SDG 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

SDG 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) calls for responsible consumption and production patterns to ensure efficient resource use and minimal waste generation. Al Maarefa University, a private university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recognizes the importance of SDG 12 and has aligned its policies and initiatives to promote sustainability in campus operations, academics, and community engagementsdg.um.edu.sa. This report provides a comprehensive overview of Al Maarefa University’s efforts and commitments under SDG 12, highlighting how the institution manages resources sustainably, reduces and recycles waste, implements ethical procurement practices, advances research and education on sustainability, engages with the community, and encourages innovation in sustainable practices. All initiatives are presented in a clear, formal manner consistent with Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings criteria for SDG 12, demonstrating the university’s contribution to responsible consumption and production.

Campus Sustainability and Resource Management Policies

Al Maarefa University has instituted campus-wide sustainability policies focusing on reducing resource use and minimizing waste. Waste management policies emphasize reduction at source and segregation of waste. The university provides clearly marked recycling and waste separation bins across campus to divert recyclable materials from landfills [1]. This ensures that paper, plastic, metal, and other recyclables are collected and processed separately, reinforcing a culture of recycling among students and staff. In parallel, the university pursues paper-use reduction by promoting digital documentation and online systems for administration and learning, thereby cutting down on paper consumption (e.g. e-learning platforms, e-library resources, and digital submission of assignments). While quantitative data on paper savings are under evaluation, this shift to digital workflows reflects the university’s commitment to conserving natural resources.

Energy and water conservation are also integral to campus operations. Al Maarefa’s sustainability policy sets targets for energy efficiency and water saving across all facilities. The university has implemented energy-efficient technologies (such as LED lighting and smart HVAC systems) and encourages conservation practices to minimize electricity usage [2]. It is also actively exploring and installing renewable energy sources (e.g. solar panels) to reduce reliance on non-renewable power [2]. In terms of water resource management, the campus has optimized water use through low-flow fixtures and irrigation controls, aiming to conserve water and prevent wastage [2]. These measures align with national sustainability goals and demonstrate responsible resource management on campus. Furthermore, the university’s Climate Action Policy explicitly includes sustainable resource management objectives – such as optimizing water usage and expanding recycling and composting programs – underlining a formal commitment to reduce the campus environmental footprint [2]. By integrating these policies, Al Maarefa University ensures that day-to-day campus operations exemplify responsible consumption of resources and serve as a living model of sustainability to its community.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs (Circular Economy Practices)

Waste reduction and recycling are core components of Al Maarefa University’s SDG 12 initiatives. The university has launched campus-wide waste reduction programs that encourage all members of the campus community to minimize waste generation and participate in recycling efforts [3]. Clear signage and regular awareness campaigns inform students and staff about proper waste sorting and the environmental benefits of recycling. The result is a significant diversion of waste away from landfills, with materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal being routed to appropriate recycling streams. The university actively measures its waste output and recycling rates as part of its operational sustainability tracking, in line with THE Impact Rankings expectations. By quantifying total waste generated and the proportion recycled, Al Maarefa can monitor progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring accountability in waste management (these metrics also support benchmarking in the Impact Rankings criteria for “proportion of recycled waste”).

In addition to conventional recycling, Al Maarefa University emphasizes circular economy principles on campus. Rather than following a “take-make-dispose” model, the university encourages reusing and repurposing materials whenever possible [3]. For example, furniture and electronic equipment are maintained and repaired to extend their life, and initiatives are in place for composting organic waste from cafeterias and landscaping. The university also promotes the use of reusable items: students are encouraged to use refillable water bottles and coffee cups, and printers are set to default duplex printing to cut paper waste. Plastic waste reduction is another priority – Al Maarefa has taken active measures to minimize single-use plastics on campus [3]. Plastic utensils, straws, and bags have been largely phased out or replaced with biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Through awareness campaigns about the environmental harm of plastic pollution, the university community is educated on choosing sustainable alternatives [2]. These combined efforts reflect a move toward a circular economy on campus, where the aim is to reduce waste generation, keep products and materials in use longer, and recycle or compost what is no longer usable. By institutionalizing such practices, Al Maarefa University not only reduces its environmental impact but also instills in its graduates the values of waste reduction and resource efficiency.

