| Overall Rating | Bronze - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 34.02 |
| Liaison | Julia Carlow |
| Submission Date | Sept. 16, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
American University of Sharjah
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.25 / 4.00 |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
American University of Sharjah (AUS) has put in place an Environmental Management System (EMS) that complies with the ISO 14001:2004 standard. Part of the EMS system is a Chancellor approved Environmental Policy as well as Environmental Management Programs that coordinate work with Environmental Aspects. For each Environmental Aspect that are both set Objectives and Targets.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Environmental Research and Teaching
Objectives:
• To create and sustain a platform where the sustainability initiatives and activities by AUS can meet and align with the research and teaching being undertaken in the field of sustainability.
• AUS will continue to offer opportunities for all students to learn and study issues of global concerns such as sustainability and environmental awareness. Additionally, AUS aims to provide students with an integrated experience of theory and practice in their formal and informal educational activities in the field of sustainability.
Targets: Operational by
Developing a mandatory course on Sustainability for all science and non-science major students : 2019-2020
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Environmental Research and Teaching
Objectives:
• To create and sustain a platform where the sustainability initiatives and activities by AUS can meet and align with the research and teaching being undertaken in the field of sustainability.
• AUS will continue to offer opportunities for all students to learn and study issues of global concerns such as sustainability and environmental awareness. Additionally, AUS aims to provide students with an integrated experience of theory and practice in their formal and informal educational activities in the field of sustainability.
Targets: Operational by
Creating an in-house research data base: 2015-2016
Constructing a Research, Technology and Innovation Center: In progress
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Increasing Environmental Awareness
Objectives:
To utilize communication as a route to facilitate behavioral change to decrease AUS environmental impacts. AUS environmental performances are communicated internally and will be aimed to reach externally. Through communication we aim to provide knowledge, skills and training for staff and students.
Target:
1. To develop a comprehensive sustainability report in the future, covering all the aspects mentioned within this document.
2. To create an informative website that will convey the AUS sustainability strategy.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Use of Resources, Infrastructure and Land (PMO)
Objectives:
AUS (Campus Development Department) uses the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council’s (UPC) program of Estidama which promotes a new mindset for building a forward thinking global capital. To establish a distinctive overarching framework for measuring sustainability performance beyond the usual planning and construction phases, UPC has worked with the team guiding Estidama to assure that sustainability is continually addressed through four pre-defined angles: environmental, economic, social and cultural. Estidama green building certification system is been used in as a tool for evaluating and measuring achievements in sustainable design. Estidama consists of a set of prerequisites and credits with specific requirements for obtaining points in order for a building to become Estidama certified. AUS uses Estidama to ensure that sustainable strategies are considered in the development of all AUS building projects.
Target:
Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.
Sustainable design principles include the ability to:
- Optimize site potential
- Minimize non-renewable energy consumption
- Use environmentally preferable products
- Protect and conserve water
- Enhance indoor environmental quality
- Optimize operational and maintenance practices
Targets: Operational by
New CEN building to be Estidama 2 Pearl rated: 2017
Implementation of ADA in all remodeling: Ongoing
Implementation of sustainable fixtures in all remodeling: Ongoing
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Use of Energy
Objectives:
AUS is committed to continue its efforts in implementing energy efficient consumption methods, conserving natural resources, minimalizing environmental impacts and mitigating its greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Management Plan will allow AUS to exceed the legal environmental requirement, through better management of resources and best practice implementation.
Target:
To regularly measure and implement initiatives to reduce overall energy consumption. To consider obtaining energy from more sustainable sources. To incorporate green building design features. To increase the efficiency of HVAC systems.
AUS aimed to reduce 30% of its energy consumption from 2010-2013. The university had achieved a 24% energy reduction by the end of the 2013. AUS Sustainability team and Facilities team aim to continuously reduce the university’s energy consumption.
In addition, AUS is completing a revolutionary renovation project for Block C in the housing. The project aims at achieving high thermal energy efficiency that will help reduce energy consumption at least by half compared to conventional buildings.
Replacements of old air conditioning units with more efficient units and construction of a new chiller block to serve academic buildings are in plan for 2017.
