Sustainability
Sustainability is incorporated in every aspect of our research, academic programs, and operations. It is not an isolated objective but a fundamental part of how we educate future leaders, conduct research, and engage with industry and policy.
Since the beginning of our strategic transformation in 2019, KFUPM has published over 9,800 peer-reviewed research outputs aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating more than 170,000 citations. In 2024 alone, we launched 414 inventions, registered 265 patents, most linked to sustainability, and published over 3,000 scholarly contributions addressing Saudi Arabia’s national priorities and broader global challenges.
KFUPM is now ranked among the top 25 universities worldwide for sustainability performance, placing 15th in the world for contributions to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 7th for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. These achievements are a reflection of our integrated approach to development, one that considers both global responsibility and local priorities.
KFUPM Aligns to UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
KFUPM is dedicated to integrating the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our social responsibility initiatives. Discover how we’re making it happen.
No Poverty
Our students’ tuition is fully funded, allowing our graduates to start their careers debt-free. We hold annual anti-poverty programs in collaboration with non-profit organizations.
Zero Hunger
We offer affordable meals for our students and staff. Our students participate in the Volunteer Feeding Unit from the Saudi Food Bank, which promotes social sustainability.
Good Health and Well-being
KFUPM advances healthcare through its Bioengineering program. We support healthy lifestyles by offering health monitoring campaigns, sporting events, and we hold a strict no-smoking policy on campus.
Quality Education
We deliver quality education through 38 undergraduate concentrations. We are recognized as a leading academic institution in the Arab world reflected in our rapid rise in global rankings.
Gender Equality
In 2019, we opened our doors to female students, and have become the only university with 50% female enrollment in the engineering and sciences.
Clean Water and Sanitation
Water is a vital resource, and our research efforts supports responsible consumption, usage, care, and community engagement to mitigate environmental risk and wastage.
Affordable and Clean Energy
Our research focuses on advancing energy conservation and harnessing modern technologies that utilize renewable energy sources and reduce energy consumption.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
We ensure workplace equality and fair compensation with competitive pay scales based on qualifications and achievements, while providing essential benefits.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
We are a leading academic institution for US Utility Granted Patents by the USPTO. KFUPM Entrepreneurship Institute (KFUPM EI), supports students and local creators.
Reduced Inequalities
Our student admission, faculty and staff recruitment processes are open and transparent; we value meritocracy, and we hold strong policies against discrimination.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
KFUPM supports sustainable commuting by offering on-campus buses for students. We offer undergraduate and graduate programs in Smart and Sustainable Cities.
Responsible Consumption and Production
The EHS Department ensures safe and proper disposal of campus waste, including municipal and hazardous chemical waste, following strict safety procedures.
Climate Action
Our IRCs are dedicated to finding ways to reduce the impact of climate change and global warming. We research renewable energy and power systems, and hydrogen and energy storage are examples of this effort.
Life Below Water
The Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies (ARC-EMS) conducts valuable marine life research, as well as fisheries awareness campaigns to educate local fishers in conservation methods.
Life on Land
Our undergraduate programming aims to teach students about land use, the interaction between species, biodiversity, evolution, food, soil, pest management, and renewable energy.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Our students volunteer in the community, learning social responsibility in programs that help our vulnerable citizens: the elderly, children, and the environment.
Partnerships for the Goals
Through strategic partnerships with government agencies and NGOs, KFUPM drives solutions to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and create lasting impact.
Campus Infrastructure with a Purpose
Our efforts include aligning KFUPM’s physical infrastructure with sustainability goals, and in doing so, create a green campus model that integrates environmental considerations into daily operations. Current initiatives include:
- On-campus systems for sorting and safely disposing of general, chemical, medical, and radioactive waste
- Year-round campaigns focused on public health and environmental awareness
- Campus-wide recycling programs
- New buildings and renovations that adhere to both SASO guidelines and the Saudi Green Building Code
This gradual yet steady transition towards more environmentally friendly spaces and practices supports our target of sourcing 50% of our energy from renewables, setting the stage for a net-zero campus by 2060, as outlined in our Climate Action Plan.
Embedding Values in Learning
Sustainability and sustainable development are built into our academic programs. All KFUPM courses are designed to produce practical outcomes that lead to real-world impact. Taught exclusively in English, they also provide students with access to international research, standards, and best practices.
Our curricula are designed to reflect real-world industry needs, as well as pressing environmental and social challenges. To maintain their relevance and impact, we regularly review and update our programs, a process that has resulted in the development of more than 95 specialized degrees, including our BSc in Bioengineering and MSc in Environmental Science and Engineering. Our students understand the latest trends, being able to explain smart cities, sustainable infrastructure, energy transitions, and other complex concepts in both local and international contexts.
Student Engagement
The KFUPM Sustainability Club empowers students to lead sustainability initiatives through applied learning and direct community involvement. It also advises university leadership on SDG-related policies and reports, including input into the Kingdom’s UN Voluntary National Reports. Its core activities include:
- Hosting workshops, campaigns, and challenges to engage peers
- Working with academic and administrative departments to develop high-impact campus projects
- Leading student-driven innovations that integrate sustainable practices into daily life
- Extending outreach efforts into local communities to promote environmental education
- Using strategic communication to highlight and amplify student-led environmental efforts
Contributing to a Larger Mission
As sustainability continues gaining traction across industries, governments, and institutions, universities play a central role in shaping responses to global challenges. KFUPM cannot overlook its responsibility in driving sustainable research, education, and partnerships that support both national and international sustainability goals.
To learn more about how you can contribute to our efforts in science and technology for a more sustainable future, explore our annual Sustainability Report or contact any of our research teams. Whether you are a prospective student considering the most useful degrees in sustainability or a researcher looking for collaboration, KFUPM offers opportunities to be part of a meaningful transformation.
KFUPM’s Sustainability Report
Read KFUPM’s 2024 Sustainability Report to learn about our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable development.