Welcome to Ajman University's Office of Sustainability
moreEstablished as the Office of Environmental Health and Safety in 2018 and then renamed to the Office of Sustainability in 2022, Ajman University's Office of Sustainability is a champion for a greener future. The office leads initiatives across a wide range of areas, tackling:
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Environment: Promoting sustainable commuting options, minimizing waste and maximizing resource recovery, and protecting and restoring our natural environment.
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Society: Integrating sustainability principles into teaching and learning, empowering future generations, and building a vibrant culture of sustainability within the Ajman University community.
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Economy: Driving innovation in sustainability solutions through research, and fostering practices that promote a healthy and prosperous future.
Vision: A National and Global Leader in Sustainable Practices
Ajman University's Office of Sustainability aspires to make the university a recognized leader in sustainable practices on a global scale. They envision a future where sustainability is not just a program, but a core value deeply embedded within the Ajman University community.
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Highlights
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ISCN is a prestigious organization that supports leading universities around the world in integrating sustainability into their core functions, including operations, research, and teaching.
The Universities Climate Network (UCN) comprises 35 UAE-based universities and higher education institutions working together to drive engagement among youth and academia.
Ajman University (AU) has taken a significant step in fostering employee wellness with the introduction of the AU Wellbeing Program, an initiative led by the Office of Human Resources.
Ajman Sustainability Program consisted of a 5 days training session on developing successful social and sustainable initiatives
The MENA Climate Solutions Research Network (MENA CSRN) was established by UCN and supported by the Climate Champions Team to tackle critical climate challenges within the MENA region by implementing solutions aligned with the "2030 Climate Solutions - Implementation Roadmap."
Leading the Charge in Green Job Skills Development – COP28 UCN Thematic Group
Plantable Pencils and Pots: Promoting sustainable agriculture and food security among AU Community members
Ajman University has launched an initiative to distribute compact first aid kits to all employees. The kits, thoughtfully designed to be accessible and portable, contain essential medical supplies to address minor injuries and ailments.
The Cat Wellbeing Program at Ajman University is an exciting initiative to promote the welfare of campus cats while promoting biodiversity and responsible pet ownership.
CAMPUS
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The Sustainability Committee was established with a multifaceted purpose aimed at driving positive change towards a more sustainable future. This includes providing high-level guidance and leadership on sustainability matters, fostering collaboration and integration of sustainability principles, and promoting innovation and action to reduce the University's environmental footprint.
Meet, Maya, the manager of the Office of Sustainability at Ajman University, who spearheads the University's environmental and social well-being by crafting a campus-wide sustainability plan, fostering awareness through educational initiatives, optimizing operations for reduced environmental impact, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating across departments to weave sustainability into academics, research, and campus life.
We aim to manage operations in ways that are environmentally conscious, economically feasible and socially responsible. AU’s Energy Conservation Policy shows how we are significantly reducing consumption.
Ajman University is conserving – and repurposing – water to keep our campus clean as well as green. Our sewage treatment and reverse osmosis facilities are leading the way every day.
Everyone at AU is encouraged to participate in recycling efforts by separating recyclable from non-recyclable materials -- and by placing recyclable materials in appropriately marked containers.
Student services at AU have been streamlined into one-stop online solutions. Automated processes reduce time and paper which, in turn, reduces costs and waste.
Two natural resources firmly rooted in AU -- alumni and trees -- are considered sustainable causes. And we've found a way to take care of both via one remarkable initiative!
Ajman University promotes efficiency in the utilization of energy and water.
Ajman University (AU) has adopted digitalization since 2018 to improve the quality of business operations, to reduce cost and to reduce its carbon footprint.
Ajman University is a socially responsible institution that promotes community engagement, environmental sustainability and global citizenship while supporting the needs and challenges of the local and global community.
All AU fundraising activities are executed in an appropriate and sustainable manner based on consultation with, and authorization from the right AU constituencies.
These clubs aim to strengthen the students’ leadership in raising awareness and tackling issues of sustainability.
In an ambitious stride toward sustainability, Ajman University took a resolute stand against the pervasive use of plastic bottles on campus by launching the "Say No to Plastic" campaign.
