidates all energy, emissions, and efficiency data for public use.Target: Public report released every May starting in 2025, aligned with international reporting formats.
- Benchmarking & Best Practice
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Benchmarking Reference: AAU benchmarks its SDG 7 public-reporting framework against leading institutions such as:
- University of Melbourne (Australia),
- University of Nottingham (UK), and
- American University of Sharjah (UAE),
all recognized for transparent renewable-energy disclosure and integrated clean-energy strategies.
Adopted Practices From these models, AAU adopts:
- publicly accessible renewable-energy and energy-efficiency reports;
- verified monitoring of energy performance and associated CO₂ reductions;
- integration of energy indicators into institutional planning and performance audits;
- linking clean-energy achievements with teaching, research, and community outreach.
Localization to Jordan’s Context AAU aligns its clean-energy initiatives with:
- Jordan’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2022–2030), and
- the National Green Growth Plan,
ensuring that all campus-level actions contribute to national targets on renewable energy, efficiency, and emissions reduction while maintaining international comparability.
Future Goal (by 2028)
Establish the AAU Renewable Energy Innovation Hub, combining applied research, student projects, industry collaboration, and community engagement to develop and disseminate regional clean-energy solutions. The Hub will serve as a catalyst for innovation, training, and technology transfer in support of SDG 7 and SDG 13.
Institutional Integration Summary
At Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU), the monitoring, verification, and public reporting of SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy are governed through an integrated institutional framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The Sustainability & International Ranking Center (SIRC) acts as the central coordinating body, consolidating renewable-energy and energy-efficiency data from:
- the Facilities and Environmental Services Department,
- the Finance Department,
- the Information Technology Center, and
- relevant academic and research units.
Each department records specific indicators, including total solar-energy production, grid electricity consumption, energy-intensity ratios, and efficiency gains from LED retrofits, smart lighting, and BMS systems. SIRC verifies these datasets for accuracy and consistency before submitting them to the University Presidency for review and approval.
Once approved, the data are published through AAU’s Sustainability Portal, the Annual Sustainability Report, the Executive Sustainability Report (SDG 7 Section), and related news items such as the AAU Sustainability Report 2024–2025 and media features, including Dr. Hijazi’s presentation of AAU’s sustainability leadership on SBS Australia.
This transparent data-governance chain ensures that every energy-related achievement is evidence-based, externally verifiable, and publicly accessible, aligning with UN SDG 7 targets (7.1–7.3) and Jordan’s National Energy Strategy (2020–2030). By institutionalizing renewable-energy monitoring and open reporting, AAU has embedded sustainability accountability into its operational and academic structure transforming clean-energy management from a technical project into a university-wide culture of innovation and responsibility.
Through this integrated framework, AAU reaffirms its leadership in promoting affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, directly contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
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