Introduction to the Sustainability Committee
The world is facing significant environmental challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for global commitment to sustainable practices. Educational institutions are crucial in shaping a sustainable future for all. Acknowledging this duty, Ajman University is committed to promoting a culture of social and environmental responsibility within its community.
To support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UAE's Green Agenda, Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, and AU Climate and Sustainability Strategy 2022–2030, Ajman University has formed a Sustainability Committee. This committee acts as the focal point for organizing and supervising sustainability efforts throughout campus life. Chaired by the Chief Executive Officer, the Sustainability Committee brings together a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and alumni members. This collaborative approach ensures that sustainability is not just an isolated effort, but rather a deeply integrated value woven into the fabric of the University. The committee will implement the existing comprehensive sustainability strategy that fosters environmental responsibility, promotes social equity, and encourages sound economic practices across Ajman University's operations, academics, and student life. Through its leadership and guidance, the Sustainability Committee aims to empower the Ajman University community to become a driving force for positive change, contributing to a more sustainable future for the region and the world.
Purpose
Ajman University’s (AU) 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 (Environmental, social and economic) across the University, and promoting innovation and action to reduce the University's environmental footprint. Additionally, the committee will focus on educating and engaging the University community members, advocating for sustainability efforts with external stakeholders, and establishing a system for monitoring progress and reporting achievements. Through its comprehensive approach, the AU Sustainability Committee aims to empower the University community members to become leaders in sustainability, contributing to a more sustainable future for the region and the world.
Mandate
1- Strategic Oversight and Goal Setting:
- Review and provide recommendations for updates to the AU Climate and Sustainability Strategy 2022-2030, ensuring its alignment with best practices and emerging sustainability challenges.
- Develop measurable targets and a clear implementation plan for achieving the University's sustainability goals.
- Track progress towards achieving these goals and recommend adjustments to strategies as needed.
2- Sustainability Promotion and Initiatives:
- Identify and recommend opportunities for reducing Ajman University's environmental footprint, including energy use, water consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Promote sustainable practices across all University operations, including procurement, transportation, facilities management, catering, and landscaping.
- Encourage the integration of sustainability principles into academic curriculums, research projects, and student life activities.
- Foster collaboration and communication among colleges, offices, units, student clubs, and external partners on sustainability initiatives.
- Organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate the University community members about sustainability issues and solutions.
- Explore opportunities for collaboration with external partners on projects and initiatives related to sustainability.
3- Policy and Advocacy:
- Develop and recommend policies that incentivize sustainable practices and behaviors within the University community.
- Advocate for the university's sustainability efforts to external stakeholders, such as government agencies, community groups, and businesses.
- Represent Ajman University at relevant conferences, forums, and collaborations related to sustainability.
- Identify and recommend sustainable investment practices for the University.
- Develop mechanisms for integrating social equity considerations into the University's sustainability efforts.
4- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Establish a system for collecting and analyzing data on the University's sustainability performance, including progress on achieving goals and targets.
- Submit an annual report to the University's top management that summarizes the committee's activities, achievements, and recommendations.
- Regularly communicate progress on sustainability initiatives to the University community members through various channels.
5- Committee Composition
AU Sustainability Committee is comprised of a diverse and representative group as follows:
- Mr. Rabi Al Khofash, Chief Operating Officer, Office of Chief Operating Officer- Chair
- Ms. Maya Haddad, Sustainability Manager, Office of Sustainability - Member
- Dr. Taher Al Danaf, Head of Interior Design, College of Architecture, Art and Design - Member
- Dr. Sudhir Varma, College of Dentistry, Member
- Mr. Imran Masood, Senior Procurement Officer, Office of Procurement - Member
- Ms. Ikram Abdu, Administrative Assistant, Office of Sustainability- Rapporteur
- A student representative (TBA)
- An alumni representative with experience in sustainability practices (TBA)
For further information, please refer to this document.