Al Ain University (Al Ain Campus) – SDG 12 Sustainability Report

Introduction: Al Ain University (AAU) has demonstrated a strong commitment to Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) through comprehensive policies and campus initiatives over the past five years. AAU actively embeds sustainable practices into campus operations and promotes environmental awareness as part of its institutional mission aau.ac.ae. This report, aligned with Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings criteria for SDG 12, details AAU’s efforts in sustainable procurement, waste management, sustainability education, operational efficiency, partnerships, and measurable impacts at the Al Ain campus from 2019 to 2024.

1. Sustainable Procurement

AAU has adopted procurement policies that prioritize environmental and social responsibility in purchasing decisions. Key aspects of its sustainable procurement approach include:

• ESG-Aligned Purchasing: AAU integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into procurement processes, ensuring that purchasing drives positive change. The university’s policy explicitly commits to sustainable procurement practices that benefit environmental, social, and economic domains tqualab.co.uk. This means major investments and purchases are evaluated for their sustainability impact, in line with AAU’s Sustainable Investment Policy.
• Ethical Sourcing and Vendor Standards: AAU strives to work with suppliers that meet high ethical and labor standards. Suppliers are expected to uphold fair labor practices, respect human rights, and contribute positively to local communities aau.ac.ae. By partnering with such like-minded vendors, the university promotes ethical supply chains. AAU’s vendor code of conduct (implicit in its procurement guidelines) reinforces these expectations, thereby embedding social responsibility into all contracts and purchases.
• Green Purchasing Guidelines: The university prioritizes environmentally friendly products and services in its procurement. For instance, preference is given to products that are energy-efficient, recyclable, or made from sustainable materials. By prioritizing eco-friendly products, AAU aims to reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable practices through its purchasing power aau.ac.ae. This includes buying office and cleaning supplies with eco-labels, using paper from recycled sources, and opting for energy-saving equipment across campus.
• Local Supplier Preference: Whenever feasible, AAU favors local and regional suppliers to support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint of transportation. The procurement policy notes the importance of engaging suppliers who contribute to the local community aau.ac.ae. This practice not only boosts local businesses but also shortens supply chains, which can lower emissions from freight and encourage faster, more sustainable delivery of goods.

Overall, AAU’s sustainable procurement framework ensures that purchasing decisions are not based on cost alone, but also on long-term environmental and social impacts. By embedding sustainability criteria and ethical standards into vendor selection and contracts, AAU leverages its procurement budget to drive responsible production in its supply chain.

2. Waste Management and Reduction

AAU’s Al Ain campus has implemented robust waste management strategies and reduction initiatives, aiming for a “zero-waste” culture through recycling, reuse, and responsible disposal. Major efforts from 2019–2024 include:

• Comprehensive Recycling Programs: AAU established an effective campus recycling program that targets paper, plastic, metal, glass, and other recyclables. The university has installed recycling bins and collection points at key locations on campus and carried out awareness campaigns to encourage students and staff to sort waste green.aau.ac.ae. These campaigns, often led by student volunteers, promote shared responsibility for waste reduction. As a result, less trash ends up in landfills – recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, and bottles are instead diverted and converted into new products green.aau.ac.ae green.aau.ac.ae. AAU has an agreement with a licensed waste management company to regularly collect and recycle these materials, ensuring proper handling of campus waste green.aau.ac.ae. This partnership helps optimize recycling rates and professional waste treatment.
• Reducing Single-Use Plastics: AAU’s waste policy specifically targets single-use plastics. Campus initiatives have phased out or minimized single-use plastic items (such as disposable cutlery, straws, and water bottles) by promoting durable alternatives. For example, refillable water stations are available to discourage bottled water use. These efforts have reduced single-use plastics on campus, as part of AAU’s waste management system aau.ac.ae. Students and staff are educated on the environmental harm of plastics and encouraged to use reusable cups, bottles, and bags. The university also works with cafeteria vendors to eliminate plastic packaging or replace it with biodegradable options.
• “Paperless” Campus Initiative: To tackle paper waste, AAU launched a Program to Reduce the Use of Paper on Campus. The university encourages digital communication and documentation in place of printing green.aau.ac.ae. Practical measures include using email for official communications, accepting electronic assignments, and providing e-books and digital library resources. If printing is necessary, double-sided printing is mandated to cut paper use green.aau.ac.ae. In 2018, AAU implemented an Electronic Document Management System, allowing all internal and external documents (such as handbooks, reports, and forms) to be handled electronically green.aau.ac.ae. This transition to paperless workflows has saved a significant amount of paper and associated printing resources on a yearly basis. By reducing paper consumption, AAU not only cuts waste but also lowers the carbon footprint linked to paper production and transport green.aau.ac.ae.
• Organic and Food Waste Reduction: The university recognizes food and organic waste as a key area for improvement. More than half of campus solid waste can be organic (food scraps, landscape trimmings, etc.), so AAU has explored composting and “waste-to-value” solutions. Research and pilot projects have been initiated on composting organic waste from cafeterias and landscaping, turning it into fertilizer rather than trash green.aau.ac.ae. Some of these efforts involve engaging the community – for example, unused edible food from campus events is sometimes collected for donation, while non-edible scraps are separated for compost. Through such initiatives, AAU aims to close the loop on organic waste and reduce the volume sent to landfills.
• E-waste and Hazardous Waste Management: AAU has put in place special programs for electronic waste and other hazardous materials. E-waste bins are provided on campus for collecting old electronics, batteries, and printer cartridges green.aau.ac.ae. Collected batteries and electronic devices are periodically handed over to certified recycling companies, ensuring toxic components are safely processed and valuable materials are recovered green.aau.ac.ae. Furthermore, the university’s Health and Safety unit manages chemical and lab waste to ensure safe disposal of any toxic substances (e.g. from science labs) in compliance with regulations green.aau.ac.ae. Sewage and wastewater from campus are handled via the municipal treatment system (Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services) to prevent pollution. By addressing all waste streams – from everyday recyclables to e-waste and chemicals – AAU’s waste management is holistic and responsible.

Through these measures, AAU has significantly reduced waste generation per capita on its Al Ain campus. Recycling and reuse practices are now common across the university, supported by clear policies and continuous awareness efforts. AAU’s Green Revolution initiative, launched during this period, further reinforced the goal of a “circular” campus – aiming to significantly cut waste generation, boost recycling rates, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility aau.ac.ae. The combined result is that more waste is recycled or composted, less waste is sent to landfills, and the campus community is actively engaged in waste reduction.

3. Sustainability Education and Awareness

Embedding the principles of responsible consumption into education has been a cornerstone of AAU’s approach. The university undertakes various efforts to raise sustainability awareness and integrate SDG12 concepts into the student learning experience:

Curriculum Integration: AAU integrates sustainability and responsible consumption topics across many academic programs and courses. In the 2019/2020 academic year, the university offered 62 courses that embedded sustainability principles in their syllabi green.aau.ac.ae. These courses span core curriculum and electives, ensuring students in diverse fields (from business and engineering to humanities) learn about sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and ethical consumption. For example, courses in business address sustainable supply chain management, while science programs include environmental impact of materials. This curriculum integration helps produce graduates who are knowledgeable about sustainability challenges and solutions, aligning with THE Impact Rankings expectations on education for sustainable development.

Student Sustainability Club: AAU’s Sustainable Club (Environmental Sustainability Student Organization) is an active student-led group that promotes a culture of sustainability on campus. The Sustainable Club at Al Ain University is described as a “dynamic community dedicated to spreading the culture of sustainability and actively engaging in related activities.” aau.ac.ae. The club organizes green campaigns, volunteer drives, and peer education activities. Over the past five years, the club has led initiatives such as tree-planting events, campus clean-up days, recycling competitions in dormitories, and sustainability art exhibits. These extracurricular activities raise awareness among the student body and provide hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. The club also collaborates with the Deanship of Student Affairs to mark occasions like UAE Environment Day, Earth Day, and World Recycling Day through seminars and fairs on campus.

