GMU continues its strategic commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Affordable

and Clean Energy, through environmentally responsible operations, sustainable campus

practices, and educational initiatives that promote efficient energy use and reduced carbon footprint. The university’s actions align with its People, Planet, and Profit (PPP)

sustainability model, ensuring that institutional growth supports both societal well-being and environmental stewardship.

GMU strengthened its institutional commitment to sustainability through the implementation of GMU-POL-S07-017 – Sustainable Resource Management Policy (Standard 07: Health, Safety, and Environment). This policy establishes a structured framework for managing energy, water, and waste resources responsibly, while embedding sustainability principles into academic, operational, and administrative processes. It also articulates GMU’s long-term vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning the university with national and global climate action goals. Link

Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency

GMU maintains comprehensive sustainability measures in its infrastructure management and facility operations. These include:

• Energy Monitoring and Auditing: Continuous energy audits and consumption tracking systems are in place to ensure efficient electricity and water use across all GMU facilities.

• Eco-Friendly Laboratories: Lab equipment is monitored through smart timers to avoid unnecessary overnight power consumption. High-energy fume hoods are kept closed when not in use, reducing both energy waste and environmental impact. Link

• Utility Optimization: Periodic inspection and maintenance ensure compliance with UAE environmental standards. Generator emissions, air quality, and water safety are routinely tested by the maintenance team.

• Paperless and Digital Systems: Administrative and academic processes are increasingly digitized, reducing electricity used for printing and physical resource management.
  

Waste Management and Sustainable Procurement

GMU adheres strictly to Ajman Municipality environmental norms for waste collection and disposal, prioritizing reuse and reduction of waste at its source. The university continues to:

• Source materials and equipment from ISO-, CE-, and FDA-certified vendors promoting sustainability.

• Encourage suppliers to provide energy-efficient and eco-certified products.

• Implement take-back programs and centralized purchasing to reduce excess inventory and chemical waste. Link

Educational and Research Initiatives

GMU’s educational programs and activities continued to integrate sustainability awareness across disciplines. Academic offerings such as the Master of Public Health empower students to research sustainable energy solutions and environmental health challenges. Link

Research projects and academic outreach emphasized:

• Evaluation of energy-efficient laboratory and hospital equipment.

• Assessment of local air and water quality linked to energy-related pollution.

• Development of community-based models for sustainable healthcare practices.

Sustainable Community Engagement (AY 2024–2025 Activities)

Data from the 2024–2025 activity log highlights GMU’s growing integration of sustainability in co-curricular and community engagement programs. Events included:

• First Aid and CPR Workshop (Nov 2024): Focused on health and emergency readiness in Ajman Private School, incorporating energy-conscious logistics through the use of local transport and minimal-resource setups. Link

World Mental Health Day & World Heart Day Events (Nov 2024): Promoted healthy living and sustainable community development. Activities used digital materials and on-campus renewable resource setups to minimize energy use. Link

Medical Laboratory Science Day (Apr 2024): Organized under the theme of “Sustainability in Health Laboratories,” highlighting responsible resource consumption and waste segregation practices.

Educational and Outreach Activities

GMU demonstrated its ongoing commitment to sustainability through a series of health and community-focused activities that incorporated environmentally responsible practices.

• Medical Laboratory Science Day (April 2024): Highlighted responsible resource consumption in laboratory environments and emphasized sustainability in medical science education.

• First Aid and CPR Workshop (November 2024): Conducted using minimal resource setups and energy-conscious logistics at Ajman Private School, reflecting GMU’s approach to sustainable outreach.

• World Mental Health Day (November 2024): Promoted community well-being while integrating digital materials and energy-efficient event management.

• World Heart Day (November 2024): Focused on preventive health and sustainable living habits, supported by low-impact event operations.

• World Pneumonia Day (November 2024): Included awareness sessions and outreach activities that adhered to waste reduction and resource optimization guidelines.

These activities reinforce GMU’s commitment to integrating sustainability, responsible consumption, and environmental consciousness into all levels of academic and community outreach.

Sustainable Transportation and Mobility

GMU’s transport department continues to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions by:

• Training drivers in eco-driving techniques.

• Monitoring fleet fuel consumption and maintenance schedules.

• Exploring potential partnerships for hybrid or electric vehicles in future campus operations. Link

Ongoing Key Initiatives and Progress, AY 2024-2025