Introduction

Gulf Medical University (GMU) continues to embed the principles of responsible consumption and sustainable production across its academic, administrative, and operational systems. Guided by GMU-POL-S07-017 (Sustainable Resource Management Policy) and GMU-POL-S09-005 (Purchasing and Inventory Control Policy, 2024), GMU ensures that all procurement, resource-use, and waste-management practices align with its sustainability vision and the UAE Green Agenda 2030.

1. Policy Framework and Governance

The two key institutional policies provide complementary frameworks:

• Sustainable Resource Management Policy (S07-017): Establishes reduction targets for energy, water, and waste, and commits to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

• Purchasing and Inventory Control Policy (S09-005): Integrates sustainability criteria into all procurement and inventory activities, mandating environmentally friendly sourcing, vendor sustainability evaluation, and reduction of procurement-related carbon emissions.

The Procurement Office and the QA & IE Deanship jointly monitor compliance through vendor audits, annual sustainability reviews, and procurement performance indicators.

2. Sustainable Procurement and Inventory Practices

• Green Procurement Principles: All purchasing decisions now consider environmental impact, material recyclability, and supplier compliance with GMU’s sustainability standards.

• Vendor Sustainability Screening: The supplier registration process evaluates each vendor’s environmental certifications, ethical standards, and waste-management practices.

• Sustainable Material Use: Procurement Favors biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable materials for office, laboratory, and event operations.

• Carbon-Aware Supply Chain: GMU partners only with vendors that share its commitment to net-zero by 2050, minimizing emissions across the procurement lifecycle.

• Inventory Optimization: Centralized inventory control prevents over-ordering, reduces waste, and promotes reuse of surplus materials across departments.

3. Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Actions

• Digitalization of Processes: Paper consumption reduced by 30% through e-forms, e-signatures, and online reporting.

• Laboratory Efficiency: Adoption of micro-scale chemistry and centralized hazardous-material inventory systems ensures safe and sustainable laboratory operations.

4. Awareness and Capacity Building

• Earth Day 2025 – Eco-Friendly Dentistry: Faculty and students promoted green clinical practices and waste segregation.

Conclusion

Through sustainable procurement, digital innovation, and stakeholder engagement, Gulf Medical University demonstrates measurable progress toward SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. By aligning its purchasing, inventory, and resource-management systems with environmental goals, GMU not only minimizes waste but also builds a resilient, transparent, and eco-conscious supply chain that models sustainability for the higher-education sector.