sustainable cities and communities

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi actively contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) by promoting sustainable urban development and fostering resilient communities. The university engages in research and initiatives focused on urban planning, architecture, and environmental sustainability, addressing challenges such as climate change and urbanisation. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, SUAD supports innovative solutions that enhance liveability and sustainability in cities. Additionally, its educational programmes empower students with the knowledge and skills to design inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban environments, ensuring that future leaders are well-equipped to create vibrant communities that thrive in harmony with their surroundings. 

The university offers two distinguished postgraduate programmes: one within the Department of Science and Engineering, and the other within the Department of History of Art and Archaeology, focusing on heritage restoration and cultural preservation. 

Specialisation in Non-Destructive Characterisation with Applications for Cultural Heritage 

The dual focus of this programme makes it a unique cross-disciplinary Master’s degree in the UAE, addressing scientific research topics related to cultural heritage. 

This programme offers an innovative approach to the study of Archaeology and Heritage, grounded in new technologies and experiential learning. While multidisciplinary in nature, it places a particular emphasis on Archaeology and Heritage, with a focus on the specific challenges faced in Abu Dhabi and the Emirates in general. 

In the field of heritage restoration, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi centred its event on the restoration efforts of Notre Dame Cathedral after the devastating fire. This gathering underscored significant progress in the global mission to preserve cultural heritage. Combining a conference with an interactive exhibition, the event highlighted SUAD’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in heritage protection. 

In partnership with the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and L’Observatoire des Patrimoines, the exhibition held at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi showcases the diverse fields of research involved in cultural heritage studies. It highlights the contributions of undergraduate students from the Departments of Archaeology and History of Art, Geography and Planning, and Science and Engineering. Titled "Cultural Heritage and Desert Environment in the Arabian Peninsula" the exhibition illustrates interdisciplinary research in cultural heritage science, emphasising the connections between ancient civilisations and future generations. It featured research posters, privately owned artefacts, and archaeological findings from the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, along with 3D reproductions of artefacts presented through interactive holographic displays. This event aims to promote the significance of scientific analysis in understanding ancient societies and advancing research in material culture and archaeology. 

The event explored the intersection of heritage, art, and eco-responsibility, recognising these as valuable aspects of human culture that connect generations and shape environments. It discussed how ancient societies lived in harmony with nature, offering lessons for modern urban planners and architects focused on sustainable city-building. While the art world celebrates creativity, it also raises concerns about its environmental impact, particularly through the transportation of artworks and the networks involved. The event aimed to address how to maintain the sustainability of beauty and liveable spaces in a post-industrial world, and the role of art in driving positive climate action. The discussions also examined the commitment of cultural and art institutions, as well as artists and collectors, to eco-responsibility and the sustainable solutions they are implementing. COP28, held in the UAE during the Year of Sustainability, was seen as an ideal platform to highlight these issues and pass on the commitment to future generations. 

The university offers special rates for students and staff at prestigious institutions such as the Louvre, Guggenheim, and Qasr Al Hosn, enhancing their educational experience and encouraging cultural engagement. This provides an excellent opportunity to explore art and history first-hand. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has taken significant steps to promote sustainability by providing transportation for 359 visiting faculty members via dedicated buses. This initiative reduces the reliance on personal vehicles, thereby minimising carbon emissions and encouraging eco-friendly practices within the university community. By facilitating convenient and sustainable transportation options, the university not only enhances accessibility for faculty but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility, aligning with its broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices on campus. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s remote working policy allows employees to work from home up to five days per month, significantly reducing commuting and lowering carbon emissions. This initiative not only helps ease traffic congestion but also enhances work–life balance, contributing to overall employee wellbeing. By promoting flexible working arrangements, the university actively supports sustainability efforts and fosters a greener campus environment. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to supporting its staff and students by providing affordable housing options, ensuring a comfortable living environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. 

The university offers a housing allowance to employees and delegates residing within the UAE. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with housing costs, making it easier for staff to focus on their roles and responsibilities. 

The amount of the housing allowance is subject to regular reviews. These reviews consider changes in the rental and housing market, ensuring that the allowance remains fair and relevant. This adaptability reflects the university’s commitment to the well-being of its staff and students in an ever-changing economic landscape. 

The exponential growth of digital information/data have led to the creation of data centres that consume energy. Governments need to undertake green data stewardship strategies and policies to reduce social, ecologic and environmental challenges that have so far received little attention. There is paucity in research on green information management. In this conference, researchers of Records Management and Archival Science discussed the impact digital information has on sustainability. They presented their preliminary findings regarding the steps government institutions are undertaking to promote green information management for sustainable development. 

The event focused on how oasis agri-urban systems, developed over thousands of years, offer solutions for addressing global warming. These systems created sustainable microclimates through a combination of dense housing, intensive agriculture, and the use of local resources. Unlike modern industrial-urban systems, which rely on fossil fuels and generate pollution, oasis metabolisms promote circular economies and sustainability. The event highlighted two key methods for establishing sustainable agri-urban systems: reusing treated wastewater and eco-construction. It emphasised that drawing inspiration from these ancient systems could provide a path forward for adapting cities to climate challenges and reducing global warming. 

The event discussed the future of cities in the context of eco-technological innovation, with a focus on smart and knowledge-based cities. It emphasised that economic imperatives must no longer outweigh ecological concerns in the face of the planet's environmental challenges. The city of the future, especially in the Anthropocene era, must redefine the concepts of intelligent, sustainable, and resilient urban living. Innovation in these cities depends on the interplay of various elements within the innovation ecosystem—much like in nature, where growth and sustainability are shaped by surrounding conditions. The examples of South Korea and Morocco were highlighted as interesting case studies for integrating both ecological and technological dimensions in urban planning, showing the need for cities to balance these aspects for sustainable development.