Introduction
At the American University of the Middle East (AUM), we wholeheartedly acknowledge the profound significance of promoting sustainability and embracing environmental responsibility not only within our campus but also as conscientious contributors to the broader region. As stewards of the earth, we hold ourselves accountable to safeguarding its precious natural resources and endeavour to protect and nurture the environment for current and future generations.
We take pride in our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and aspire to be exemplars in the pursuit of environmental consciousness. Thus, we pledge to take decisive and tangible actions across all facets of our operations to foster a culture of sustainability at AUM.
Principles
Our sustainability and climate action policy is based on the following principles:
1. Environmental Awareness and Leading by Example: We continuously foster awareness of environmental issues among our university community, promoting education on sustainability and the adoption of eco-friendly practices across our green campus.
2. Sustainable Construction: We consider sustainable design principles in the construction and renovation of our facilities, using materials and techniques that minimize environmental impact.
3. Energy Efficiency: We seek to improve continuously energy efficiency in our facilities, by investing in technologies and practices that reduce energy consumption and by promoting the use of renewable energy sources whenever possible.
4. Commitment to a net zero year target year: In terms of carbon emissions, we will commit to a net zero-year target in 2034 and we will track the progress yearly.
5. Water Conservation: We implement strategies to conserve and use water responsibly, mindful of the scarcity of water resources in the region.
6. Waste Management: We implement recycling and proper waste management programs to reduce our environmental footprint and minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills.
7. Sustainable Transportation: We promote the use of sustainable transportation modes, such as public transportation, electrical vehicle stations and carpooling, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with commuting to campus.
8. Sustainable Procurement and Purchasing: We promote sustainable procurement on campus as part of our dedication to making sustainable choices in our procurement processes, contributing positively to our campus and the broader community.
9. Curriculum Integration: We will incentivize the integration of sustainability-related topics into the curriculum and student competitions, so our students are equipped with the necessary knowledge to address environmental challenges in the future.
10. Community Engagement: We will collaborate with the local and international community to promote sustainability and engage in community service initiatives that have a positive impact on the environment.
Integration into the Curriculum
We recognize the importance of integrating sustainability topics into the curriculum to educate a generation of professionals committed to sustainable development. We will work collaboratively with faculty and experts to identify opportunities for incorporating environmental and social themes into academic programs.
Community Engagement and Communication
We value the active participation of our university community and society at large in the development and implementation of sustainable initiatives.
This sustainability and climate action policy is an ongoing commitment of AUM to be a leader in sustainability in the region and work together with our community to protect the environment for future generations.