Egypt's AUC launches one of region's first carbon footprint initiatives

The American University in Cairo (AUC) last week issued its first 'Carbon Footprint' report, which, according to AUC officials, represents the first time for an institution of higher education in the Middle East to conduct a comprehensive survey on the impact of climate change. The initiative was spearheaded by the university's Desert Development Centre (DDC) in coordination with AUC's Office of Sustainability. "Through evaluating our own impact on the environment, we take the first step in working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on our campus and serve as a leader and champion for others to begin addressing the climate change challenge with us," said AUC President Lisa Anderson. The report states that, during 2011, the university produced the equivalent of 55,433 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is "lesser than expected," according to DDC Director Richard Tutwiler. Anderson believes that by evaluating AUC's impact on the environment, the university is taking "the first step in working to reduce greenhouse emissions on our campus and serve as a leader and champion for others to begin addressing climate change."  AUC's new 260-acre campus, which has been operating since 2008, is located in the desert suburb of New Cairo. From: Ahram Online