On Wednesday, February 15th, the Facilities Management Open Day welcomed over 300 attendees from the KAUST community to an engaging and educational event that highlighted the essential services behind KAUST’s seamless operations. Held at Discovery Square, the event showcased how Facilities Management contributes to our community well-being.
The day began with attendees receiving an FM Open Day passport, guiding them through a series of interactive booths designed to demonstrate the inner workings of Facilities Management. From energy and water management to maintenance and community services, each booth provided insights into how KAUST operates to maintain its local community.
The Utilities Services booth drew significant interest, explaining how critical systems like the wastewater treatment plant, chilled water plant, and seawater reverse osmosis work to optimize energy use and resource efficiency. Visitors learned about the complexities of KAUST’s electrical power distribution system and energy management strategies to save power at home.
A highlight of the event was the showcase of a potential solar farm project using KAUST as an example. Attendees were introduced to the concept of renewable energy and how it supports the energy diversification of an electricity grid. The exhibit explained the environmental and operational benefits of integrating solar energy, sparking meaningful discussions on the future of sustainable energy integration in urban areas.
At the Operations & Building Management Services booth, attendees were captivated by a demonstration of the IKAS control room, where campus-wide systems are monitored in real time. From switching off lights remotely to managing fire alarms, the booth highlighted how technology enables energy conservation and safety on campus.
Families enjoyed painting walls at the Community Maintenance booth and building Lego projects at the Planning, Design, Engineer & Construction (PDE&C) booth, offering a hands-on perspective of KAUST’s maintenance and construction initiatives.
The Janitorial booth and City Cleaning and Waste Management booth emphasized sustainability through waste segregation and recycling, with exhibits showcasing reusable materials and practical steps households can take to reduce waste.
The Open Day demonstrated the critical role Facilities Management plays in ensuring the smooth operation of KAUST while fostering a deeper awareness of sustainability practices among the community. Events like this underscore KAUST’s commitment to showcase operational excellence and raise awareness on sustainable resource management, in line with SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 7, Clean and Affordable Energy; SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities; and SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.