Sustainable Procurement and Ethical Sourcing Policies

Ensuring that the university’s purchasing decisions support sustainability is a key part of Al Maarefa’s approach to responsible consumption. The university has a sustainable procurement policy that guides the acquisition of goods and services with environmental and social considerations in mind. All procurement processes are conducted with transparency and fairness, typically through open competitive bidding, and with adherence to Saudi government procurement regulations [4]. Within this framework, the policy explicitly includes sustainability and ethical sourcing criteria: Al Maarefa University strives to purchase products that are environmentally friendly (e.g. energy-efficient equipment, recycled paper products, non-toxic cleaning supplies) and to work with suppliers who demonstrate good environmental practices [4]. Preference is given to vendors offering sustainable alternatives, such as reusable or biodegradable materials, and to local suppliers when feasible (supporting the local economy and reducing transportation emissions).

In practice, this means that everything from office supplies to laboratory chemicals is evaluated for its environmental impact. For example, the university has moved to procuring eco-labeled office paper and discourages single-use disposable items in campus catering contracts. Al Maarefa’s Procurement and Outsourcing Policies also ensure that external service providers (such as cleaning, cafeteria, or maintenance contractors) comply with the university’s sustainability standards and labor ethics [4]. All outsourced services are required to meet the same environmental guidelines – for instance, catering services must minimize plastic packaging and manage food waste responsibly, and cleaning services should use green cleaning products. The procurement policy thereby extends the ethos of responsible consumption to the university’s supply chain. By incorporating sustainability into purchasing decisions, Al Maarefa University not only reduces its direct environmental footprint but also leverages its purchasing power to encourage broader responsible production practices among suppliers, aligning well with SDG 12’s targets and THE Impact Rankings metrics on ethical sourcing.

Research and Academic Programs Addressing SDG 12

Al Maarefa University leverages its academic and research capacities to advance the goals of responsible consumption and production. The university has established a dedicated Center for Environmental Sustainability Research, which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research on sustainability challenges [5]. Through this center, faculty and students engage in research projects that directly relate to SDG 12, such as studies on waste management, recycling technologies, sustainable materials, and lifecycle analysis of products. The center’s research areas are diverse and cover many pressing topics, including renewable energy and energy efficiency, sustainable natural resource management, circular economy and solid waste management, among others [3]. Notably, research on the circular economy and waste aligns closely with SDG 12, exploring how to reduce waste through better product design, reuse, and recycling systems. The university’s research output in these areas contributes new knowledge and innovative solutions for responsible production, and many findings are shared through academic publications and conferences, boosting Al Maarefa’s profile in sustainability scholarship.

Academically, Al Maarefa University integrates sustainability principles into its curricula to educate the next generation of responsible leaders. Across relevant programs – from engineering to pharmacy and business – the curriculum includes topics such as environmental impact of production, waste reduction strategies, sustainable supply chain management, and life-cycle assessment. The university’s Climate Action and Sustainability policy calls for integration of climate change and sustainability topics into curricula across all disciplines, ensuring that students gain awareness and expertise in these issues regardless of their major [2]. In addition, the university offers specialized training and workshops on environmental sustainability for students and staff [2]. For instance, seminars on sustainable design, guest lectures on green economy, and co-curricular courses on environmental management have been conducted via the Center for Environmental Sustainability Research [5]. There are also “sustainable courses” and modules specifically focused on sustainability practices and theories, which equip students with practical knowledge on responsible consumption.

In terms of research output, Al Maarefa has been actively publishing in areas related to SDG 12. Between 2018 and 2022, the university’s scholars contributed to research on topics like efficient waste treatment, reducing industrial pollution, and sustainable product innovation (as captured by keywords associated with SDG 12 in Scopus data). These efforts are reflected in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, where research on responsible consumption and production forms a significant part of the assessment [6]. By producing peer-reviewed papers and high-impact research in this field, Al Maarefa University not only improves its rankings performance but also fulfills its broader mission to address environmental challenges through knowledge creation. The synergy between research, education, and practice is evident: the university’s operational initiatives (described in earlier sections) often provide living laboratories for academic study, and conversely, research findings inform campus practices and policies. This virtuous cycle ensures that Al Maarefa’s approach to SDG 12 is grounded in evidence and continuous improvement. Overall, the university’s strong research profile and academic programs on sustainability underscore its commitment to responsible consumption and production, nurturing both new solutions and capable graduates to drive progress in this arena [3].

