Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. In Bahrain, the government has implemented several initiatives to promote responsible consumption and production, aligning with the nation’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Government Initiatives in Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain has been at the forefront of the development process, adopting policies and strategies to diversify its economy, improve the standard of living, and maintain a balance between economic, social, and environmental aspects. Since its adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, the government linked its Government Plans to the SDGs 2030.
In 2021, legislation related to the management of electronic waste (e-waste) was issued to regulate the process of managing electronic waste in a sound, safe, and sustainable manner to protect public health and the environment.
The Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) in Bahrain is a government entity in charge of the development of Bahrain’s future strategy for the environment and sustainable development, and following up on the implementation of this strategy with relevant ministries, agencies, and institutions.
These initiatives reflect Bahrain’s commitment to promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, contributing to the achievement of SDG 12.
Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) at Applied Science University (ASU)
Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain is committed to promoting responsible consumption and production, aligning its initiatives with SDG 12. The university actively incorporates sustainability principles into its operations, curriculum, and community engagement efforts.
ASU’s Efforts to Advance SDG 12
Sustainability Practices on Campus:
ASU promotes eco-friendly practices by encouraging the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials across campus.
Efforts include waste management systems that ensure recyclable materials are appropriately sorted and processed.
Energy-saving initiatives, such as the use of efficient lighting and smart energy solutions, are also in place to reduce overall consumption.
Sustainability Education and Awareness:
ASU incorporates sustainability topics into its academic programs to educate students about responsible consumption and production.
Events, workshops, and seminars are organized to raise awareness among students and staff about the importance of sustainable practices in daily life and professional environments.
Community Engagement and Outreach:
ASU’s Community Engagement Office actively collaborates with external organizations to promote sustainable consumption and production practices within the broader community.
These partnerships focus on environmental conservation, such as promoting sustainable resource use and reducing waste in the local context.
Sustainable Procurement Policy:
The university adopts a sustainable procurement approach by prioritizing eco-friendly products and services from suppliers that align with sustainability principles.
This policy ensures that the university’s operational choices contribute to reducing environmental impacts.
Research and Innovation:
ASU encourages research focused on sustainable development, emphasizing solutions for efficient resource use and waste minimization.
Faculty and students are supported in conducting studies that align with SDG 12 objectives.
Through these initiatives, ASU demonstrates its commitment to fostering responsible consumption and production, creating a sustainable campus environment, and contributing positively to the broader community’s sustainable development.
Bahrain to ban single-use plastic bags from September
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/gulf/bahrain-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags-from-september
The Kingdom of Bahrain announced on Sunday it would start banning the import, distribution and sale of single-use lightweight plastic bags from mid-September, the latest move to advance carbon reduction goals.
The statement from Bahrain’s state-run news agency did not specify how the upcoming ban would be enforced, whether by fining distributors of the ubiquitous thin bags or charging people for their use.
The ban, to come into effect on September 19, “is in line with the government’s plans of securing an environment that supports sustainability and reduces pollution”, said Bahrain’s minister of industry, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani. The rule exempts bags that are above a certain degree of thickness and those used for medical purposes and exports.
ASU Recycling Policy
ASU has a recycling policy in order to contribute to the objective of preserving the environment and reducing the pollution caused by the waste generated in Bahrain. All departments that generate waste at ASU University should make waste minimization and recycling a top priority and an integral component of their daily operations. Each department shall consider the life-cycle costs and environmental aspects associated with purchases and are encouraged to purchase items with recycled content and minimal wastes and packaging as appropriate. Every employee and student have the responsibility to exercise these behaviors, making ASU University a more sustainable campus and helping to reduce our carbon footprint [1].
Purpose
ASU University recognizes its role as a leader in the community with regard to environmental policies and promotes responsible stewardship of the environmental resources under its influence. The overall purpose of this recycling policy is to set forth standards and organizational processes aimed at waste minimization, recycling, and the diversion of recyclable materials from landfills [1].
Procedures
Every student, employee and department shall recycle materials as current recycling streams allow. ASU University recycling operations cover three main and various alternate recycling streams [1]:
Main Recycling Streams
- Mixed Paper [1].
- Containers (Cans/Plastic/Glass) [1].
- Cardboard [1].
