University Policies on Sustainable Energy

1. Purpose and Scope

The university recognises that its financial decisions carry environmental and social consequences that extend beyond the institution's campus. This policy sets out the principles governing how the university allocates, manages, and commits its financial resources in a manner consistent with its sustainability objectives. It applies to capital expenditure planning, infrastructure investment, procurement of major assets, and any allocation of operational surplus.

2. ESG Investment Principles

In making financial commitments and investment decisions, the university will give priority to capital projects that improve energy efficiency or reduce the university's carbon footprint, such as renewable energy installations, energy-efficient building upgrades, and sustainable transport infrastructure. The university will avoid financial commitments to assets or activities that are materially inconsistent with its environmental and social values. Where feasible, the university will direct surplus funds and institutional reserves toward instruments or institutions that demonstrate responsible ESG practices, in accordance with applicable Iraqi financial regulations.

3. Capital Expenditure Review

All capital expenditure proposals exceeding a threshold set by the Administrative Affairs Directorate shall include an assessment of environmental impact and alignment with this policy before approval by the University Council. This review ensures that sustainability considerations are integrated into financial planning at the earliest stage of decision-making.

4. Transparency and Reporting

The university's adherence to this policy will be reflected in its annual financial and sustainability reporting. Material investment decisions will be summarised in the university's annual report, which is published on the official website.

5. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the University Council and updated in line with developments in ESG standards, Iraqi higher education financial regulations, and the university's evolving strategic commitments.

The university publicly commits to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its campus operations by the year 2045. This commitment encompasses the university's Scope 1 direct emissions from campus energy use and university-owned sources, and Scope 2 indirect emissions from purchased electricity, with progressive steps toward addressing Scope 3 emissions over the commitment period.

In pursuit of this target, the university will establish a carbon emissions baseline for the 2024–2025 academic year, develop a phased Carbon Reduction Roadmap to be adopted by the University Council, prioritise investment in onsite renewable energy generation, improve the energy efficiency of campus buildings and operations, and report publicly on progress through its annual sustainability reporting cycle.

This declaration reflects the university's recognition of its responsibility as an educational institution to model the behaviours and commitments it teaches, and its determination to contribute to Iraq's national climate objectives and the global goals of the Paris Agreement.

1. Purpose and Scope

The university is committed to conducting its purchasing and procurement activities in a manner that minimises environmental impact, promotes social responsibility, and supports sustainable economic development. This policy applies to all academic and administrative units of the university and governs the acquisition of goods, services, and works funded from university budgets.

2. Principles

All procurement decisions at the university shall, where operationally and financially practicable, give preference to suppliers and products that demonstrate environmental responsibility, including suppliers holding recognised environmental management certification (such as ISO 14001); locally sourced goods and services that reduce transportation-related carbon emissions; products manufactured from recycled, recyclable, or sustainably sourced materials; suppliers that observe fair labour practices and ethical business conduct; and energy-efficient equipment and appliances that meet or exceed applicable efficiency standards.

3. Implementation

The Administrative Affairs Directorate is responsible for embedding these criteria into procurement planning, tender documentation, and supplier evaluation processes. All procurement staff will receive orientation on sustainable purchasing principles as part of their professional development.

4. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the University Council and updated to reflect developments in sustainability standards, Iraqi regulatory requirements, and the university's evolving environmental commitments.