سياسة تقليل استخدام المواد أحادية الاستخدام

Contents

1. Purpose of the Policy

2. Scope of the Policy

3. Legal Framework and National Strategic Mandate

4. Policy Statement

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

7. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

1. Purpose of the Policy

2. Scope of the Policy

3. Legal Framework and National Strategic Mandate

4. Policy Statement

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

7. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

1. Purpose of the Policy

1.1. Qassim University recognizes the need to reduce the consumption of disposable items (including single-use cutlery, plates, cups, bags, packaging, and other non-durable materials) to mitigate environmental impacts and promote resource efficiency.

1.2. This policy supports the University’s ambition to become a model sustainable campus, embedding circular economy principles, waste minimization, and behavioral change throughout its operations.

1.3. Through this policy, Qassim University contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s environmental and sustainability goals under Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.

2. Scope of the Policy

2.1. This policy applies to all colleges, deanships, administrative units, research centers, student services, campus catering facilities, event organizers, and external contractors or service providers of Qassim University.

2.2. It covers procurement, catering and food services, packaging and take-away materials, waste from campus events and operations, stationery and printing supplies, and applies to all students, staff, and visitors on campus.

2.3. All members of the University community, suppliers, and contractors must comply with this policy to ensure a campus-wide reduction of disposable item usage.

3. Legal Framework and National Strategic Mandate

3.1. This policy is grounded in the following national legal and strategic frameworks of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:

• Environment Law (Royal Decree No. M/165 of 2020) – mandating institutions to prevent environmental degradation, reduce waste generation, and promote sustainable consumption.
• Executive Regulations under the Environment Law – defining institutional responsibilities for sustainable waste management and minimization of disposable materials.
• National Waste Management Strategy (National Center for Waste Management, 2021) – targeting significant waste diversion from landfills and reduction of single-use items by 2035.
• Saudi Vision 2030 – promoting environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and waste reduction within public institutions.
• Saudi Green Initiative – advocating for national reduction of waste generation, sustainable materials adoption, and circular economy practices.

3.2. Qassim University’s implementation of this policy demonstrates alignment with national sustainability mandates and institutional leadership in responsible consumption.

4. Policy Statement

4.1. Qassim University is committed to minimizing the use of disposable items in all its operations and promoting sustainable alternatives. The University seeks to eliminate unnecessary single-use materials and replace them with reusable, recyclable, or compostable options in alignment with its broader sustainable-campus framework.

4.2. This policy forms part of Qassim University’s broader contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The University actively promotes responsible consumption and waste reduction through the following initiatives:

• Sustainable campus operations: implementing energy-efficient systems, reducing water consumption, and promoting waste segregation and recycling across campus to minimize landfill waste, including disposable items.
• Curriculum integration: embedding sustainability, circular-economy principles, and responsible-consumption topics within academic programs to ensure students understand the environmental, social, and economic impact of disposable consumption.
• Research for sustainability: supporting faculty and student research focused on waste minimization, biodegradable materials, circular resource systems, and innovative solutions to replace disposable products.
• Awareness and behavioral change: conducting campaigns, workshops, and student challenges such as “Disposable-Free Campus Challenge” and “Bring Your Own Week” to reduce dependence on disposable materials and foster a culture of reuse.
• Community outreach: engaging with local communities, NGOs, and schools to raise awareness of sustainable consumption and encourage reduced use of disposable materials beyond the campus.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship: supporting student-driven sustainability initiatives and start-ups that develop creative, market-ready solutions for disposable-item reduction and circular-product design.

4.3. Specific objectives and measures include:

• Achieve a measurable 15 percent annual reduction in disposable-item consumption across campus operations by 2027.
• Phase out single-use, non-biodegradable items (such as cups, plates, cutlery, straws, and bags) by 2026.
• Provide Reusable Starter Kits (metal cutlery, cloth tote bag, reusable cup, and water bottle) for students and staff to encourage sustainable habits.
• Offer incentives and discounts at cafés and shops for customers using reusable cups or containers.
• Implement a Disposable-Free Event Guideline requiring all university events to use reusable or compostable materials and adopt digital rather than printed communications.
• Require vendors and suppliers to conduct quarterly packaging audits and submit compliance reports demonstrating progress toward reduced disposable material use.
• Install additional water-refill stations to eliminate bottled-water consumption.
• Maintain color-coded waste-segregation bins and composting facilities to handle biodegradable packaging responsibly.
• Publish annual progress in the University’s Sustainability Report and contribute data to national monitoring systems under the National Center for Waste Management.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

• The President of Qassim University, delegated through the relevant Vice-Presidents, Deans, and Directors, holds the ultimate responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of this Policy.
• Responsible General Administration Department: Updates procurement policies to prioritize reusable and minimal-packaging items and include sustainability clauses in supplier contracts.
• Facilities and Services Department: Manages installation of water stations, waste segregation systems, and ensures proper signage and maintenance of recycling infrastructure.
• Deanship of Student Affairs: Leads awareness campaigns, sustainability clubs, and student engagement initiatives such as ‘Disposable-Free Campus Challenge.’
• Catering and Retail Vendors: Must eliminate disposable packaging, adopt compostable or reusable alternatives, and report compliance quarterly.
• Research and Academic Departments: Integrate sustainability topics into teaching and research to encourage innovation in disposable item reduction.
• All University Members: Expected to follow this policy, use reusable items, and participate in awareness and reduction campaigns.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

6.1. Center for Sustainable Development shall monitor progress using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and publish annual results. Metrics include:

• Percentage reduction in disposable item use (units/weight) year-on-year.
• Number of departments and vendors certified as ‘Disposable-Free.’
• Quantity of compostable or reusable items procured annually.
• Volume of waste diverted from landfill through recycling or composting programs.
• Cost savings from reduced disposable item purchasing and waste management.

6.2. Annual results will be included in the University Sustainability Report and shared with the National Center for Waste Management for benchmarking against national goals.

6.3. Continuous engagement will be maintained through departmental audits, surveys, and feedback to ensure sustained progress.

7. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

7.1. This Policy shall be reviewed every two years by the University Council, in consultation with appropriate internal and external bodies, to ensure its continued effectiveness, relevance, and alignment with national legislation and international best practices.

7.2. Continuous improvement will include expanding reusable infrastructure, introducing supplier awards for sustainability, enhancing communication campaigns, and investing in innovative technologies for waste minimization.