Alternate Recycling Streams (include but are not limited to) [1]:
- Motor Oil [1].
- Antifreeze [1].
- Kitchen Grease [1].
- Tires [1].
- Batteries [1].
- Toner Cartridges [1].
- Scrap Metal [1].
- Reusable Construction Waste [1].
- Pallets [1].
- Electronic Waste [1].
Objectives
- Reduce waste at the source (Waste Minimization) [1].
- Encourage the purchase and use of environmentally friendly products [1].
- Encourage the purchase of high post-consumer content recycled products [1].
- Increase the total volume of waste materials diverted from landfills to recycling processes [1].
- Ensure long term viability of campus recycling operations through coordination and managerial oversight [1].
- Promote recycling practices and procedures throughout the campus community [1].
- Comply with Federal and State mandates in recycling processes [1].
Figure 1. ASU Recycling Policy, taken from [1].
CIOB CPD Event Hosted by ASU
https://www.asu.edu.bh/category/news/page/19
On 24 September, the University hosted the inaugural CPD event of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In this event, Prof Ghassan Aouad, the President of the University and past President of the CIOB delivered a CPD workshop titled “The Art and Science of Leadership in Construction”. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University and many dignitaries including HE the British Ambassador to Bahrain and his wife, the Korean Ambassador, the new Director of the British Council Bahrain and over fifty participants from various construction organizations and Government departments and our university attended the workshop. The President started by presenting an overview of the University and the establishment of the College of Engineering with LSBU. He then gave an overview of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which was founded in 1834 with over 45,000 members who are passionate about the development and progress of the construction sector and built environment.
The workshop addressed topics like leadership styles, the differences between leadership and management, top priorities for the construction sector over the next five years, and what the CIOB could deliver to its members. The President gave an overview of the theory of leadership and whether leaders are born or made. He then presented some facts about various leaders in construction and how they have transformed this industry through the inspirational leadership style adopted. Their abilities to make a difference and to influence people around them have contributed to their successes. The President highlighted that the right path for the successful leader is to think, plan, do and then evaluate. He then referred to some examples of global, Arab and local leading figures that have made a difference in all aspects of life, whether it is in engineering, IT, politics and other fields. He also pointed out that success lies in five key components: Leadership, Innovation, Passion, Technical Competence and Quality stating that leaders are not born, but they are made according to the context of the work they are doing. Speaking about the future of construction, the President concluded that green and smart buildings are currently the main trend in regional construction circles. This trend will raise the ceiling for the use of modern technology and integrated ICT, particularly Building Information Modelling (BIM), automated technologies like robotics, and the use of virtual reality and simulation to look at the impact of energy usage. Mrs Tania Kashou, Director of the President’s Office, has successfully organized the workshop, and very positive feedback was received from the participants. Mrs Eileen Hill, CIOB Manager of MENA region, introduced the event and was a significant contributor in publicizing it and attracting a good number of participants. This type of events helps us in raising the profile of the University and in attracting students to our new Engineering Programmes.
ASU Visit to the Economic Development Board (EDB) in the Kingdom of Bahrain
https://www.asu.edu.bh/category/news/page/19
The Sustainability Research Group at Applied Science University represented by Dr Assem Al-Hajj, VP for Academic Affairs and Development, Prof Saad Znad Darwash Mihyawi, Advisor to the President for Special Projects in the University, Dr Ashraf Hendy, Dean of the College of Engineering and Dr Islam Abohela, Head of Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering visited the Economic Development Board (EDB) in the Kingdom to explore the potentials for future collaboration in the field of sustainability. The representatives from ASU were joined and welcomed by Dr Simon Galpin, Managing Director, Mr Husain bin Raja, Executive Director and Mrs Dana Abdulla, Senior Executive at EDB. The meeting took place at Arcapita Building on Monday, 16 April 2018 and potential future collaboration between ASU and EDB was discussed. ASU representatives gave the attendees an overview about the research work at ASU which is focused on Sustainability issues, and it was recommended to get in touch with the Bahrain Unit for Sustainable Energy which is under the Ministry of Energy since they will be interested in the expertise of the research group members. According to Mrs Dana’s new guidelines for building regulations in terms of energy efficiency is being developed by the government, and it might be useful for ASU to get involved. Dr Simon highlighted that EDB main goal is to promote creating more jobs through making the Kingdom of Bahrain more attractive for business and EDB is particularly interested in Start-ups. The meeting was so informative for both ASU and EDB, and future meetings will be scheduled for exploring more ways of collaboration.