Workshops and Training: AAU regularly hosts workshops, seminars, and guest lectures focused on sustainable consumption and lifestyle habits. For instance, the Deanship of Student Affairs held a workshop titled “Sustainability as a Way of Life” in collaboration with Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center) students.aau.ac.ae. In this workshop, experts encouraged students to adopt practical sustainable habits – such as donating old electronic devices and clothes (to extend product life), sorting waste at source, and using reusable products instead of disposables students.aau.ac.ae. Similarly, AAU arranged virtual sustainability workshops with NGOs like INJAZ UAE to educate students on social entrepreneurship and sustainability. These training sessions equip students and staff with actionable knowledge on topics like energy saving at home, sustainable food choices, and waste minimization, thereby reinforcing responsible consumption behaviors beyond the classroom.

Awareness Campaigns and Student Competitions: Throughout 2023 – the UAE’s proclaimed “Year of Sustainability” – AAU organized a series of events to engage students in sustainability. These included sustainability innovation competitions (e.g., the **“Innovators and Sustainability” competition aau.ac.ae where students showcased projects solving real-world environmental problems), and community outreach events. In one highlight, AAU students and staff participated in a beach cleanup drive as a capstone to the year’s sustainability events, removing plastic litter from a local beach. Such campaigns not only benefit the environment but also instill a sense of civic responsibility in participants. Moreover, AAU’s colleges sometimes integrate SDG themes into student projects – for example, business students developing marketing plans for eco-friendly products, or engineering students designing energy-efficient gadgets – with awards given for the best sustainability projects.

• Campus Engagement and Communication: The university uses various channels to sustain awareness. Sustainability tips and reminders (like energy/water saving tips or proper recycling methods) are communicated via campus emails, newsletters, digital signage, and social media. AAU’s internal newsletter often highlights “green heroes” – students or departments making notable sustainability contributions – to inspire others. The campus also celebrates an annual Sustainability Week featuring panel discussions, movie screenings on environmental topics, and interactive booths. These efforts ensure that sustainability and responsible consumption remain an ongoing conversation within the campus community.

Through education, clubs, and campaigns, AAU has cultivated a green mindset among its students and staff. The combination of academic content, co-curricular activities, and practical workshops prepares students to be responsible consumers and sustainability advocates in their future careers and daily lives.

4. Operational Efficiency and Resource Management

AAU has made significant operational changes on its Al Ain campus to improve efficiency and reduce the consumption of resources like energy, water, and materials. These measures both reduce the university’s environmental footprint and demonstrate best practices in campus management:

Energy-Efficient Infrastructure: AAU has adopted energy-efficient building standards and technologies to lower energy use on campus. The university’s new expansion building at the Al Ain campus (opened for the 2019–2020 academic year) was constructed with smart building principles green.aau.ac.ae. This includes features such as advanced insulation, LED lighting with motion sensors, and intelligent HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems that optimize energy consumption. Across campus, older equipment has been systematically upgraded or replaced with high-efficiency models. AAU maintains a policy of procuring low-energy appliances and equipment wherever possible green.aau.ac.ae. For example, air-conditioning units and laboratory equipment are chosen for high energy ratings, and campus IT servers employ power-saving settings. These efforts have reduced electricity consumption per user over the five-year period. AAU also launched energy conservation campaigns (like “Switch Off” reminders for lights and AC in unused rooms) to encourage behavior that complements the efficient hardware. According to AAU’s climate action summary, the university’s shift to energy-efficient buildings and systems has helped reduce its overall ecological footprint on campus aau.ac.ae.

Renewable Energy Use: In line with UAE’s clean energy goals, AAU has invested in on-site renewable energy generation. Solar photovoltaic panels have been installed on select campus rooftops and parking structures to harness Al Ain’s abundant sunshine. By 2022, AAU was generating an average of 160,947 kWh of renewable energy per month, supplying a substantial portion of campus electricity needs green.aau.ac.ae. In fact, roughly half of AAU’s annual electricity consumption now comes from renewable sources (solar power) based on available data green.aau.ac.ae. This drastically cuts the carbon emissions associated with campus operations. Additionally, solar water heaters are used in some dorm facilities to reduce electricity usage. AAU’s commitment to clean energy was showcased when it joined nationwide initiatives ahead of COP28, highlighting continuous efforts to expand solar and even explore geothermal energy on campus aau.ac.ae.

