Gulf Medical University (GMU) continues to advance environmental stewardship and sustainability through policy adoption, infrastructure improvements, and active community participation. During 2024–2025, GMU officially adopted the Sustainable Resource Management Policy (MU-POL-S07-017) under Standard 07: Health, Safety and Environment.

This milestone reinforces the university’s long-term commitment to reducing its environmental impact, conserving resources, and contributing to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems in alignment with SDG 15 – Life on Land.

Commitment to Sustainable Resource Management

Following the policy’s adoption, GMU strengthened the implementation of sustainable practices across all academic and operational units.Key initiatives include:

• Expanding energy-efficiency measures such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and real-time building-automation systems.

• Conducting preventive HVAC maintenance to enhance energy performance.

• Initiating rooftop-solar and solar-carport projects to support the university’s net-zero-emission goal.

Waste-reduction efforts were intensified through digital communication, limited printing, recycling stations, and refill-water dispensers. GMU also advanced green-chemistry protocols in teaching and research laboratories to minimize hazardous waste and ensure safe disposal practices that protect soil and groundwater.

Water Conservation Initiatives

Water conservation remains a cornerstone of GMU’s sustainability agenda.Building upon last year’s progress:

• Low-flow water fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and greywater-recycling systems continued to optimize water use for irrigation and facilities, substantially reducing freshwater consumption.

• In April 2025, GMU celebrated World Water Day 2025 under the theme “Glacier Preservation.” Students and faculty from all six colleges organized exhibitions, research posters, and awareness activities focused on the global importance of freshwater conservation.

• The Sustainability Activity Day 2025 further reinforced the message through workshops on efficient irrigation, smart resource management, and responsible consumption.

These efforts complement the ongoing objectives of the Sustainable Resource Management Policy, aligning GMU with national and global sustainability priorities.

Waste Management and Minimization

GMU emphasizes waste reduction through prevention, reuse, and recycling:

• Transition to digital documentation and e-communication to minimize paper usage.

• Installation of water-refill stations across campus to discourage single-use plastics.

• Introduction of the “Zero Single-Use Plastic Campaign,” encouraging students and staff to adopt refillable bottles and reusable containers.

• Continued promotion of green laboratory practices to reduce hazardous material use and waste generation.

Hazardous-waste management remains a key focus, with stringent protocols for proper labeling, storage, and disposal — reducing risks of land and water contamination.

Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Practices

GMU’s Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Manual (Link) continues to guide safe operations and sustainable practices.Routine safety audits, emergency-response training, and inspection of hazardous-material storage areas ensure environmental protection and compliance with local regulations.The university’s proactive risk-management approach contributes directly to preventing biodiversity loss and protecting land ecosystems surrounding the campus.

Community Engagement for Sustainability

GMU actively promotes environmental awareness through its Sustainability Ambassadors Program and student-led campaigns.Key community-based initiatives this year include:

• World Water Day 2025 – student-faculty collaboration on glacier-preservation awareness.

• Earth Day 2025 – Eco-Friendly Dentistry Event, organized by the College of Dentistry in partnership with Curaden, showcasing sustainable materials and biodegradable dental products.

• Recognition by Ajman Municipality (2025) for GMU’s health and environmental outreach programs supporting labor communities.

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Initiatives Addressing Biodiversity and Land Conservation

GMU sustained its commitment to campus greening and biodiversity protection:

• Expansion of native and drought-resistant landscaping to promote ecological balance and reduce irrigation needs.

• Tree-planting campaigns engaging faculty, staff, and students.

• Educational collaborations with national environmental organizations for conservation awareness.

In May 2025, GMU celebrated Sustainability Day 2025, featuring seminars, student exhibitions, and awareness activities focused on land restoration, responsible resource use, and ecosystem health. The event reinforced GMU’s dedication to embedding environmental consciousness within healthcare education and campus culture.

Challenges and Future Directions

GMU aims to build on the success of 2024–2025 by:

• Strengthening monitoring and reporting mechanisms for water, energy, and waste metrics.

• Expanding solar-energy production to increase renewable coverage.

• Launching a Biodiversity Garden Project to support student research and land-conservation awareness.

• Publishing GMU’s first Sustainability and Climate Action Report to measure progress against net-zero targets.

Conclusion

Through policy adoption, continued conservation programs, and active engagement, Gulf Medical University has advanced its alignment with SDG 15 – Life on Land.The university’s initiatives demonstrate its commitment to protecting terrestrial ecosystems, fostering sustainability literacy, and supporting the UAE’s national vision for environmental stewardship and climate resilience.