Quality Assurance & Institutional Effectiveness
Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee at Gulf Medical University (GMU) is established to advance
and oversee sustainable development initiatives in alignment with the university vision,
mission, and commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. The committee will ensure the
integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across all university
operations and activities.
The committee’s objectives include:
1. Developing and implementing GMU sustainability policy, including climate action and a
net-zero emissions target.
2. Promoting sustainability education, research, and community engagement initiatives.
3. Monitoring and reporting on energy, water, and carbon emissions to achieve sustainability
goals.
4. Advising on policies and practices to embed sustainability into procurement, investment,
and operational decisions.
Purpose
Chair
Members
Senior faculty member or administrator with expertise in sustainability.
- Representatives from academic departments.
- Representatives from operations, facilities, and finance teams.
- Student representatives (minimum of two).
- Research Centre representative focused on environmental sustainability.
- Dedicated sustainability officer(s).
Term of office
The term of membership will be two years, renewable upon review.
Frequency of Meetings
- Regular Meetings: Quarterly.
- Ad-hoc Meetings: As required to address urgent matters or opportunities.
Chancellor
Quorum
More than 50%
Decision-Making & Voting Right
The committee adopts a collaborative decision-making approach. Every member has voting rights including students. A simple majority, defined as more than 50%, is necessary for the approval of any given decision.
Responsibilities
The Sustainability Committee is responsible for:
1. Policy Development and Oversight:
- Drafting and updating GMU’s sustainability policy, including net-zero emission targets.
- Recommending sustainable procurement and investment policies.
2. Training and Capacity Building:
- Organizing a minimum half day of training annually for faculty, staff, and students on
environmental and social sustainability.
- Coordinating certification and dissemination of news for training attendees.
3. Sustainability Literacy Assessment:
- Developing and implementing a sustainability literacy and knowledge assessment tool
(e.g., JotForm).
4. Curriculum Development:
- Collaborating with academic departments to create a general education course on
environmental sustainability.
5. Monitoring and Reporting:
- Measuring carbon emissions, energy consumption (kWh/year), and water consumption
(m³/year).
- Tracking renewable energy generation (kWh) and publishing annual sustainability
reports.
6. Research and Innovation:
- Supporting the establishment and operations of a Research Centre focused on
environmental sustainability.
- Encouraging interdisciplinary sustainability research initiatives.
7. Governance and Accountability:
- Creating subcommittees or task forces for specific projects, as needed.
- Reporting progress and challenges to university leadership biannually.