• Sustainable Investment Policy
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Sustainable Investment Policy

Date Adopted: July 2019
Last Reviewed:May 2024
Version: 2
Approved by: Founding Body of the University
City of Karbala, Republic of Iraq

1. Background

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (PBUH), under the guidance of the Holy Hussainiya Shrine, recognises the profound link between financial stewardship and environmental responsibility.
As part of its Climate Action and Sustainability Policy framework, the university commits to ethical investment practices that support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

2. Purpose

This policy ensures that all university-related financial decisions actively contribute to environmental sustainability, social development, and long-term institutional resilience.
It guides responsible allocation of funds to green and ethical initiatives while reducing exposure to carbon-intensive sectors.

3. Policy Commitments

3.1 Ethical and Responsible Finance

• All investment and funding activities must align with the university’s environmental and social responsibility values.
• The university prioritises projects that support education, research, renewable-energy development, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Preference is given to partners and suppliers who demonstrate measurable commitments to sustainability.

3.2 Investment in Sustainability

• Funds are directed towards initiatives that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy generation (solar, biodiesel, hybrid systems), water conservation, and digitalisation.
• Support is provided for student- and faculty-led sustainability projects that contribute to SDGs 7, 12, and 13.
• Collaborative partnerships are encouraged to leverage external resources for green development.

3.3 Monitoring and Review

• The Sustainability Council, in coordination with the Finance Department, monitors implementation and progress.
• The policy is reviewed every two years or earlier if required by the Founding Body.

4. Divestment from Carbon-Intensive Energy Industries

4.1 Scope

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa commits to progressively divesting from carbon-intensive industries, especially coal and oil, across all relevant operational and financial domains, including:

• Energy Procurement: Transitioning towards renewable electricity and biofuels; minimising diesel generator reliance.
• Physical Infrastructure & Equipment: Preferring low-emission, energy-efficient systems and materials in all procurement.
• Transportation and Logistics: Prioritising electric or hybrid vehicles and phasing out high-emission fleet components.

4.2 Targets and Timeline

• By 2028, the university aims to achieve 75 % divestment from carbon-intensive sources within the areas above.
• In 2024, an estimated 40 % of campus energy and operational expenditure was already directed towards low-carbon alternatives (solar power, biodiesel, and efficiency upgrades).
• The remaining 25 % transition will focus on further electrification of the vehicle fleet and phasing out diesel-based systems.

4.3 Governance

Progress towards the divestment target will be reported annually through the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Footprint Report and evaluated under the university’s Sustainable Procurement Policy.

5. Long-Term Commitment

By integrating ethical investment, low-carbon transition, and social responsibility, the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa seeks to demonstrate a holistic model of financial stewardship that benefits the environment, the community, and future generations.