Different departments within Abu Dhabi University offer unique contributions to advance global environmental sustainability
The ongoing rise in carbon emissions poses a global sustainability challenge. Addressing climate change requires collective action from governments, industries and researchers across the globe. “We all know that the transport sector is a major contributor to emissions,” says Fauzia Jabeen, professor of management at Abu Dhabi University. “Electric vehicle [EV] adoption has provided a promising technology to address the sustainability problem worldwide.”
“Sustainability is not just a destination, it’s a journey we embark upon to secure a thriving future for our planet,” says Jabeen. “EV adoption can be the fuel for this journey, propelling us towards cleaner, greener horizons.”
In her latest study, Jabeen and her colleagues examined the factors that drive millennials in Vietnam to buy electric vehicles. The study focused on Vietnam as it is an emerging and dynamic economy in South-east Asia. “The study findings indicate that self-identity has a direct and indirect impact on millennials’ EV purchase behaviour,” says Jabeen. “This study is pertinent and provides fresh recommendations and insights to EV brands and producers globally.”
Abu Dhabi University, especially the Department of Engineering, has made significant contributions at the international level in terms of research that relates to the sustainability agenda, says Evan Paleologos, professor of engineering at Abu Dhabi University.
Paleologos gave a presentation at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, where he also led a panel discussion on water scarcity in the UAE. In April 2023, Paleologos and his colleagues won the UAE Research and Innovation Award from the UAE Ministry of Energy Infrastructure. “Sustainable environmental geotechnics practices for a green economy”, a paper Paleologos co-authored, was awarded the Environmental Geotechnics Prize in October 2023 by the Institution of Civil Engineers in the UK.
Paleologos collaborates with scholars from top universities in America, Europe and Asia. His current research interests include hydrogen production and storage, and clean energy technologies. “Sustainability is not a luxury goal of advanced societies but a need for our planet and humankind’s future,” he says.
Rahaf Ajaj, assistant professor of environment, health and safety at Abu Dhabi University, says that her research in sustainability is driven by “a deep-rooted belief that we can shape a harmonious relationship with our planet”.
Ajaj has worked with renowned scholars and her research has been featured in prestigious journals. “I strive to develop solutions that not only address current environmental challenges but also pave the way for a sustainable future,” says Ajaj. “This passion fuels my exploration into innovative technologies and practices, guiding my journey to protect and preserve the world for generations to come.”
In an innovative international collaboration, Ajaj and her colleagues conducted a lifecycle assessment of various facemasks used during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Our study offers a comprehensive sustainability evaluation and provides an insightful analysis of the environmental impact of facemasks,” she says.
Ajaj has undertaken projects related to different aspects of environmental sustainability, such as wastewater treatment. “We explored nuclear wastewater treatment methods, examining both conventional and hybrid technologies.
“Our findings mark a significant step toward sustainable wastewater reuse and recovery,” says Ajaj. “Additionally, we conducted an in-depth investigation of plastic waste issues. This study is instrumental in understanding the challenges and developing effective disposal strategies to protect our environment. Throughout my research journey, the common thread has been a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.”
Ajaj is currently working on projects related to sustainable smart city development and sustainable manufacturing through Industry 4.0 integration. “This journey has not only enriched my understanding but also allowed me to play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.”
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