NU's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Vision: To be a leading institution in promoting sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, contributing to the well-being of society and the environment.
Mission: To integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of campus life, ensuring that education, research, and community engagement align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mission: To integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of campus life, ensuring that education, research, and community engagement align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Provide affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy access for everyone.
Our goals in action
Nazarbayev University is fully committed to advancing SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy – by integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy innovation, and climate-conscious development across research, infrastructure, education, and public policy. The university approaches this goal systemically, combining evidence-based planning, technical expertise, and real-world implementation to contribute meaningfully to Kazakhstan’s national targets for carbon neutrality by 2060 and a more sustainable energy future for Central Asia.
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of NU’s sustainability strategy. Through the rigorous application of national construction codes and engineering standards, the university ensures that all new buildings and major renovations are designed with energy-saving principles in mind. Smart HVAC systems, thermal insulation, low-emissivity windows, and LED lighting are standard features, while energy audits and performance reviews are routinely conducted to identify areas of improvement. Retrofitting of existing buildings is underway, prioritizing cost-effective upgrades with measurable environmental benefits, including motion-sensor automation, zonal heating, and power management systems.
NU’s carbon management efforts are guided by a multi-year strategy that includes a fuel transition from diesel to natural gas, digital monitoring via real-time energy dashboards, and the implementation of solar thermal and hybrid heating technologies. The university’s Renewable Energy Test Site (RETS) plays a key role in both research and practical deployment. These initiatives are further supported by a formal energy efficiency plan, which outlines both short- and long-term targets to reduce overall consumption and environmental impact.
As part of its institutional values, NU is taking steps to align investment decisions with sustainability goals by fostering a responsible investment culture within its endowment and affiliated funds, and by promoting transparency around environmental risks and opportunities in energy-related ventures.
Beyond campus boundaries, NU acts as a catalyst for energy transformation in Kazakhstan. Through the Sustainability Living Lab (SLL) and partnerships with local industries, schools, and government agencies, the university provides hands-on education, training, and public engagement opportunities in clean energy. NU faculty and students contribute to renewable energy research at both national and international levels, offering expertise in solar, wind, battery storage, hydrogen, and smart grid technologies. These efforts are further strengthened by NU’s public advocacy for a future powered 100% by renewable energy.
Collaboration with local industry and government has also led to the university providing technical assistance, energy assessments, and policy recommendations across multiple sectors. Research centers such as the Laboratory of Environmental Systems and the Computational Materials Science Laboratory lead projects in carbon capture, hydrogen storage, and enhanced oil recovery, directly informing Kazakhstan’s climate policy and innovation agenda.
Finally, NU actively nurtures a culture of innovation by supporting student and faculty start-ups focused on sustainable energy solutions. Through its ABC Incubation program, the university provides training, prototyping support, and seed funding to early-stage ventures advancing low-carbon technologies. Successful pilot projects – such as the solar thermal heating system for residential buildings – serve as replicable models and policy tools for urban energy reform across Kazakhstan and beyond.
Through this integrated, multidimensional approach, Nazarbayev University positions itself as a leader in the regional clean energy transition and as a key knowledge partner in shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of NU’s sustainability strategy. Through the rigorous application of national construction codes and engineering standards, the university ensures that all new buildings and major renovations are designed with energy-saving principles in mind. Smart HVAC systems, thermal insulation, low-emissivity windows, and LED lighting are standard features, while energy audits and performance reviews are routinely conducted to identify areas of improvement. Retrofitting of existing buildings is underway, prioritizing cost-effective upgrades with measurable environmental benefits, including motion-sensor automation, zonal heating, and power management systems.
NU’s carbon management efforts are guided by a multi-year strategy that includes a fuel transition from diesel to natural gas, digital monitoring via real-time energy dashboards, and the implementation of solar thermal and hybrid heating technologies. The university’s Renewable Energy Test Site (RETS) plays a key role in both research and practical deployment. These initiatives are further supported by a formal energy efficiency plan, which outlines both short- and long-term targets to reduce overall consumption and environmental impact.
As part of its institutional values, NU is taking steps to align investment decisions with sustainability goals by fostering a responsible investment culture within its endowment and affiliated funds, and by promoting transparency around environmental risks and opportunities in energy-related ventures.
Beyond campus boundaries, NU acts as a catalyst for energy transformation in Kazakhstan. Through the Sustainability Living Lab (SLL) and partnerships with local industries, schools, and government agencies, the university provides hands-on education, training, and public engagement opportunities in clean energy. NU faculty and students contribute to renewable energy research at both national and international levels, offering expertise in solar, wind, battery storage, hydrogen, and smart grid technologies. These efforts are further strengthened by NU’s public advocacy for a future powered 100% by renewable energy.
Collaboration with local industry and government has also led to the university providing technical assistance, energy assessments, and policy recommendations across multiple sectors. Research centers such as the Laboratory of Environmental Systems and the Computational Materials Science Laboratory lead projects in carbon capture, hydrogen storage, and enhanced oil recovery, directly informing Kazakhstan’s climate policy and innovation agenda.
Finally, NU actively nurtures a culture of innovation by supporting student and faculty start-ups focused on sustainable energy solutions. Through its ABC Incubation program, the university provides training, prototyping support, and seed funding to early-stage ventures advancing low-carbon technologies. Successful pilot projects – such as the solar thermal heating system for residential buildings – serve as replicable models and policy tools for urban energy reform across Kazakhstan and beyond.
