SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Al Maarefa University’s Commitment to SDG 12: Fostering Responsible Consumption, Production, and Sustainable Waste Management
Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) focuses on promoting responsible consumption and production patterns to ensure more sustainable use of resources and minimize waste. Al Maarefa University, located in Saudi Arabia, recognizes the importance of SDG 12 and is dedicated to reducing waste, minimizing plastic usage, and fostering sustainable waste management practices.
Campus-Wide Initiatives for Waste Reduction:
Al Maarefa University has implemented campus-wide initiatives to reduce waste and promote responsible consumption. The university encourages recycling and waste separation through designated bins across the campus, ensuring that recyclable materials are diverted from landfills and properly processed.
Minimizing Plastic Usage:
Al Maarefa University takes active measures to minimize plastic usage on campus. The university promotes the use of reusable and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic items. Awareness campaigns and educational initiatives inform students and staff about the negative impacts of plastic waste on the environment and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices.
Promotion of Circular Economy Principles:
The university emphasizes circular economy principles by encouraging the reuse and repurposing of materials whenever possible. Al Maarefa University promotes a culture of resourcefulness, encouraging students and staff to think creatively about how to extend the lifespan of products and materials through repair, refurbishment, and recycling.
Awareness Campaigns and Educational Programs:
Al Maarefa University conducts awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform the university community about responsible consumption and sustainable waste management. These initiatives empower individuals to make informed choices, adopt sustainable behaviors, and actively participate in reducing their environmental footprint.
Engaging with Local Communities:
Al Maarefa University extends its initiatives beyond its campus by engaging with local communities. The university collaborates with local organizations, schools, and residents to raise awareness about responsible consumption, waste reduction, and sustainable practices. By involving the wider community, the university promotes a collective effort toward achieving SDG 12.
Partnerships for Sustainable Waste Management:
The university collaborates with waste management companies and local authorities to ensure that waste generated on campus is properly managed and disposed of. These partnerships facilitate the implementation of effective waste collection, recycling, and disposal practices in line with sustainable development goals.
Integration into Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities:
Sustainable consumption and waste management principles are integrated into the university’s curriculum and co-curricular activities. Students from various disciplines learn about the impacts of consumption patterns and waste generation, fostering a holistic understanding of responsible consumption and production.
Al Maarefa University’s commitment to SDG 12 is evident through its comprehensive efforts to promote responsible consumption, reduce waste, and minimize plastic usage. By implementing campus-wide initiatives, promoting circular economy principles, raising awareness, engaging with local communities, and integrating sustainability into education, the university plays a vital role in fostering a culture of responsible consumption and production. Through its dedication, Al Maarefa University contributes to a more sustainable future for Saudi Arabia and beyond.
UM Center for Environmental Sustainability Research
Vision
The Center for Environmental Sustainability Research at AlMaarefa University aims to be a leader in generating knowledge and innovation in the field of environmental sustainability, promoting a more sustainable and resilient future for our society and the natural environment.
Mission
Our mission is to conduct cutting-edge research in environmental sustainability, developing practical and viable solutions for current and future environmental challenges. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and communities, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change towards sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
Research Areas
The Center for Environmental Sustainability Research covers a wide range of research areas related to sustainability and the environment, including, but not limited to:
- Climate Change and Emissions Mitigation.
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
- Biodiversity Conservation and Ecology.
- Sustainable Natural Resource Management.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.
- Circular Economy and Solid Waste Management.
- Health and Environment.
- Environmental Policies and Governance.
Research Objectives
- Conduct scientific and applied research that contributes to the development of sustainable technologies and strategies to address environmental challenges.
- Generate knowledge that helps understand the interaction between humans and the environment, promoting a holistic approach to sustainability.
- Facilitate technology and knowledge transfer to society and the business sector to drive sustainable practices.
- Establish national and international partnerships and collaborations to broaden the reach and impact of our research.
- Educate and train students and professionals in environmental sustainability issues and prepare the next generation of leaders committed to preserving the planet.
Center Activities
- Research and Development: Undertake multidisciplinary research projects to address key environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions.
- Education and Training Programs: Organize workshops, courses, and training for students and professionals interested in sustainability and environmental conservation.
- Events and Conferences: Host symposiums, conferences, and discussion forums to promote knowledge and experience exchange among experts and interested communities.
- Industry and Society Collaboration: Work closely with businesses, government organizations, and communities to implement sustainable solutions in practice.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Publish research in academic journals, conference presentations, and communications to share findings and advancements with the scientific community and society.
