Sustainability Development Policy

Introduction

Alfaisal University is committed to embedding sustainability as a core institutional principle across education, research, operations, governance, community engagement, and health and wellbeing. The University recognizes its responsibility to contribute to national priorities under Saudi Vision 2030 and to global sustainability efforts, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sustainability at Alfaisal University is guided by the principles of the Triple Bottom Line; People, Planet, and Prosperity, and is integrated into the University’s strategic planning, academic programs, research agenda, operational practices, partnerships, and institutional culture.

Purpose

This policy establishes the institutional framework for integrating sustainability principles across all University functions and activities. It aims to:

• Support achievement of global and national sustainability priorities.
• Promote responsible environmental, social, and economic practices.
• Advance sustainability knowledge, research, and innovation.
• Foster a culture of sustainability across the University community.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in sustainability performance.

Scope

This policy applies to all University stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, contractors, partners, and affiliated entities. It covers sustainability integration across institutional governance, operations, education, research, community engagement, and health and wellbeing.

Institutional Sustainability Framework

Alfaisal University implements sustainability across five core institutional sustainability areas:

Objectives

The University aims to:

• Integrate sustainability principles across governance, operations, education, research, community engagement, and health and wellbeing.
• Promote efficient and responsible use of energy, water, and materials.
• Support transition toward climate-resilient and low-carbon operations.
• Advance sustainability research and interdisciplinary innovation.
• Strengthen sustainability education and awareness across the University community.
• Promote healthy and sustainable campus environments that support physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
• Strengthen community partnerships supporting sustainability outcomes.
• Monitor and report sustainability performance transparently and consistently

Policy Statement

Alfaisal University is committed to:

• Integrating sustainability into institutional decision-making and strategic planning.
• Supporting environmentally responsible and socially beneficial initiative.
• Promoting sustainability leadership through education, research, and innovation.
• Reducing environmental impact through responsible resource management.
• Supporting climate action and environmental stewardship initiatives.
• Promoting diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility across institutional activities.
• Supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of the University community.
• Maintaining transparent sustainability reporting and continuous institutional improvement

Guiding Principles

The University’s sustainability approach is guided by the following principles:

• Environmental Responsibility: Reducing emissions, conserving resources, and protecting ecosystems.
• Social Equity: Promoting diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity, and community wellbeing.
• Economic Sustainability: Supporting long-term financial and operational sustainability.
• Climate Resilience: Supporting climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Collaboration: Partnering locally and globally to advance sustainability impact.
• Innovation: Encouraging research and technological solutions for sustainability challenges.

Roles and Responsibilities

Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

The University will:

• Monitor sustainability performance indicators across operational, academic, and engagement areas.
• Track progress toward institutional sustainability and climate objectives.
• Measure and monitor greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in alignment with internationally recognized standards, including the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, where applicable.
• Report sustainability performance through institutional and external reporting frameworks where applicable.
• Maintain transparency through regular sustainability disclosures and reporting.

Sustainability in Funding and Resource Allocation

The University will support sustainability through:

• Responsible and sustainable investment practices.
• Funding sustainability research and innovation initiatives.
• Supporting student sustainability projects.
• Investing in sustainable infrastructure and technologies

Governance

The University’s sustainability governance structure includes designated sustainability and strategic planning committees responsible for oversight, implementation, and performance monitoring of sustainability initiatives.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or earlier if required, to ensure alignment with emerging sustainability standards, regulatory requirements, and institutional priorities.