Community Outreach and Partnerships Promoting Responsible Consumption

Al Maarefa University extends its commitment to SDG 12 beyond campus boundaries through active community outreach and strategic partnerships. Recognizing that responsible consumption and production require broad societal participation, the university collaborates with local communities and organizations to spread awareness and implement sustainable practices [3]. One hallmark initiative is a series of community workshops and campaigns on waste reduction. Faculty experts and trained students visit local schools and community centers to conduct educational sessions on recycling, proper waste segregation, and the environmental impact of consumer habits. These outreach campaigns are designed to promote responsible consumer behavior among the public – for example, encouraging households to reduce single-use plastics, compost organic waste, and make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions. By sharing knowledge and practical tips, Al Maarefa helps empower community members to contribute to sustainability goals in their daily lives.

The university also engages in partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and industry to amplify its impact on responsible production and consumption. Al Maarefa works closely with municipal authorities in Riyadh on initiatives like improving waste management infrastructure and promoting city-wide recycling programs. In fact, the university has formal partnerships with waste management companies and local authorities to ensure that waste generated on campus and in neighboring areas is properly collected, recycled, and disposed of in line with best practices [3]. This collaboration has facilitated improvements such as more efficient recycling pickup routes and the introduction of e-waste collection points available to both the university and the local community. Additionally, Al Maarefa University participates in national forums and networks focused on sustainability; for instance, it contributes to discussions on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 environmental objectives and shares its experiences as a model “green campus.” Such involvement allows the university to both learn from and inform broader policy and community initiatives regarding sustainable consumption and production.

Through community service programs, students at Al Maarefa also volunteer in activities like local clean-up drives, tree planting events, and campaigns against plastic pollution, often in partnership with civil society groups. These activities not only improve the local environment but also foster a sense of social responsibility and leadership in students. An example of outreach innovation is the development of educational materials (sometimes even student-created content like infographics or a board game on sustainability concepts) that are distributed to schools to teach younger audiences about responsible consumption patterns. By engaging stakeholders at multiple levels – from individual citizens to government bodies – Al Maarefa University helps build a culture of sustainability in its region. These community outreach and partnership efforts are a key component of the university’s SDG 12 strategy, reflecting THE Impact Rankings criteria which value collaboration (especially as part of SDG 17) and extension of impact beyond campus. In essence, Al Maarefa acts as a catalyst in the community, championing responsible consumption and production practices as a shared responsibility and collective effort [3].

Student and Faculty Innovations in Sustainable Design and Resource Efficiency

Innovation is at the heart of Al Maarefa University’s approach to sustainable development, with both students and faculty actively contributing creative solutions to challenges in responsible consumption and production. Student-led initiatives are strongly encouraged and supported on campus. A notable example is the Club of Experts, a student-driven sustainability and global issues club that provides a platform for passionate students to discuss and devise solutions for environmental problems. The club organizes expert panel discussions, workshops, and even awareness campaigns focused on topics like climate change, sustainable practices, and eco-friendly lifestyles [7]. Through these activities, students share research findings and innovative ideas for environmental solutions, such as novel recycling techniques or creative ways to upcycle waste materials [7]. The Club of Experts also collaborates with other university clubs and international organizations to broaden its impact, showing how student enthusiasm is channeled into real-world sustainability actions on campus and in the community [7]. These endeavors not only raise awareness but often lead to practical mini-projects – for instance, students in engineering have prototyped efficient composting units for the campus, and design students have created campaigns to reduce food waste in the cafeteria. Such projects exemplify how student innovation contributes to resource efficiency and responsible consumption on a micro-scale.

