Al-Qasim Green University

Al-Qasim Green University is a relatively young institution having been established in 2012. It is located in Al-Qasim in the Babil province, around 80 miles south of Baghdad in Iraq.

It was started as part of a higher education ministry plan to create specialised institutions to drive development in Iraq’s regions.

It was initially called Al-Qasim Al-Khadra University. It started with faculties of agriculture and veterinary science from the nearby University of Babylon, along with newly-formed schools of biotechnology; food science; environmental science and water resource engineering.

The idea of it becoming Iraq’s Green university was founded on its location in the Euphrates region, where agriculture and animal husbandry are significant local industries.

It seeks to be “one of the leading local, regional and international universities in exploration, education and scientific research in terms of applying international standards in knowledge, education, scientific research and community service.”

Its purpose-built campus is on a 100 hectare site which was formerly a brickworks. The architects referenced this in using brick as the main material for buildings which are arranged "as an ancient town" with major structures like the presidency, library, mosque and auditorium at the centre. The presidency was the first LEED Gold Standard building in Iraq, while campus transport is provided by electric vehicles and rented bikes.

Two further colleges - science and physical education and sports science - have been added to the original six. The Center for Teaching the Noble Qur’an is also one of the new centres at the university.