Sustainability at Ajman University

Welcome to Ajman University's Office of Sustainability

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Established 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:

  • Environment: Promoting sustainable commuting options, minimizing waste and maximizing resource recovery, and protecting and restoring our natural environment.

  • Society: Integrating sustainability principles into teaching and learning, empowering future generations, and building a vibrant culture of sustainability within the Ajman University community.

  • 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.

 

Highlights

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AU joins International sustainable campus network (ISCN)

ISCN is a prestigious organization that supports leading universities around the world in integrating sustainability into their core functions, including operations, research, and teaching.

AU co-leads the UAE Universities Climate Network

The Universities Climate Network (UCN) comprises 35 UAE-based universities and higher education institutions working together to drive engagement among youth and academia.

AU Launches the AU Wellbeing Program, Prioritizing Employee Health and Connection

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.

AU Delegates Complete Ajman Sustainability Program

Ajman Sustainability Program consisted of a 5 days training session on developing successful social and sustainable initiatives

AU launches the MENA Climate Solutions Research Network along with UCN

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."

AU Leads the COP28 UCN's Green Skills Thematic Group

Leading the Charge in Green Job Skills Development – COP28 UCN Thematic Group

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security Program

Plantable Pencils and Pots: Promoting sustainable agriculture and food security among AU Community members

AU launches Health and Safety Program

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.

Fostering Feline Health and Supporting Biodiversity: The Cat Wellbeing Program

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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Sustainability Committee

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.

Sustainability Manager

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.

AU Fundraising Policy and Guidelines

All AU fundraising activities are executed in an appropriate and sustainable manner based on consultation with, and authorization from the right AU constituencies.

Energy Conservation

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.

Water Conservation

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.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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.

One-Stop Shopping

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.

"A Tree to Set Them Free" Project

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!

Energy and Water Utilization Efficiency

Ajman University promotes efficiency in the utilization of energy and water.

Digitalization

Ajman University (AU) has adopted digitalization since 2018 to improve the quality of business operations, to reduce cost and to reduce its carbon footprint.

Sustainable Investment Policy

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.

Sustainability Clubs

These clubs aim to strengthen the students’ leadership in raising awareness and tackling issues of sustainability.

"Say No to Plastic" Campaign

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.

Eco-Marketing Makeover: Ajman University's Green Initiative

Ajman University's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility extends to its marketing materials

Solar Decathlon: A Beacon of Sustainability

Ajman University's commitment to renewable energy and community engagement is evident through on-campus solar panels.

Electric Vehicle Chargers

Ajman University Partners with Etisalat E&A to Launch Electric Vehicle Chargers: A Milestone in Sustainability.

Solar Hydroponic Net House

Ajman University Paves the Way for Sustainable Agriculture in the UAE

Solar Powered Lighting System

Ajman University Blazes a Sustainable Path with Solar Powered Parking Lights

COMMUNITY

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Climate Ambassadors Program

Ajman University Students Lead the Way as Climate Ambassadors

AquaGreen's Sustainable Home

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.

Mobile Dental Clinic

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.

Sustainable Transportation

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.

Carbon Emissions Reduction

Ajman University’s Climate & Sustainability Strategy 2022-2030 highlights its commitment to drive climate action goals in line with the UAE Green Agenda

Development Sessions and Events

Offering continuous learning and development opportunities for all AU community members is the ultimate goal of the Office of Sustainability in particular.

AU Participation at COP28

Ajman University actively participated at COP28 with over 16 sessions, 210 volunteers, 450 participants from AU community and over 500 session attendees.

Mangrove Planting Project

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.

Sustainability Lifelong Learning

Ajman University offers lifelong learning opportunities focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: Environmental (Earth systems), Social (Human Welfare), and Economic (Levers of opportunity).

Greening Communities

Ajman University is keen on greening the nearby communities by hosting beach/ desert/ mangrove clean-up campaigns and planting Ghaf trees and mangroves.

Supplier ESG Assessment

Ajman University: Leading the Way in Sustainable Procurement through ESG Assessment of its suppliers

Assessment of Sustainability Literacy

Building a Sustainability-Savvy Community: Ajman University's Assessment Approach to Sustainability Literacy

CLASSROOMS

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Smart Classrooms

Standard classroom configurations and equipment at AU are being systematically replaced by IT solutions. More than 30 percent of classrooms have transitioned.

Simulated Labs

The use of simulated patients in medical education improves human safety and increases environmental sustainability.

E-textbooks

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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International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)

ISCN is a prestigious organization that supports leading universities around the world in integrating sustainability into their core functions, including operations, research, and teaching.

“Nature Positive Alliance” with the University of Oxford and the UN Environment Program (UNEP)

A Global Force for Nature: The Nature Positive Universities Alliance

UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI)

Forging a Sustainable Future: The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI)

Greenpeace MENA

Ajman University and Greenpeace Join Forces for a Sustainable Future by launching the UAE Wellbeing Economy Award

Greening Education Partnership

Cultivating a Sustainable Future: The Power of Greening Education

The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education (EAUC)

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.

United Nations’ Environment Program Race to Net Zero for Universities

The Global Sprint: Race to Zero and the Quest for a Carbon-Neutral Future

International Society of Sustainability Professionals

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)

Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability.

The SDG Accord

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.

Emirates Environmental Group (EEG)

A Driving Force for Environmental Change: The Emirates Environmental Group

Environment Center for Arab Towns (ECAT)

Fostering Environmental Solutions and Collaboration: The ECAT Initiative in Arab Towns

BEEAH Group

Ajman University and BEEAH Education Partner to Empower Sustainability Leaders

COP28 Universities Climate Network

UAE Youths Take Center Stage: Ajman University Joins COP28 Universities Climate Network

COY 18 UAE Knowledge Partner

AU and COY18 UAE: A Collaborative Springboard for Youth Climate Leaders

Emirates Higher Education Safety Professionals Network (EHSPN)

Ajman University Strengthens Safety Through EHSPN Membership

Emirates Green Building Council

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.

Sustainable Campus Initiative with EAD

Empowering Youth for a Sustainable UAE: The Sustainable Campus Initiative

Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

Ajman University: Championing a Sustainable Future Through Climate Action Consultations with Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

Emirates Municipal Environmental Council

Ajman University: A Key Player in Environmental Progress Through Team Contributions in the taskforces under Emirates Municipal Environmental Council

Resources

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Guides and Documents

A list of useful references to enrich sustainability knowledge and literacy

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