Al Maarefa University also hosts competitions and hackathons to spark innovative thinking in sustainability. Recently, the university organized a “Humanitarian Action and Sustainable Development Hackathon”, bringing together multidisciplinary teams of students (and even alumni and faculty mentors) to develop solutions addressing various SDGs including responsible consumption [8]. During this intensive competition, participants brainstormed and built prototypes ranging from mobile apps that encourage recycling behavior to improved designs for sustainable packaging of products. The hackathon fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship in sustainability, and several promising ideas from the event are being incubated further with university support. Moreover, Al Maarefa students have participated in external innovation contests – for example, a team of students from the College of Applied Sciences earned recognition in a regional sustainable packaging design competition, showcasing their talent in designing packaging that uses biodegradable materials and reduces waste (this reflects the hands-on learning environment that the university cultivates).

On the faculty side, research-led innovation is continuously pursued to solve consumption and production challenges. Professors and research staff in fields like industrial engineering, environmental science, and materials science work on projects such as developing biodegradable material alternatives, improving energy efficiency in industrial processes, and optimizing supply chains to be less wasteful. The Center for Environmental Sustainability Research functions as an incubator for such faculty-led projects, emphasizing the development of sustainable technologies and strategies to address environmental challenges [3]. For instance, faculty researchers have investigated the use of agricultural waste as raw material for new products (a nod to circular economy innovation) and have published studies on life-cycle assessment that help industries understand the full environmental impact of their products. The university supports these endeavors through internal research grants and by fostering partnerships with industry where pilot projects can be tested. Importantly, many of these research projects involve students, creating a mentorship pipeline where students gain experience while contributing to cutting-edge sustainable design and efficiency solutions.

Together, these student and faculty innovations create a vibrant culture of sustainability entrepreneurship at Al Maarefa University. The institution’s commitment to “innovation capacity-building” in its strategy ensures that new ideas are valued and nurtured [8] [9]. By producing tangible innovations – whether a novel product design, a process improvement, or even an educational tool – the Al Maarefa community demonstrates how higher education can lead by example in the realm of responsible consumption and production. These efforts also reinforce the university’s standing in frameworks like THE Impact Rankings, underlining its role not just in meeting established criteria, but in pushing the envelope toward new and better solutions for sustainable development.

Conclusion

Al Maarefa University’s multifaceted approach to SDG 12 showcases a deep institutional commitment to responsible consumption and production. Through robust campus policies on resource management (covering waste, plastics, energy, and water), the university has significantly “greened” its operations and minimized its environmental footprint [2]. Its waste reduction and recycling programs, bolstered by circular economy thinking, have instilled sustainable habits in the campus culture and diverted substantial waste from landfills [6] [3]. The integration of sustainability into procurement processes ensures that the university’s influence extends to its suppliers, promoting ethical and eco-friendly production beyond the campus gates [4]. Concurrently, Al Maarefa’s strength in sustainability research and education – evident in dedicated research centers, curriculum integration, and scholarly output – contributes to global knowledge on responsible consumption and equips graduates with the expertise to continue this mission in their careers [3] [2].

Moreover, Al Maarefa University has proven to be a catalyst for broader change through community outreach and partnerships, effectively bridging the gap between academia and society in the pursuit of SDG 12 [3]. By engaging local communities, collaborating with authorities, and participating in national initiatives, the university amplifies its impact and fosters a wider culture of sustainability in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UN SDGs. Finally, the vibrant innovations emerging from its students and faculty – from grassroots projects to high-tech research breakthroughs – highlight Al Maarefa’s role as an incubator of solutions for sustainable consumption and production [7] [3]. These innovations not only enhance the university’s Impact Rankings profile but also contribute real-world benefits, demonstrating leadership in sustainable development.

In summary, Al Maarefa University’s SDG 12 report illustrates a comprehensive and integrated effort spanning policy, practice, research, education, and community engagement. The university aligns closely with the THE Impact Rankings criteria for SDG 12, providing evidence of policies (on ethical sourcing, waste, plastics, etc.), performance (in recycling and waste reduction), transparency (via sustainability reporting and public documentation), and impact (through research and community programs) [6]. Al Maarefa’s dedication to responsible consumption and production is not only a point of institutional pride but also a tangible contribution to global sustainability goals. Through continuous improvement and innovation, the university is poised to maintain and enhance this impact in the years to come, embodying the principles of SDG 12 and inspiring others in the higher education sector to do the same.

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