Integrating sustainability into higher education challenges and opportunities for universities worldwide.

This paper undertakes a comprehensive investigation into incorporating sustainability within higher education, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Utilizing quantitative and qualitative research methods, our study delves into the status quo, methodologies, and impacts of sustainability education across a spectrum of international and local settings, with a specific lens on the United Arab Emirates. Our analysis spans various topics, from best practices in sustainability integration and educational frameworks to the influence of global initiatives like the Impact Ranking on promoting SDG-aligned transformations within academic institutions. Highlighting case studies from the UAE, we provide concrete evidence of successful sustainability strategies and interventions. These are juxtaposed with a global overview that uncovers the varying challenges and opportunities present in implementing sustainability education worldwide. Among our key findings is the essential role of interdisciplinary approaches and the critical need for active faculty involvement in fostering sustainability education. Drawing from a rich compilation of data and narratives, the paper presents a set of strategic recommendations designed to enhance the efficacy and reach of sustainability education. These recommendations are informed by the challenges observed and the success stories identified during our investigation. Ultimately, our research underscores the indispensable role that higher education plays in preparing future generations to navigate and address the complexities of sustainability challenges effectively.

The role of biofuels for sustainable MicrogridsF: A path towards carbon neutrality and the green economy.

Today, with the progress of technology, the world is facing an increasing growth in power consumption. Since the fuel of most power plants is supplied from fossil fuels, it has caused an increase in global fossil fuel consumption and environmental degradation. ّFurthermore, the volatility of fossil fuel prices and unstable energy security have prompted international organizations and governments to apply policies to restrict fossil fuel use and examine alternatives to fossil fuels. Since biofuels come from renewable sources and are clean fuels, they can be an appropriate alternative to fossil fuels and play a more expansive role in supplying energy for transportation industries, power plants, and heat production systems. Although there is some research about the drawbacks of using fossil fuels and the commendation of using biofuels in various industries such as transportation, the literature lacks a comprehensive study on the evaluation and analysis of the potential of using biofuels instead of conventional fuels in power generation systems. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of utilizing biofuels instead of fossil fuels in microgrids to achieve carbon neutrality objectives. Furthermore, this paper reviews previous research studies that have operated biofuels in three categories: solid, liquid, and gas, to generate electricity and analyzes the potential of different biofuels to produce heat and electricity for microgrid power systems. In addition to outlining the present knowledge gaps in this area, this study explores the prospects and threats associated with expanding the use of biofuels in the power production industry and the development of sustainable microgrids. This study indicated that if the technical and economic problems of employing biofuels are overcome, these clean fuels have a great potential to obtain the maximum share of the global power generation market and move toward Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) goals.