A Visit by UNITEN
https://www.asu.edu.bh/category/news/page/16
On Wednesday 7 March 2018, ASU was visited by Dato Prof Ir Dr Kamal Nasharuddin bin Mustapha, Vice-Chancellor, from University Tenaga National (UNITEN), Malaysia to discuss opportunities for collaboration. UNITEN is one of the leading universities in Malaysia, and ASU is proud to have six Academic
Staff who graduated from it. A meeting was held with the presence of ASU’s Chairman of the BOTs, the President, senior management staff and ASU’s UNITEN alumni where both parties shared ideas on how to benefit from one another’s expertise. The main focus included research collaboration for both students and Academic Staff, joint supervision, a research methodology programme, exchange visits, research projects in energy and sustainability, etc. Prof Bin Mustapha was delighted to see his alumni holding essential roles at ASU. The meeting ended with Prof bin Mustapha showing a video about the University, followed by a lunch and a group photograph.
Green Metric World University Ranking
https://www.asu.edu.bh/2019/01/greenmetric-world-university-ranking/
ASU won the 1st Place at the level of private universities locally, the 25th place at the Arab level, and 692 globally in the Green Metric World University Ranking for the year 2018. The report shows the university advanced ranking among the 719 international universities covered by the survey that represents 81 countries around the world.
This achievement comes within the framework of the ASU vision to move towards further development and progress to serve the university strategy, which focuses on creating an academically qualified student in accordance with the standards of quality assurance of education and in line with the strategy of the Higher Education Council of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Prof. Ghassan Aouad, the university president, explained that this achievement represents a major input for the university to move forward towards development and modernization to enhance its reputation and scientific progress in various fields. The president also stressed the importance of the universities in spreading the culture of excellence and consolidating the concept of sustainability and green architecture as one of the modern trends in construction.
The President of the University also congratulated the Chairman of the Board of Directors Samir Nass, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Professor Waheeb Al-Khaja, and all members of the Board of Directors and Trustees for this achievement.
Prof. Aouad noted that the university has collected 2150 points within the six classification criteria that includes: location and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste, water, transport and education. He stressed the University’s keenness to achieve sustainable development in all its economic, social and environmental aspects.
Operational Measures
The university has established a comprehensive procurement and logistics policy that guides the sourcing of vendors and suppliers across various departments, including food procurement.
The procurement and logistics policy at the university prioritizes vendors and suppliers who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and responsible production. By partnering with such suppliers, the university ensures that the products and services it procures align with its sustainability goals. This includes sourcing locally produced food items whenever possible, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supporting local economies.
Furthermore, the procurement policy incorporates a disposable material policy, which outlines guidelines for the responsible disposal of materials within the university. This policy serves as a framework for staff, faculty, and students to follow when disposing of any materials, emphasizing the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal methods. By adhering to this policy, the university aims to minimize waste generation and promote a circular economy approach.
Proportion of Recycled Waste
There are 23 paper waste collection boxes located throughout the campus, each with a capacity of 8 liters. This paper waste is collected by a recycling company, helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and contributing to a circular economy. In addition to paper waste, the university is also working to responsibly manage biohazard waste generated by the health clinic. Approximately 1 kilogram of this waste is collected each month and is treated through incineration in a furnace, which turns it into ash that is then safely disposed of in a landfill. By implementing these sustainable waste management practices, the university is taking important steps towards achieving SDG 12 and creating a more sustainable future. To calculate the total monthly recycled waste:
23 paper boxes for waste with capacity of 8 Ltr.
Amount of waste recycled = 23 * 8 = 184 Ltr monthly.
Publication of a Sustainability Report
The publication of a sustainability report by a university is an important step towards promoting sustainability in its operations. By annually publishing a report, the university can showcase its commitment to sustainability and provide stakeholders with information on its progress towards achieving sustainability goals.
Also, the university publishes a monthly report titled “News Digest”, this report covers all the monthly events that took place at the university including those events relevant to sustainability. .
Link to the news digest: