The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has concluded its first sustainable built environment outreach program. Led by the CSE’s Sustainable Built Environment Research and Education Lab (SBE), this emphasized the importance of relevant sustainability issues to Qatar’s schoolchildren.

The SBE Lab hosted students from schools across Qatar for a series of interactive sessions on ‘hot topics’ impacting the built environment. These include challenges posed by climate change and the growing importance of resource recycling. To assist, schoolchildren engaged with topics through a range of fun activities.  The message was nevertheless clear across each session: educating children plays a significant role in shaping a sustainable future. 

The SBE Lab represents the next generation of interdisciplinary education and research in environmental science, engineering and sustainability. It conducts multidisciplinary research on the complexities of the built environment and trains scientists to develop innovative solutions that optimize energy use, improve quality of life, and more. Community outreach also forms an important part of the SBE Lab’s activities, particularly when it comes to developing ‘sustainability advocates.’

Speaking after the final session, Dr. Sami Al-Ghamdi, assistant professor of sustainable development, CSE, said: “Our commitment to nurturing technically grounded leaders and innovators that serve societal needs starts at home. This necessitates the transfer of graduate-level research from academic environments into local communities. Doing so not only magnifies the impact of the SBE Lab’s work but also creates a broader sense of awareness regarding sustainability issues. These of course have a profound impact on children, up to and including the shaping of their future career paths. We hope these and further sessions reinforce the importance of a sustainable built environment now and in the future.”

CSE regularly holds events that reflect its research activities and interests. For more information, please visit cse.hbku.edu.qa