Climate change represents a critical global challenge, particularly for economies historically reliant on hydrocarbon resources. In alignment with the Sultanate of Oman’s national commitment (October 2022) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 under Oman Vision 2040, Dhofar University (DU) has adopted a proactive institutional response.
Effective 1st September 2023, DU formally committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, thereby meeting the national target timeline. This commitment directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and reflects the University’s strategic priority to integrate sustainability into its operations, governance, and community engagement.
Strategic Focus Areas
DU’s net-zero pathway is structured around three primary pillars:
- Renewable Energy Transition: Increasing the share of renewable energy in campus operations.
- Green Campus Development: Enhancing energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and resource management.
- Carbon Emissions Reduction: Implementing measures to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across campus activities.
Policy and Governance Framework
To operationalize its commitment, DU has established and implemented a set of institutional policies:
- Energy and Water Conservation Policy
- Transportation Policy
- Climate Change Policy
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Policy
Strategic and Operational Plans
The above mentioned policies are embedded within the University’s Strategic Plan (2021-2031), which includes the objective: “Adopt United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the betterment of the community.”
Implementation is guided through a detailed Operational Plan (2021-26), where each action is linked to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) specifying:
- Responsible units
- Defined timelines
- Measurable targets
- Evidence-based reporting mechanisms
All KPIs are monitored against targets set through June 2026, ensuring accountability and continuous progress tracking.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Transparency
DU demonstrates transparency through the annual publication of its SDGs Progress Report, which is publicly accessible via the University website. The report documents progress on sustainability initiatives, emissions reduction efforts, and alignment with SDG targets.
Stakeholder Engagement and Awareness
DU actively promotes sustainability awareness and collaboration through its annual Sustainability Week, which convenes students, faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders. This platform facilitates knowledge exchange, innovation, and practical solutions contributing to climate action and sustainable development.
