Latest news with #NationsSustainableDevelopmentGoals


Web Release
3 days ago
- Business
- Web Release
AtkinsRéalis Expands Award-Winning School of the Future Initiative Across UAE Schools
AtkinsRéalis (TSX: ATRL), a world-class design, engineering services and nuclear company, has expanded its School of the Future initiative for the second consecutive year in the UAE. The initiative, which introduces students to sustainability, engineering, and technology through experiential learning, brought together participants from four leading schools for the 2025 finals held at Dubai English Speaking College (DESS) on 14 May. Originally launched in the UK, the School of the Future engages students aged 14 to 16 in designing sustainable school campuses. This year's UAE edition welcomed teams from Repton School, Jumeirah College, JESS Dubai, and Dubai English Speaking College (DESS). The initiative challenges students to think critically about environmental, social, and technological aspects of sustainability while encouraging them to create forward-thinking campus concepts built for the future. 'As this initiative continues to grow year on year, we are proud to see the strong interest and engagement from both students and educators alike in the UAE,' said Campbell Gray, CEO, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis. 'By expanding the programme across more schools in the region, we hope to continue strengthening the link between industry and education by helping young people become future-ready leaders in sustainability and innovation.' Throughout this project, students were mentored by AtkinsRéalis STEM Ambassadors and guided through a multi-dimensional learning journey. Teams developed sustainable, data-driven design proposals by leveraging AI and prioritised renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and water conservation, while also considering the social impact of their schools on surrounding communities. The event concluded with a showcase held at DESS, where student teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges from different backgrounds. Presentations were evaluated based on innovation, collaboration, and the practical application of sustainable principles. 'Partnering with Atkins Realis for the School of the Future Competition has been a powerful opportunity to bring industry and education together,' said Laura Reidy, Head of Information, Advice and Guidance, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS). 'Our students were inspired by the challenge to think big, design boldly, and reimagine what learning could look like for future generations. We're proud to be part of a collaboration that champions innovation, sustainability, and student voices.' With growing interest across the region, AtkinsRéalis plans to continue expanding the initiative to reach more schools and students in the Middle East. The initiative aligns with the company's long-term sustainability strategy and contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on education and sustainable communities. For more information about the School of the Future, visit


Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
AtkinsRéalis Expands Award-Winning School of the Future Initiative Across UAE Schools - Middle East Business News and Information
AtkinsRéalis (TSX: ATRL), a world-class design, engineering services and nuclear company, has expanded its School of the Future initiative for the second consecutive year in the UAE. The initiative, which introduces students to sustainability, engineering, and technology through experiential learning, brought together participants from four leading schools for the 2025 finals held at Dubai English Speaking College (DESS) on 14 May. Originally launched in the UK, the School of the Future engages students aged 14 to 16 in designing sustainable school campuses. This year's UAE edition welcomed teams from Repton School, Jumeirah College, JESS Dubai, and Dubai English Speaking College (DESS). The initiative challenges students to think critically about environmental, social, and technological aspects of sustainability while encouraging them to create forward-thinking campus concepts built for the future. 'As this initiative continues to grow year on year, we are proud to see the strong interest and engagement from both students and educators alike in the UAE,' said Campbell Gray, CEO, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis. 'By expanding the programme across more schools in the region, we hope to continue strengthening the link between industry and education by helping young people become future-ready leaders in sustainability and innovation.' Throughout this project, students were mentored by AtkinsRéalis STEM Ambassadors and guided through a multi-dimensional learning journey. Teams developed sustainable, data-driven design proposals by leveraging AI and prioritised renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and water conservation, while also considering the social impact of their schools on surrounding communities. The event concluded with a showcase held at DESS, where student teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges from different backgrounds. Presentations were evaluated based on innovation, collaboration, and the practical application of sustainable principles. 'Partnering with Atkins Realis for the School of the Future Competition has been a powerful opportunity to bring industry and education together,' said Laura Reidy, Head of Information, Advice and Guidance, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS). 'Our students were inspired by the challenge to think big, design boldly, and reimagine what learning could look like for future generations. We're proud to be part of a collaboration that champions innovation, sustainability, and student voices.' With growing interest across the region, AtkinsRéalis plans to continue expanding the initiative to reach more schools and students in the Middle East. The initiative aligns with the company's long-term sustainability strategy and contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on education and sustainable communities.


RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
An Post switching fleet of HGVs to fossil free fuel to cut emissions
An Post is switching its national fleet of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil to cut carbon emissions. The postal service currently has more than 200 HGVs in operation and is changing to fossil free fuel to support its 50% emissions reduction target by the end of this year. HVO is a renewable, fossil-free fuel produced from waste materials including used cooking oil, it delivers up to 90% fewer emissions than conventional diesel per litre, and requires no vehicle modifications. The move from diesel to HVO is expected to eliminate 6,000 tonnes of CO₂ from An Post's operations annually. That's the equivalent of removing 1,300 diesel cars from Ireland's roads or planting more than 300,000 trees each year. "We're designing Ireland's mails and parcels infrastructure for the future, to support Irish business for generations to come, and our commitment to halving carbon emissions by the end of 2025 and achieving net zero by 2030 is at the heart of this," said Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels. An Post's 2024 Sustainability Report shows that 39.8% of the company's entire fleet now runs on alternative fuels, including HVO and EVs. "This marks a watershed moment for An Post and sustainable transport in Ireland," said Owen Keogh, Head of Sustainability at An Post. "The HVO rollout means we can deliver measurable climate impact nationwide — while simultaneously building the infrastructure and mindset essential for net zero success," he said. "Our progress is down to a continued investment in our fleet, our shift to alternative fuels and enabled by the exceptional colleagues who manage and operate our fleet on a daily basis." An Post is building on its successful trials of HVO in Galway and Cork, which it said delivered massively reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency compared to diesel. To support this nationwide implementation, An Post has invested €360,000 in dedicated HVO fuelling infrastructure at its Dublin, Portlaoise and Athlone Mail Centres. An Post was recently ranked 4th in the world by the International Postal Corporation for sustainability performance and continues to serve as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Ambassador for Ireland.


Scoop
3 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
UC Rises To 61st In The World For Global Impact
The latest results of the THE Impact Rankings, released today, confirm Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)'s growing reputation as a globally impactful institution committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Out of more than 2,500 participating universities worldwide, UC has climbed 28 places from its previous position of 89 – affirming its leadership in research, teaching, and community engagement that drives sustainable development. Demonstrating the University's strength in research and teaching that addresses real-world challenges, UC achieved standout global positions: 14th for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and 22nd for Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). UC is the top-ranked university in New Zealand for three SDGs: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 14: Life Below Water 'These results reflect the University's deep commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,' says Professor Jan Evans-Freeman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sustainability. The University has various research groups and centres tackling global issues, including the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, QuakeCoRE and the Institute of Law, Emergencies and Disasters. 'Research plays a pivotal role in addressing the world's most urgent challenges,' says Professor Lucy Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation. 'Our strong performance in the THE Impact Rankings reflects the depth and relevance of our research and reinforces our responsibility to generate knowledge that informs and transforms communities, both locally and globally.' Sustainability is embedded across UC's academic programmes. Students engage with the SDGs through a range of qualifications, including the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability and the Master's in Disaster Risk and Resilience, alongside a broad array of majors, minors, and courses that address complex global challenges. UC is proud to be hosting the United Nations8th Adaptation Futures Conferencelater this year, helping position Oceania and Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront of climate adaptation and allowing our people to demonstrate thought leadership while benefiting from high-level knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration opportunities created by this event.


The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
MBSA offers free petrol to motorcyclists as part of 25th anniversary
SHAH ALAM: Hundreds of motorcyclists in Shah Alam were given free fuel as the city council marked its 25th anniversary with a community outreach initiative aimed at easing the burden of rising living costs. The initiative, dubbed Jom Isi Minyak Motosikal Percuma (Let's Fill Up for Free), was organised by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and saw 500 riders receive RM10 worth of petrol each at a Petronas station in Section 15. The one-day event targeted food delivery riders, public sector workers, factory staff and students, groups that frequently rely on motorcycles for their daily transportation. MBSA's Community Development Department chairman Shahrin Ahmad said the effort was part of a broader commitment to building stronger community ties and supporting vulnerable segments of society. 'This is more than just a handout, it's about connection and compassion. It reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering unity and building an inclusive city,' he told reporters at the event here today. Shahrin added that the programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), underscoring MBSA's ambition to be a socially conscious local authority. For many, the gesture had a practical impact. Mohd Sidek Asmoin, 40, a food delivery rider, said the assistance, though modest, was significant. 'It may not sound like much, but for someone like me who depends on petrol daily, it helps. I hope more councils follow MBSA's lead and come closer to the ground to understand what communities are facing,' he said. Senior MBSA officials, councillors and representatives from the Selangor Road Transport Department, including deputy director Datuk Ahmad Kamarunzaman Mehat, were present to assist riders and interact with the public. Other community-focused initiatives planned as part of MBSA's Silver Jubilee celebrations include the distribution of mobility aids and a public competition to design a commemorative logo and slogan.