Ajman University's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility extends to its marketing materials
Ajman University's commitment to renewable energy and community engagement is evident through on-campus solar panels.
Ajman University Partners with Etisalat E&A to Launch Electric Vehicle Chargers: A Milestone in Sustainability.
Ajman University Paves the Way for Sustainable Agriculture in the UAE
Ajman University Blazes a Sustainable Path with Solar Powered Parking Lights
COMMUNITY
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Ajman University Students Lead the Way as Climate Ambassadors
The sustainable home built by AU's Team AquaGreen won top honors in two separate categories in the 2018 Solar Decathlon. The system they created resulted in 40-60% conservation of cooling energy in a cement home.
In 2018, AU rolled out a high-tech mobile clinic to deliver care to the doorsteps of underserved populations. The clinic improves public health while eliminating the need for many people to commute for care.
AU is committed to limiting the number of vehicles used on campus as well as in commuting. Initiatives implemented by Transportation Services have reduced carbon emissions and petrol usage.
Ajman University’s Climate & Sustainability Strategy 2022-2030 highlights its commitment to drive climate action goals in line with the UAE Green Agenda
Offering continuous learning and development opportunities for all AU community members is the ultimate goal of the Office of Sustainability in particular.
Ajman University actively participated at COP28 with over 16 sessions, 210 volunteers, 450 participants from AU community and over 500 session attendees.
Ajman University is part of the National Mangrove Planting Project, where all the trees planted will count towards the UAE's goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.
Ajman University offers lifelong learning opportunities focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: Environmental (Earth systems), Social (Human Welfare), and Economic (Levers of opportunity).
Ajman University is keen on greening the nearby communities by hosting beach/ desert/ mangrove clean-up campaigns and planting Ghaf trees and mangroves.
Ajman University: Leading the Way in Sustainable Procurement through ESG Assessment of its suppliers
Building a Sustainability-Savvy Community: Ajman University's Assessment Approach to Sustainability Literacy
CLASSROOMS
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Standard classroom configurations and equipment at AU are being systematically replaced by IT solutions. More than 30 percent of classrooms have transitioned.
The use of simulated patients in medical education improves human safety and increases environmental sustainability.
Since 2017, AU has been moving toward an all-electronic textbook environment. Digital publishing saves money as well as trees!
Partnerships
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ISCN is a prestigious organization that supports leading universities around the world in integrating sustainability into their core functions, including operations, research, and teaching.
A Global Force for Nature: The Nature Positive Universities Alliance
Forging a Sustainable Future: The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI)
Ajman University and Greenpeace Join Forces for a Sustainable Future by launching the UAE Wellbeing Economy Award
Cultivating a Sustainable Future: The Power of Greening Education
The EAUC is a prestigious global network, representing over 285 universities worldwide, including top institutions like the University of Oxford and Imperial College London. With a combined student body exceeding 4.5 million and a half-million strong faculty and staff, the EAUC is a powerful force for sustainability education.
The Global Sprint: Race to Zero and the Quest for a Carbon-Neutral Future
The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) is the world's leading network of sustainability specialists, devoted to bringing together professionals from diverse industries throughout the world.
Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability.
The purpose of the SDG Accord is to inspire, celebrate and advance the critical role that education has in delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the value the interlinked objectives bring to governments, businesses and wider society.
A Driving Force for Environmental Change: The Emirates Environmental Group
Fostering Environmental Solutions and Collaboration: The ECAT Initiative in Arab Towns
Ajman University and BEEAH Education Partner to Empower Sustainability Leaders
UAE Youths Take Center Stage: Ajman University Joins COP28 Universities Climate Network
AU and COY18 UAE: A Collaborative Springboard for Youth Climate Leaders
Ajman University Strengthens Safety Through EHSPN Membership
Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) is a non-governmental organization in the forefront of promoting and educating on sustainability in the built environment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider region.
Empowering Youth for a Sustainable UAE: The Sustainable Campus Initiative
Ajman University: Championing a Sustainable Future Through Climate Action Consultations with Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Ajman University: A Key Player in Environmental Progress Through Team Contributions in the taskforces under Emirates Municipal Environmental Council
Resources
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A list of useful references to enrich sustainability knowledge and literacy