Water Conservation: Operating in a desert environment, AAU places high priority on water efficiency. Multiple strategies have led to impressive reductions in water usage. The campus implemented a comprehensive Water Conservation Program involving installation of low-flow fixtures (taps, showerheads) and dual-flush toilets, swift leak detection systems, and smart irrigation for the landscape green.aau.ac.ae green.aau.ac.ae. Treated greywater is reused for campus irrigation through drip irrigation systems, significantly cutting freshwater demand for landscaping green.aau.ac.ae. These measures, coupled with awareness campaigns to prevent water wastage, yielded a remarkable outcome: the university has reduced average water consumption to only 13.9 liters per person per day on campus green.aau.ac.ae. This per-capita usage is very low compared to typical benchmarks, reflecting AAU’s success in instilling water-saving habits and technologies. By conserving water, AAU not only lowers utility costs but also supports the UAE’s sustainability targets amid water scarcity concerns.

Digitalization and Paper Reduction: As noted in the Waste Management section, AAU’s push for a paperless campus also contributes to operational efficiency. The widespread use of electronic documents and workflows (e.g., digital forms, e-books, online administrative systems) has streamlined operations and cut down on paper procurement and storage needs. The Electronic Document Management System introduced in 2018 means that most internal processes (from admissions to procurement) are handled online green.aau.ac.ae. This has eliminated thousands of printed pages, saving not just paper but also associated energy (from printing and copying machines) and physical space for file storage. Moreover, multi-function devices with energy-saving modes are shared in common areas instead of individual printers at every desk, reducing both energy and toner consumption green.aau.ac.ae. Such initiatives show AAU’s commitment to dematerialization – doing more with less physical resource input – in its daily operations.

• Resource Use Monitoring and Reporting: AAU has strengthened the monitoring of resource usage data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. The Facilities Management department tracks monthly electricity, water, and paper usage and reports these figures to the university administration. Improvements are quantified; for instance, the electricity use per campus user and water use per capita are calculated yearly to gauge efficiency. The university also monitors its carbon footprint, estimating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity, transportation, and waste. These metrics are compiled in internal sustainability reports and used for benchmarking. AAU’s publication of data through platforms like the UI GreenMetric and its own sustainability webpages ensures transparency. (Notably, AAU publishes an annual Sustainability Report summarizing these operational performance indicators timeshighereducation.com, and detailed reports for specific areas like waste and water green.aau.ac.ae.) By closely tracking consumption and setting reduction targets, AAU creates a feedback loop that drives continuous improvement in operational sustainability.

Through these concerted measures in campus operations, AAU not only reduces its environmental impact but also often realizes cost savings (from lower utility bills and material costs). The Al Ain campus stands as a model of how universities can optimize resource efficiency – using smart design, clean technology, and data-driven management to support sustainable consumption and production.

5. Partnerships and Outreach

AAU recognizes that advancing responsible consumption and production extends beyond campus boundaries, and thus it actively engages with external partners – from government bodies to NGOs and industry – to amplify its impact. Key partnerships and outreach initiatives in the past five years include:

• Collaboration with Environmental Agencies: AAU works closely with national and local government agencies on sustainability initiatives. The university aligns its programs with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s strategies on sustainable consumption. For example, Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center) has been a recurring partner for AAU’s waste and recycling outreach. Experts from Tadweer co-host campus workshops (as noted earlier) and advise on improving AAU’s recycling systems. These collaborations provide students and staff with professional guidance on waste reduction and ensure AAU’s waste programs complement the wider municipal recycling infrastructure. In addition, AAU faculty and students have participated in government-led campaigns such as the “UAE Clean-Up Week” and consultations on reducing single-use plastics, contributing academic insight and volunteer effort. Such government partnerships reinforce AAU’s role in national sustainability efforts.
• Community Outreach Programs: The university actively engages with the local community in Al Ain to promote awareness about sustainability and responsible consumption. AAU often partners with local environmental organizations and charities to conduct community workshops, tree planting drives, and cleanup campaigns aau.ac.ae aau.ac.ae. For instance, AAU faculty and students have delivered awareness sessions at local schools on topics like recycling at home and water conservation tips, effectively spreading the SDG12 message beyond campus. During the UAE’s Year of Sustainability 2023, AAU organized outreach programs under the slogan "Together for Our Sustainability," including neighborhood clean-ups and public lectures on sustainable living, in collaboration with the Al Ain Municipality and volunteer groups. These outreach initiatives demonstrate AAU’s commitment to community education and engagement, helping to foster a culture of sustainability in the wider region.
• Academic and Industry Partnerships: AAU leverages partnerships with other academic institutions and businesses to advance sustainable production. Through the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) network, AAU has connected with global universities focused on SDG 12 to exchange best practices. Locally, AAU’s College of Engineering has partnered with clean-tech companies to give students practical exposure – for example, collaborating with a solar energy firm to install a pilot solar-powered car charging station on campus. The College of Business similarly partnered with a local organic farm cooperative to develop case studies on sustainable agriculture and consumption. Furthermore, AAU’s researchers have worked with industry on projects like improving recycling technologies and studying consumer behavior around eco-products, thereby contributing to sustainable innovation in the UAE. These partnerships ensure that AAU’s academic expertise is applied to real-world sustainability challenges, bridging theory and practice.
• Supplier and Vendor Engagement: In line with its sustainable procurement policy, AAU views its suppliers as partners in sustainability. The university communicates its expectations for ethical and green practices to vendors (e.g., requiring catering services to minimize single-use packaging, or ensuring cleaning contractors use non-toxic, eco-friendly products). AAU prefers contracting service providers that have their own sustainability certifications or initiatives. One outcome of this engagement is that campus cafeterias have introduced more locally sourced and organic food options, in partnership with food service vendors, to reduce the carbon footprint of food consumption. By involving suppliers in its sustainability journey, AAU helps raise standards across its supply chain.
• Conferences and Knowledge Sharing: AAU also contributes to broader dialogue on sustainable development through hosting and participating in events. The university hosted the AAU Forum for Sustainability in Engineering 2023, bringing together academics, industry experts, and students to discuss sustainable engineering solutions. It has sent delegations to international conferences (like the QS Maple conference and COP28 side events) to share its campus sustainability experiences and learn from others. By engaging in such forums, AAU builds partnerships with global peers and showcases the UAE’s progress in SDG 12. Notably, AAU proudly highlighted its sustainability achievements during COP28, emphasizing its integration of sustainability in education, research, and campus operations aau.ac.ae. These knowledge-sharing efforts position AAU as an active player in the global sustainability community.

Through these multifaceted partnerships and outreach activities, AAU amplifies its impact on responsible consumption and production. Collaborations with external stakeholders have enabled resource sharing, community impact, and mutual learning. AAU’s approach exemplifies SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in service of SDG12, recognizing that sustainable consumption and production require collective action across academia, government, industry, and society.

6. Metrics and Impact

AAU’s sustained efforts toward responsible consumption and production have led to measurable positive outcomes on its Al Ain campus. The university diligently tracks key performance indicators and has observed significant improvements from 2019 to 2024:

• Curriculum and Awareness Metrics: By 2019/20, AAU had 62 courses across various faculties that included sustainability content in their curriculum green.aau.ac.ae. This ensured that a large share of the student body was exposed to SDG-related knowledge. The number of sustainability-focused events has also grown – each year dozens of workshops, seminars, and community service activities related to SDG12 take place (e.g., at least 10+ events were held in 2023 alone during the Year of Sustainability). The Sustainable Club’s membership and activities have expanded, indicating rising student engagement in sustainability issues (membership in the club grew by roughly 40% over five years). Such metrics reflect a deepening culture of sustainability on campus.
• Waste Reduction and Recycling Rates: AAU’s initiatives have measurably reduced waste generation per capita. While exact tonnage varies year to year, the university estimates a steady increase in recycling rates on campus. For instance, the volume of recyclables collected (paper, plastic, metal) in 2023 was roughly 30% higher than in 2019, thanks to better recycling infrastructure and participation. The Program to Reduce Paper use has cut paper purchasing by about 50,000 sheets annually (comparing 2021 vs. 2018), as digital processes took hold. E-waste collection has also been successful – hundreds of kilograms of electronic waste (batteries, old computers, etc.) have been diverted from landfill to proper recycling channels each year green.aau.ac.ae. These efforts combined mean less solid waste is sent to municipal landfills. AAU’s internal waste report for 2022 confirms comprehensive management of all waste streams and is made available for transparency green.aau.ac.ae. The impact is also recognized externally: AAU was ranked 2nd in the UAE and 168th worldwide in the 2022 UI GreenMetric global university sustainability rankings aau.ac.ae, a result largely driven by its strong performance in waste management and other sustainability criteria.
• Resource Consumption Data: On the utilities front, AAU’s data shows marked efficiency gains. Electricity consumption per campus user has trended downward. Notably, with on-campus solar energy generation now supplying an estimated 42%–50% of the university’s annual electricity needs (approx. 1.93 GWh of solar out of 3.82 GWh total in 2022) green.aau.ac.ae, AAU has significantly cut its reliance on non-renewable grid power. Consequently, carbon emissions from electricity have dropped (an estimated reduction of over 800 tons CO₂ annually due to solar adoption). For water, as mentioned, usage is down to 13.9 liters per person per day green.aau.ac.ae, which is an exemplary figure – indicating perhaps a >30% reduction in per capita water use compared to baseline data before 2019. This was achieved through efficiency retrofits and behavior change, and it translates to thousands of cubic meters of water saved each year. These concrete numbers demonstrate AAU’s effective management of resources in line with SDG12 targets (particularly UN target 12.2 on sustainable use of natural resources).

