MTO
Sustainability Goals and Achievements
MTO Shahmaghsoudi has identified four primary sustainability goals, corresponding to key UN Sustainability Development Goals, tailored to reflect the various contexts that MTO centers operate within around the world.
Our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the United Nations adopted a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by all stakeholders in a global partnership. The goals recognize that strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, spur economic growth, tackle climate change and preserve the environment go hand in hand.
Regardless of size or designation, any organization can and should strive to achieve these important goals. With centers around the world, the Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi (MTO) Shahmaghsoudi School of Islamic Sufism has proudly worked toward such goals, in collaboration with local communities, organizations, and charities aimed at supporting community wellbeing and environmental solutions.
Each MTO center operates in line with our four sustainability goals, focusing on making environmentally conscious decisions that benefit local communities and the planet.
Our 4 primary sustainability goals:
Our activities
Green buildings are critical components of sustainable cities and communities. They produce fewer emissions, are more resilient to the effects of climate change, limit wasted resources, and can enhance biodiversity.
MTO is working to ensure its centers and buildings secure leading sustainability certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, Passive House, and the Living Building Challenge.
Our Timeline
MTO commits to: Tripling the number of centers with certification by 2030 as well as increased carbon neutrality by 2030, through reducing emissions.
Our activities
Investing in solar power, improving energy productivity, and ensuring energy for all is vital for our planet and society to thrive. MTO is committed to clean and more efficient sources of energy.
Our Timeline
MTO commits to continued investment in solar energy as well as reduced electricity use through energy efficient appliances and lighting.
Our activities
MTO is committed to eco-friendly production and consumption practices, waste reduction, and recycling.
Our Timeline
MTO is committed to reducing its waste.
Our activities
Increased and strengthened collaboration amongst government, the international community, civil society, and the private sector is critical to achieving sustainability. MTO is working in collaboration through partnerships with local organizations, municipalities and charities aimed at supporting community and environmental wellbeing.
Our Timeline
MTO commits each of its centers to develop strong partnerships with local communities, organizations, and governments.
Certifications and Green Energy
We currently operate towards better sustainable design practises in line with BREEAM®, LEED® and Green Star frameworks towards our goal of sustainable structures and sites. Two of our centers – Houston and Düsseldorf – have achieved LEED® Silver certification with five other centers currently in progress.
The Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO (MACS), located in Chatou, France, made significant renovations to its historical building to achieve LEED Silver certification. The Museum utilizes solar power, water irrigation and sustainable materials in its operations. In line with Sufi values and respect for the environment, the green space offered by the Museum’s garden is irrigated by 18 rainwater containers and powered by 52 solar panels.
With renewable energy key to sustainability, we have over 950 solar panels installed across eight centers globally. Our Houston site has a 94.1 K Watt solar system that comprises 260 solar panels covering 4,615 square feet, supplying 98% of annual electric use to the center. In Europe, we have over 150 solar panels in our Düsseldorf, Paris and Chatou sites supplying the buildings generating our own renewable electricity.
Community Support
In North America we maintain a vast amount of green space which benefits the local community and wildlife. In our efforts towards responsible consumption, our Houston center collects rainwater in underground tanks which is returned to the city’s pipelines. We are currently planning a system to reclaim storm water quickly from these underground tanks to mitigate regular flood risks in Houston, Texas.
We recognize the urgency of climate change and the level of collaboration needed to bring about lasting change. We regularly partner with local charities, municipalities and community organisations. Each of our centers is actively building community partnerships. If you are interested in partnering with us, please get in touch.