As a living lab, KAUST researches, funds, tests, and implements in-house sustainable technologies while welcoming external collaborators and other stakeholders to participate in this rich ecosystem.
A TESTBED FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Our campus serves as a dynamic testbed, harnessing the power of applied research to address real-world sustainability challenges. At KAUST, we leverage our unique campus and community ecosystem, defined by its controlled, small-scale urban setting, to incubate innovative ideas and market solutions. We aim to model sustainable solutions that can be scaled up to benefit larger city systems, creating a bridge between academic research and tangible, sustainable operations and thus integrating sustainability into every facet of our lives and surroundings.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD SOLUTIONS THROUGH ALGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
“Development of Algal Biotechnology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” (DABKSA) project is a collaboration between KAUST and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA). Hosted at the KAUST Research and Technology Park, DABKSA leverages microalgae’s ability to consume pollutants, and thrive in seawater to achieve new strides in algal technologies, offering an eco-friendly solution to biomass production for animal feed.
ADVANCING GEOTHERMAL FRONTIERS
In collaboration with TAQA Geothermal Energy Company, KAUST is initiating a groundbreaking project on geothermal energy by drilling a 400 m deep observatory and monitoring well on its campus, to gather vital data to inform future geothermal wells.
REVOLUTIONIZING CAMPUS TRANSIT
The Sustainable Green Hydrogen Mobility Platform with its state-of-the-art high-capacity hydrogen compressors and extensive storage facilities, aims to electrify the campus transportation system by converting all buses to run on green hydrogen, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
A BACKYARD SEA AS AN OPEN LAB
In a novel approach to coral preservation and restoration, KAUST opened in 2021 the world’s first coral probiotic village, in the Red Sea. The RSRC Coral Probiotics Village is a permanent natural laboratory designed for coral reef research. Learn more about this research here.
Explore other KAUST Living Lab Projects
CLIMATE-SMART COOLING FOR ENHANCED ENERGY EFFICIENCY
KAUST Cooling Initiative, strategically targeting the pressing need for highly efficient, sustainable cooling solutions in Saudi Arabia, harnesses innovative techniques that could pave the way for significant electricity savings. Upon lab-based experiments resulting in significant AC electricity savings, the same technologies have been applied in KAUST two-bedroom villas to demonstrate the cooling performance.
CONTRIBUTING TO URBAN AIR QUALITY MONITORING
To tackle the pressing issue of urban air pollution, KAUST has developed an innovative air quality monitoring system that is attached to the campus buses, merging the traditional stationary monitors with mobile sensors. The project offers a detailed and dynamic picture of urban air quality trends by leveraging cloud-connected sensors to provide real-time data, which are processed and visualized through an intuitive dashboard.
SUSTAINABLE, SMART LIVING
The Smart House is a joint venture between several other teams at KAUST to design and construct a livable smart home that showcases advanced domestic solutions that enhance home living. These smart solutions include renewable energy integration, wastewater reuse, accessible living spaces, digital integration, drinking water production, etc.
DELIVERING THE FUTURE
KAUST Smart is evaluating on-campus delivery of goods and packages using drones and electric autonomous vehicles, both of which may significantly reduce costs, traffic loads, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
ACCELERATING DRIVERLESS MOBILITY
What will mobility look like in tomorrow’s cities? We are heading toward the answers by testing and implementing innovative commuting experiences, including autonomous self-driving shuttles and bus stops that combine sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity, and smart technology.
