As part of efforts to enhance environmental sustainability, support carbon emissions reduction targets, and align with Oman’s vision for net zero, a joint cooperation agreement has been signed between Sultan Qaboos University and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, represented by the Oman Centre for Net Zero, to implement energy efficiency measures across campus facilities.

The agreement was signed on behalf of SQU by Professor Amer bin Saif Al-Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research, and on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, His Excellency Mohsin bin Hamad Al-Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

The signing of the agreement coincided with the Sustainability Week and includes a comprehensive implementation plan aimed at improving energy efficiency in 12 key buildings across the university campus. The project seeks to reduce electricity waste, upgrade cooling and lighting systems, and strengthen smart control systems, contributing to lower energy consumption and improved operational efficiency.

The project will be directly supervised and monitored on site by a team of specialist engineers from the Department of Projects and Maintenance, ensuring high-quality implementation and adherence to the highest engineering standards to achieve the intended operational and environmental objectives.

The benefits of this project extend beyond reducing the University’s carbon footprint. It is also expected to generate economic value by lowering annual operating and maintenance costs and promoting more efficient energy use. This reflects a practical commitment to the sustainability pillar of the Oman Vision 2040 and reinforces collaboration between the government and academic sectors.

The agreement also marks the beginning of a long-term sustainable programme. The next phase is expected to introduce a second package of energy efficiency measures covering the remaining buildings and facilities across campus, further supporting the transition towards a more sustainable university environment and more efficient resource use for future generations.