Paper Reduction
Since its inception in 2003, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has become one of the region’s leading centres of academic excellence. Its vibrant and cosmopolitan student population spread over its three campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai, represent more than 70 nationalities. Through its globally competitive curriculum, ADU formulates highly unique degree programmes that maximise graduates’ chances of employment. It strives to become one of the world’s elite institutions of world-class education and applied research. ADU offers courses in Environmental Health and Safety and Public Health as well as a recently launched Master of Science course in Sustainable Architecture. The Sustainable Architecture programme aims to produce innovative architects and designers capable of developing energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure and to support the construction of smart and sustainable cities in the UAE and the region.
These courses are also in strong alignment with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 that encourages efficient use of resources, and simultaneously contributes to the development of a diversified knowledge-based economy.
In addition to a dynamic range of extracurricular activities, ADU also instils a strong spirit of social responsibility in its students so that graduates can help to transform not only their industries; but also, their communities and above all, their world. All of the University’s programmes are internationally accredited by the Western Commission of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Along with these global recognitions, ADU has also striven to reach various environmental milestones and is trying to be a more sustainable campus for the future generation of students by participating in the Sustainable Campus Initiative (SCI) since 2014. The above mentioned project aimed at increasing awareness on wastage of paper as well as reduction of paper waste on campus.
Project Overview
The purpose of the project was to spread awareness among students, staff and faculty about the impact of wasting paper, unnecessary paper consumption and reduction of paper wastage. A ‘Paper Reduction Campaign’ was held from 12th – 16th March 2017. Members of the Green Club, a club formed at Abu Dhabi University to conduct activities under SCI, set up a booth and spread awareness about this topic to the students.
Method
- Informational posters about paper waste made of recycled paper were displayed at the booth.
- A book donation campaign was launched.
- Arts and crafts using wastepaper was done and displayed by students.
- All desktop computers in the school had their monitors set to display an infographic on paper waste recycling.
- Shredded paper waste was reused by the college students to create a recycling logo mural.
Key Outcomes and Learnings
- Getting the buy-in of the university administration was key as all funding required for the campaign was done through the university’s Business Support Facilities and Student Engagement and Development Office.
- The main challenge was to engage the students in the campaign. This was overcome by creating competitive activities in which students could participate in to win prizes.
- Awareness on the topic of waste paper and recycling was increased not only among students but also faculty and support staff.
- Students regularly started practising paper saving habits such as printing on both sides, reusing old paper for worksheets and donating old textbooks and notes to junior level students.
- It is easy to inform and change the minds of students if proper awareness and solutions are provided to them.
- The book donation campaign targeted two achievements: reuse paper as well as commemorate the ‘Year of Giving’ theme.