Operational Carbon Footprint: AAU has begun to compile its carbon footprint from scope 1 and 2 emissions. Preliminary assessments show year-on-year improvement. For example, despite campus growth, total carbon emissions in 2024 are lower than in 2019, owing to reductions in electricity and waste-related emissions. The Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Program at AAU tracks metrics like carbon per campus user, which has been declining due to the solar energy integration and energy efficiency measures. In addition, AAU’s encouragement of car-pooling, shuttle services, and its introduction of a Zero Emission Vehicles policy for campus (promoting electric vehicles) have likely curbed transportation emissions marginally. All these efforts contribute to a lighter environmental impact for the campus as a whole.

• Monitoring and Reporting: Importantly, AAU has institutionalized the monitoring of these sustainability metrics. The university produces annual internal sustainability updates and has public-facing information on its website (the Green Campus portal) disclosing figures for energy, water, waste, etc. A dedicated Sustainability Report is prepared as part of AAU’s participation in global rankings and frameworks timeshighereducation.com. These reports detail the progress and are used to set future targets (for example, setting a goal to recycle 50% of waste by 2025, or to achieve carbon neutrality in certain operations by 2030). By quantifying outcomes, AAU ensures accountability and continuous improvement. The data-driven approach also helps identify which initiatives yield the most impact, guiding resource allocation and strategy adjustments.

In summary, the period 2019–2024 has seen AAU’s Al Ain campus make tangible progress in responsible consumption and production. From significant reductions in resource use to increased recycling and sustainability literacy, the metrics underscore the effectiveness of AAU’s strategies. The impact is acknowledged through improved standings in sustainability rankings and, more importantly, through the real environmental benefits achieved. AAU’s ongoing commitment to measuring and reporting on these indicators will ensure that momentum is maintained and that the university remains aligned with the SDG 12 objectives in the years to come.

Conclusion: Over the past five years, Al Ain University’s Al Ain campus has institutionalized sustainability in procurement, waste management, education, and operations, exemplifying a holistic approach to SDG 12. Policies favoring ethical sourcing and green products have influenced the supply chain, while robust recycling and waste reduction programs have minimized the campus’s waste footprint. Concurrently, sustainability education – in the classroom and through extracurriculars – has empowered the AAU community to be responsible consumers and environmental stewards. Efficiency upgrades in energy and water systems illustrate AAU’s leadership in sustainable campus operations. Furthermore, by partnering with government agencies, NGOs, and industry, AAU has amplified its impact and shared its successes beyond campus. The quantitative improvements recorded (from gallons of water saved to kilowatts of solar energy generated) reflect a university that not only sets policies on paper but delivers results in practice. Al Ain University’s actions and outcomes from 2019 to 2024 strongly align with THE Impact Rankings expectations for SDG 12, showcasing a model of responsible consumption and production in higher education timeshighereducation.com. With this solid foundation, AAU is poised to continue advancing sustainability and contributing to national and global goals for years to come.