Through this integrated, multidimensional approach, Nazarbayev University positions itself as a leader in the regional clean energy transition and as a key knowledge partner in shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Research and innovation
Promoting Energy Efficiency
NU Climate Action Plan: Aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
Current Initiatives
Carbon reduction and emission reduction process: Developing and implementing processes for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions involves research into new technologies and innovative methods for cutting emissions.
Divestment policy: The decision to divest from carbon-intensive industries like coal and oil is often guided by research into sustainable investment practices and the exploration of alternative, cleaner energy sources.
Assistance to low-carbon innovation
Provide assistance for start-ups that foster and support a low-carbon economy or technology
Divestment policy: The decision to divest from carbon-intensive industries like coal and oil is often guided by research into sustainable investment practices and the exploration of alternative, cleaner energy sources.
Assistance to low-carbon innovation
Provide assistance for start-ups that foster and support a low-carbon economy or technology
Planned Initiatives
Teaching and student life
Renewable Energy Courses by Prof. Ton Duc Do offer an in-depth education on renewable energy technologies, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address pressing global energy challenges. These courses cover a broad spectrum of topics, including solar, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy systems, with a strong emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Prof. Do’s approach combines cutting-edge research, interactive teaching methods, and hands-on projects, enabling students to design, analyze, and optimize sustainable energy solutions. By fostering critical thinking and innovation, the courses prepare graduates to contribute to the transition toward clean energy systems and play active roles in combating climate change. Through this program, students are empowered to become leaders in the renewable energy sector, driving sustainable development on a global scale.
The Chevron University Partnership Program (UPP) is a transformative initiative designed to enhance clean energy education through comprehensive support for faculty, students, and academic institutions. By fostering faculty development, the program equips educators with the latest tools, resources, and knowledge in clean energy technologies, enabling them to deliver cutting-edge instruction and conduct impactful research. The UPP also invests in the creation of new academic programs that address emerging trends and challenges in the energy sector, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to lead in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Additionally, the program provides student scholarships, making clean energy education more accessible and encouraging a diverse and talented pool of future professionals. Through these efforts, the Chevron UPP strengthens the foundation of clean energy education, empowering students and faculty to contribute to global sustainability and innovation in energy solutions.
The Chevron University Partnership Program (UPP) is a transformative initiative designed to enhance clean energy education through comprehensive support for faculty, students, and academic institutions. By fostering faculty development, the program equips educators with the latest tools, resources, and knowledge in clean energy technologies, enabling them to deliver cutting-edge instruction and conduct impactful research. The UPP also invests in the creation of new academic programs that address emerging trends and challenges in the energy sector, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to lead in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Additionally, the program provides student scholarships, making clean energy education more accessible and encouraging a diverse and talented pool of future professionals. Through these efforts, the Chevron UPP strengthens the foundation of clean energy education, empowering students and faculty to contribute to global sustainability and innovation in energy solutions.
Energy-efficient renovation and building: Ensuring all renovations or new builds follow energy efficiency standards promotes the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in building construction and renovation.
Upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency: Upgrading existing buildings to higher energy efficiency is a direct action focused on improving the energy performance of facilities.
Plan to reduce energy consumption: Having an energy efficiency plan to reduce overall energy consumption aligns with the promotion of energy-saving practices and technologies.
Energy wastage identification: Undergoing energy reviews to identify areas where energy waste is highest directly contributes to efforts to optimize energy usage and reduce waste.
Energy efficiency services for industry: Provide direct services to local industry aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy (energy efficiency assessments, workshops, research renewable energy options).
Policy development for clean energy technology: Inform and support governments in clean energy and energy-efficient technology policy development.
Upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency: Upgrading existing buildings to higher energy efficiency is a direct action focused on improving the energy performance of facilities.
Plan to reduce energy consumption: Having an energy efficiency plan to reduce overall energy consumption aligns with the promotion of energy-saving practices and technologies.
Energy wastage identification: Undergoing energy reviews to identify areas where energy waste is highest directly contributes to efforts to optimize energy usage and reduce waste.
Energy efficiency services for industry: Provide direct services to local industry aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy (energy efficiency assessments, workshops, research renewable energy options).
Policy development for clean energy technology: Inform and support governments in clean energy and energy-efficient technology policy development.
Community impact
Sustainability Living Lab (SLL): The Sustainability Living Lab is a multifaceted program, which has a very broad impact on academic communities, with great potential for scaling up for a wider community. The program combines creativity, research and learning processes to solve real-life environmental problems. Here, university campuses serve as a living laboratory for students and faculty, where they test sustainable ideas and contribute to making the campuses a better place to study and live. The program supports projects in various areas such as energy, water, waste, transport, biodiversity conservation and sustainable food. The program allows participants to turn their theoretical knowledge into real projects and get invaluable life experience.
Local community outreach for energy efficiency: Provide programs for local community to learn about importance of energy efficiency and clean energy.
100% renewable energy pledge: Promote a public pledge toward 100% renewable energy beyond the university.
Local community outreach for energy efficiency: Provide programs for local community to learn about importance of energy efficiency and clean energy.
100% renewable energy pledge: Promote a public pledge toward 100% renewable energy beyond the university.
Energy use density
In 2024, the total energy consumption of Nazarbayev University and its campus amounted to 45,109,298.67 kWh.
The total floor space of the university buildings, including the entire campus, is 464,533.6070 square meters.