From Grassroots to Groundbreaking: The Carboun Story

The roots of the Carboun Institute can be traced back to 2009 when the Carboun Initiative was founded in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established as a volunteer-based, not-for-profit advocacy initiative, Carboun set out with a clear mission: to promote sustainable cities in the Middle East and North Africa region. The initiative focused on the built environment and urban systems, advocating for a balanced approach to development that considered economic growth alongside environmental impact and resource conservation. Over the years, Carboun became a respected voice in the region, known for its online journal and social media outlets which shared insights and analysis on urban sustainability across various sectors including energy use, water management, sustainable design, transportation, and climate change resilience.

For 15 years, the Carboun Initiative operated as a grassroots organization, driven by the passion and dedication of its volunteers. It engaged in numerous regional and national-level projects, tackling issues such as energy use in buildings, carbon emissions, and the impact of climate change on the region. Throughout its journey, the initiative collaborated with many partners across the region, amplifying its impact and reach. The Carboun Initiative's expertise was regularly sought after by mainstream media, with its representatives frequently interviewed and quoted on matters of urban sustainability and climate action. This recognition, coupled with its commitment to sustainable urban development, earned the initiative an membership in Climate Action Network International (CAN International), further solidifying its role in the global conversation on climate action and urban sustainability.

In 2024, recognizing the growing need for more comprehensive and specialized research on climate and energy policy in the Middle East and North Africa region, the Carboun Initiative evolved into the Carboun Institute. This transformation from a volunteer-based initiative to a fully-fledged not-for-profit think tank marked a significant milestone in Carboun's journey. As part of this evolution, all activities previously conducted under the Carboun Initiative are now integrated into and operated under the umbrella of the Carboun Institute. While maintaining its commitment to sustainability, the Institute has expanded its scope to become the region's first independent climate and energy policy think tank. This evolution allows the Carboun Institute to build on the strong foundation laid by the Carboun Initiative, leveraging its 15-year legacy of advocacy and expertise to drive evidence-based policy changes and foster regional collaboration on critical climate and energy issues.