Al Maarefa Climate Action Policy
Introduction
AlMaarefa University (UM) acknowledges the urgent global need to address climate change and is committed to playing a proactive role in advancing environmental sustainability through education, research, and institutional practices. As a leading academic institution in Saudi Arabia, UM aligns its climate strategy with national objectives under Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action. The university recognizes that higher education has a critical role in shaping environmentally responsible citizens and contributing innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
This Climate Action Policy serves as a strategic roadmap for embedding climate-conscious practices into the core operations of the university. It outlines UM’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, integrating sustainability into the curriculum, supporting impactful climate-related research, and fostering community engagement to promote climate resilience. By adopting a whole-institution approach, AlMaarefa University aims to lead by example—cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship and empowering future leaders to respond to the complex challenges of climate change both locally and globally.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE ACTION POLICY
Almaarefa University (UM) is a private establishment of higher education, designed to fulfill a recognized public function, by meeting clearly identified needs in important domains for national development. By adopting an innovative approach to teaching and learning, by making intensive use of cutting-edge educational technologies, UM attracts students from a broadly targeted clientele, namely high school graduates (both male and female) from the Riyadh region, from other regions of Saudi Arabia, and from the GCC states.
This report aims to establish AlMaarefa University’s Sustainability and Climate Action Policy. Recognizing our responsibility as an educational institution and as members of the global community, we are committed to taking significant measures to address environmental challenges and contribute to a sustainable future for generations to come.
Policy Objectives
- Carbon Emission Reduction
- Establish measurable targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across campus operations.
- Implement energy-efficient technologies and practices to minimize energy consumption.
- Promote the use of renewable energy sources within university facilities.
- Sustainable Resource Management
- Optimize water usage through conservation measures and efficient infrastructure.
- Implement waste reduction programs, including recycling and composting initiatives.
- Encourage sustainable transportation options for students and staff.
- Education and Research
- Integrate climate change and sustainability topics into curricula across all disciplines.
- Support interdisciplinary research focused on climate resilience and sustainable development.
- Provide training and workshops to raise awareness about climate issues among the university community.
- Community Engagement
- Collaborate with local communities to promote sustainable practices and climate awareness.
- Participate in national and international partnerships to address climate challenges.
- Organize outreach programs, such as tree planting and environmental clean-up campaigns.
Implementation and Monitoring
- Establish a dedicated Sustainability Committee to oversee the implementation of climate action initiatives.
- Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess progress toward climate goals.
- Regularly report on sustainability performance and update policies as needed.
Conclusion
Through this Climate Action Policy, AlMaarefa University reaffirms its dedication to fostering a sustainable future. By integrating climate considerations into its core functions, UM aims to serve as a model for environmental responsibility in higher education.