The linear lights in the AUS academic area are proposed to be replaced with energy efficient lighting in 2018. Additionally, sun pipes are in plan to be installed in 2018 in the sports complex, to reduce the usage of electric lights during the day.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Use of Natural Resources and Materials (Supply Chain)
Objectives:
To comply with all relevant UAE legislation and regulatory requirements, including environmental, social and health and safety policies. Supply Chain aims at minimizing environmental impacts and maximizing the economic and social benefits of the University by embedding relevant sustainability criteria within its processes and practices, where applicable. This is accomplished by engaging current and potential suppliers and contracted parties and best practices in sustainability, while pursuing Value for Money.
Target:
1. To embody in contracts the clauses on the environmental safety of the workers as per applicable UAE Laws covering:
• Working conditions and rest areas.
• Summer time adherence.
• Living conditions and housing.
• A.C transportation vehicle use.
2. To incorporate on all PO’s in future the citation below
“The supplier or servicer or executer under this PO has to strictly abide by the laws of UAE and Sharjah including labor laws, during production or warehousing or transportation or delivery in all respects related to entitlements, security, safety and environmental concerns.”
Actions:
• Incorporate in PO’s or Contracts or Request for Purchases the objective coverage mentioned in Supply Chain targets in Attachment B
• Ensure suppliers and contractors are aware of obligations under the laws, including entitlements and social rights
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Transportation Emissions
Objectives:
AUS Operations Department is targeting a sustainable transportation system to reduce traffic and CO² emissions on campus. In addition to improving safety, AUS is promoting the use of sustainable transportation options such as a safe pedestrian campus, shuttle buses, club cars and bicycles in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing sustainable transportation options, we aim to reduce AUS transportation carbon footprint.
Targets: Operational by
Automated barriers: 2016
Speed limit signage: 2016
Traffic calming and One way system: 2017
Traffic officer: 2016
Bicycles: 2016
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Non-hazardous and Electronic Waste
Objectives:
AUS’s waste management system targets to minimize the adverse effects of waste on community’s health and environment. AUS is therefore committed to:
• Prevent waste generation
• Promote recycling and awareness
• Ensure that the treatment and disposal of waste does not cause any harmful impacts
• Educate the community, especially resident children and students, to recycle
The waste management system also aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated by waste, particularly by reducing methane emissions. In order to reach the objective, AUS Sustainability, IT and Supply Chain Management have initiated a Green IT Policy.
Target:
The AUS Sustainability team aims to reduce waste being sent to local landfills by encouraging recycling on campus. AUS aims to achieve an overall increase in recycling quantity and quality over the coming years. A closed loop solution for all electronic equipment was implemented during the academic year 2015-2016. AUS aim with its partnership with Bee’ah to acquire new recycling bins for both the housing and dorms area by the end of 2017.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
AUS EMS Plan:
Environmental Emergency Preparedness (Safety)
Objectives:
To protect the University by facilitating the coordination and integration of all resources necessary to sustain and improve the University’s ability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, continue operations during, and recover from emergencies whether they are natural, technological or human-caused.
The Safety and Crisis Management Division will take all reasonable steps within its powers to fulfil this responsibility, paying particular attention to the provision and/or maintenance of:
• a safe plant, equipment and systems of work
• safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances
• sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable all employees to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own safety and health at work
• a safe place of education or work, and safe access and egress to and from it
1. a healthy working environment
2. adequate welfare facilities
• compliance with the requirements of all relevant acts, regulations and codes of practice
Target:
The main target for AUS is to prevent and protect the campus and community from any kind of emergency. AUS aims at utilizing university resources to continually implement a comprehensive and efficient emergency management response. The Safety and Crisis Management Division aims to ensure the health, safety and welfare of faculty, staff, students and invited guests at the university.
The Safety Enforcement Manager is responsible for providing a safe and healthy work and study environment for all faculty, staff, students and guests at the university.
Targets: Operational by
Text Message Alerts: 2015-2016
Campus On-Call and Call-Out procedures: 2015-2016
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | --- |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | --- |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | --- |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | Yes |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
AUS sits on the board of UN Global Compact UAE Local Network, which is a network of 110 UAE companies (including AUS SBA) signed up to the Global Compact. As part of being a leader of the UNGC UAE Local Network group AUS students have been leaders in building out the “UNGC UAE Youth Program” as Youth Ambassadors. AUS materially supports by giving resources and representation from senior AUS faculty. http://ungcuae.org/about-youth-ambassador-program/
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Please see Pages 32-38 in the attached AUS Environmental Management System Manual (R7) to reference Environmental Aspects, Objectives and Targets.
Please see Pages 32-38 in the attached AUS Environmental Management System Manual (R7) to reference Environmental Aspects, Objectives and Targets.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.