Contact Information
For more information about the Center for Environmental Sustainability Research at AlMaarefa University, please feel free to contact us:
Center Name: UM Center for Environmental Sustainability Research
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +966 9200 11905
Environmental Impact
By establishing sustainable practices and encouraging eco-awareness among its students, faculty, and staff, Almaarefa University has shown significant dedication to environmental impact. The university actively promotes recycling and waste reduction in addition to having energy-efficient campus facilities. Almaarefa also addresses environmental issues through research and educational initiatives, promoting awareness and developing the next generation of leaders ready to take on urgent ecological problems. The institution works to build a greener, more sustainable future for the neighborhood and the planet by incorporating environmental care into its culture.
By establishing sustainable practices and encouraging eco-awareness among its students, faculty, and staff, Almaarefa University has shown significant dedication to environmental impact. The university actively promotes recycling and waste reduction in addition to having energy-efficient campus facilities. Almaarefa also addresses environmental issues through research and educational initiatives, promoting awareness and developing the next generation of leaders ready to take on urgent ecological problems. The institution works to build a greener, more sustainable future for the neighborhood and the planet by incorporating environmental care into its culture.
Footprint UM
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 document is a report assessment of the Carbon Footprint. As a leading educational institution in Saudi Arabia, we acknowledge our responsibility to be sustainability leaders and promote environmentally and socially responsible practices within our university community.
Sustainability is a core pillar of our mission and vision, and we are committed to addressing environmental and social challenges through responsible management and concrete actions. This report has been prepared as part of our ongoing efforts to measure and reduce our environmental impact, as well as to enhance our contribution to sustainability at both local and global levels.
Objectives
Assess the Carbon Footprint of AlMaarefa University: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of our greenhouse gas emissions to gain a full understanding of our climate impact.
Identify Areas for Improvement: Identify areas where we can enhance our practices and reduce our carbon footprint, both in our day-to-day operations and academic activities.
Foster Sustainability on Campus: Drive sustainability initiatives and promote responsible practices across all levels of the university, involving students, faculty, non-teaching staff, and administration.
Contribute to Global Goals: Align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and other international commitments related to sustainability.
Methodology
To carry out this Carbon Footprint and sustainability assessment, we have adopted a multidimensional approach that encompasses:
- Data Analysis: Collection and analysis of data on energy consumption, transportation, waste, water usage, and other aspects related to our operations.
- Life Cycle Assessment: Evaluation of the life cycle of resources and materials used in our academic and administrative activities.
- Surveys and Consultations: Surveys and consultations with the university community to gather feedback and insights on our current practices and improvement opportunities.
All data collected and analyzed within this report follow the World Resources Institute GHG Protocol principles of relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency and accuracy.
Scope of the Report
This report covers all faculties, administrative departments, and academic activities of AlMaarefa University. The main campus facilities and operations during the 2022 have been considered, with a particular focus on our greenhouse gas emissions.
Riyadh’s comprehensive waste management strategy
Demolition, construction and drilling products account for the largest proportion of waste in Riyadh, with an estimated quantity of 47 million tons in 1435. these residues consist mainly of clean materials that appeared due to drilling during construction, and mixed materials such as metals, wood, plastics, etc. demolition and construction waste is regularly disposed of at the Ghanami landfill south of Riyadh and is the only one currently operating in the city. demolition and construction remnants in the city are irregularly scattered in white land and on roadsides, especially in undeveloped areas.
The high committee for environmental protection in Riyadh has developed a comprehensive waste management strategy in Riyadh, which is to develop and implement an integrated system on the management and recycling of demolition and construction waste transport. monitoring waste transfers as well as monitoring companies and institutions from adopting the specifications of the equipment and techniques used. the strategy also includes the development of an electronic system to monitor the quantities, types, and sources of waste, Linking the granting of licences to carry out the activity by meeting the requirements and preparing regulations and regulations on the sorting and use of clean materials.
The strategy also comes as part of the deep drilling landfill using clean drilling products and the use of recyclable materials as much as possible for road paving. in addition to its use in construction and construction.
On this strategy, several meetings were held in which the controls for the management of demolition and construction residues and drilling products were discussed. the controls cover various topics, including tasks and responsibilities in the city, where tasks and responsibilities have been distributed to many entities, including: the general department of hygiene, sub-municipalities, the office for the coordination of city projects, the general authority for meteorology and environmental protection, the traffic department, the ministry of transport, the supreme authority for the development of Riyadh, and the department of environmental projects.
To facilitate the management of drilling products, environmental controls have been identified for drilling processing and settlement, the most important of which are those that help manage drilling products, removal of residues before the start of response work and the process of bridging and settling drilling is limited to drilling products and clean demolition residues. in addition, work is limited during the day.
Environmental controls have also been identified for the recycling of demolition and construction residues and drilling products, including a report on operational performance, recycled materials from demolition and construction residues and drilling products only, as well as non-mixing of waste and construction with municipal solid waste.
The strategy also facilitates the disposal of demolition and construction waste, in order to facilitate citizens by implementing procedures and filling out specific gps models containing demolition and construction residues and determining the disposal mechanism.
Demolition and construction waste and drilling products are also managed from the source after applying to the municipalities concerned, where the consultant in charge of estimating the expected quantities will be produced, ensuring that the building does not contain hazardous waste, as well as measures to facilitate the disposal of waste by regular means.
The waste management strategy also focuses on the rehabilitation of collection and transport contractors for demolition and construction waste, drilling products, demolition and construction recycling contractors and drilling products, and procedures and requirements are to verify their official papers, obtain a list of equipment used for recycling and ensure that the conditions for obtaining an environmental operating permit are met.
This statistic displays the results of a survey conducted by Ipsos about the individual actions one would take to reduce the consumption of plastic and non-recyclable packaging in Saudi Arabia as of March 2019. According to the survey respondents, re-using disposable items at 19 percent was thought to be most effective in personally reducing use of non-recyclable products.
Increasing Demand for Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) to Aid the Saudi Arabia Plastic Recycling Industry
The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) segment is expected to hold a significant market share in the Saudi Arabia plastic recycling industry during the forecast period. This development can be attributed to the increased usage of PET to manufacture products such as plastic bottles and food containers. PET is popularly used because of its cost-effectiveness, lightweight, high overall strength, excellent electrical insulating properties, and easy transportability. In addition, it also has FDA approval guaranteeing its safety upon contact with food and beverages.
Packaging Sector to Augment the Growth of the Saudi Arabia Plastic Recycling Industry
Based on application, the packaging segment is expected to hold a significant share in the Saudi Arabia plastic recycling industry. This growth can be associated with the rapid adoption of recycled plastic products in the packaging of goods. The growing e-commerce industry and the rapid urbanisation are supporting the growth of the segment.
Plastic Recycling: Market Segmentation
Nowadays, products made from plastic are ubiquitous in our environment owing to their cheap and multifunctional properties. However, this increase has led to a significant environmental crisis globally, as plastic waste is non-biodegradable and has hazardous consequences on the planet if not dealt properly. In this regard, plastic recycling is a process through which various plastic materials can be recovered and reused in the form of new products. Therefore, it is an essential mechanism that helps in reducing wastage and decreasing pollution and supports environmental conservation. The steps for the recycling process include collection, categorising, washing, shredding and, lastly, compounding.
Rising Environmental Concerns and Increased Government Investments to Drive the Saudi Arabia Plastic Recycling Industry
The rapid increase in pollution levels caused by plastic has led to severe consequences on the entire ecosystem globally. Consequently, plastic recycling is increasingly being utilised as a positive approach ensuring safe and efficient disposal and subsequent reprocessing of plastic products. The government in Saudi Arabia has introduced multiple initiatives to support and implement plastic recycling nationwide. Meanwhile, due to increased industrialisation, many large and small enterprises are developing innovative ways of employing plastic materials in an eco-friendly manner. These are some of the factors contributing to the growth of the plastic recycling industry in Saudi Arabia.
According to estimates, Saudi Arabia is expected to notice a double increase in solid waste generation, out of which 5-17% is attributed to plastic waste. While the recycling process in Saudi Arabia is in its early stages, an integrated approach of waste recycling and recovering new products in major cities is estimated to reduce the requirement of costly raw materials and fossil fuels in the country.
Key Industry Players in the Saudi Arabia Plastic Recycling Market
The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the Saudi Arabia plastic recycling market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds:
- Saudi Top Plastic Factory (STP)
- Recycling Industries
- Arabian Ladinah for Industrials Co., Ltd.
- Waste Collection & Recycling Co. Ltd (WASCO)
- Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC)
- Others
The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the industry based on the Porter’s five forces model and SWOT analysis.