University Policies on Sustainable Development

University Policies on Sustainable Development

Sustainable Procurement Policy

Sustainable procurement is defined as raising awareness of the strategic importance of government purchasing as a tool to achieve environmental and social sustainability goals and international commitments.

Article 1:

Ensure sustainable procurement by purchasing energy-efficient products.

Article 2:

Transition to sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Article 3:

Support individuals with special needs, people of determination, women without providers, and charitable exhibitions.

Article 4:

Reduce consumption by selecting reusable products.

Article 5:

Minimize waste generation by choosing products that can be reused and recycled.

Article 6:

Avoid products that contain toxic chemicals, especially solid materials.

Article 7:

Reduce gas emissions associated with product manufacturing.

 

Anti-Bribery Policy

Bribery is defined as offering, giving, or receiving anything of value to influence the actions of another person in an improper or corrupt manner. This policy applies to all employees, students, and individuals who interact with the university from the local community.

Article 1:

Any employee or individual who suspects or becomes aware of any bribery case must report it immediately.

Article 2:

All allegations of bribery will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. If a claim is proven to be credible, disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination of employment.

Sustainable Investment Policy

Sustainable investment is an investment approach that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the investment process. The goal of sustainable investment is to achieve long-term financial returns while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts.

Article 1:

Reduce the university's environmental footprint by investing in companies that address climate change, reduce pollution, and conserve natural resources.

Article 2:

The university actively seeks collaboration with local communities and governmental organizations to tackle both regional and global environmental challenges.

Article 3:

Support the development of a sustainable economy by investing in companies that are developing new technologies and solutions to address environmental and social challenges.

Climate Change Policy

Climate change is a global challenge without borders, and combating it requires coordinated action from all countries. The primary cause of climate change is global warming, which has numerous negative impacts on physical, biological, and human systems, as well as other effects. The university aims to implement a climate change policy by applying an "Emissions, Energy Management, and Waste Management" strategy to achieve a healthier climate.

Article 1:

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and activities.

Article 2:

The university explores and implements renewable energy solutions.

Article 3:

Achieve carbon neutrality and reduce energy consumption.

Article 4:

Implement sustainable transportation options to reduce harmful gas emissions.

Article 5:

Safely dispose of toxic waste by specialized teams.

 

Waste Management Policy

Waste processing, recycling, and disposal activities are key factors in creating a sustainable environment on campus. Therefore, waste management programs should be a part of the university's responsibilities.

Article 1:

Establish waste sorting projects and explore ways to utilize waste.

Article 2:

Form teams of volunteers, including students, staff, and faculty members, to assist in the waste management plan.

Article 3:

Build and develop the capacities of university staff, especially in the General Services Department, in the field of waste management.

Article 4:

Raise awareness among staff and students by implementing official policies for handling paper and plastic, such as posting advisory signs to encourage paper conservation and educating about the harms of using plastic and paper cups, among other initiatives.

Article 5:

Collaborate with the General Services Department to provide color-coded containers (blue, red, yellow, green) to assist in the waste sorting process, and develop a program to process a specific portion of the waste.

Article 6:

Activate the mechanism for storing toxic waste and dispose of it by implementing waste sorting in collaboration with relevant parties both inside and outside the university.

Article 7:

Maximize university resources by benefiting from revenue generated from solid waste (paper, cardboard, metal, and plastic cans, etc.).

 

Energy Management Policy

Our university strives to enhance energy efficiency in its buildings and prioritize nature and energy resources by using energy-saving devices, adopting renewable energy policies, implementing energy conservation programs, promoting green buildings, adapting to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Article 1:

Utilize modern technologies for smart buildings, such as installing sensors for water taps and automatic lighting systems, among other innovations.

Article 2:

Implement the principle of clean energy at the university instead of relying on electricity generated by traditional power generators.

Article 3:

Reduce the amount of electricity consumed within the university to minimize the environmental pollution it causes.

Article 4:

Measure carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and strive to reduce them.

Article 5:

Instruct procurement committees to purchase energy-efficient devices.

Article 6:

Activate the role of all university departments in conducting educational workshops to raise awareness about energy management.

Article 7:

Prepare a comprehensive study on electricity consumption across the university's departments and the feasibility of transitioning to alternative energy sources.

 

Water Management Policy

Water is the essence of life on Earth, the vital link that sustains all peoples and creatures. It is crucial for humans, animals, and plants, and it serves as a cornerstone for environmental balance. Therefore, there is a commitment to using water in an economically sound manner, avoiding wastefulness.

Article 1:

The university encourages its staff and students to use water economically, avoiding waste, and ensuring fair usage.

Article 2:

In line with health and environmental regulations, the university conducts regular water quality tests through its specialized teams, according to an organized schedule.

Article 3:

Implement programs for water recycling and use treated water for irrigation.

Article 4:

Establish a system for collecting water from air conditioning units and using it for plant irrigation.

Article 5:

Using faucets equipped with automatic sensors significantly helps reduce water consumption.

Article 6:

Establish a system for water recycling in collaboration with relevant authorities to reuse water from this system for irrigation and agricultural projects.

 

Emissions Reduction Policy

The Iraqi constitution stipulates that "every individual has the right to live in a healthy environmental condition." Al-Nahrain University strives to reduce and eliminate all types of emissions, whether biological or chemical.

Article 1:

Organize workshops, events, and educational seminars to raise awareness about the dangers of waste and its associated emissions and their impact on the environment.

Article 2:

Classify waste into two categories: recyclable waste, which will be transported to specialized recycling centers, and non-recyclable waste, which will be coordinated with the local government to allocate vehicles for safe collection and disposal.

Article 3:

For recyclable waste, the university departments will collect it through designated containers for each type, including separate bins for paper, plastic, metal, and food waste.

Article 4:

The university follows guidelines and instructions for the safe disposal and treatment of hazardous and toxic waste, with each type handled according to its specific requirements. The university also trains specialized personnel on proper waste disposal methods.

Article 5:

Possibility of establishing agreements with specialized entities for the safe disposal of all types of waste.

Article 6:

Form teams responsible for monitoring the implementation of this policy and submitting regular reports.

Article 7:

Possibility of establishing agreements to invest in renewable energy sources and implement them within the university to reduce emissions from power generators.

Article 8:

Promote sustainable transportation by encouraging the university community to use eco-friendly transportation options.

Article 9:

Use energy-efficient devices through a sustainable procurement policy that mandates the purchase of such devices to reduce energy consumption.

Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy

Iraqi legislation emphasizes the necessity of equality between men and women. This principle reaffirms that women stand on equal footing with men and exert the same intellectual and physical effort to achieve professional activities. The Iraqi Constitution also asserts that "Iraqis are equal before the law without discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, origin, color, religion, sect, belief, opinion, or economic or social status."

Article 1:

The university is obligated to hold awareness-raising and educational lectures that promote understanding of equality, diversity, and non-discrimination among its staff and faculty.

Article 2:

The university provides equal opportunities for admission, employment, and participation in programs to all individuals regardless of race, gender, religion, color, origin, disability, or age.

Article 3:

Implementing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students and faculty members.

Article 4:

The university provides necessary facilities and support services for students, faculty members, staff, and visitors with disabilities to enable full participation in university life.

Article 5:

The university enforces a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and other forms of discriminatory behavior.

Article 6:

The university provides clear guidelines, reporting mechanisms, and support services to address complaints of harassment quickly and with complete confidentiality.


Anti-Smoking Policy

The harmful effects of smoking are not limited to the smoker but also extend to those around them, including colleagues and individuals present in the same institution, as they are exposed to the risks of secondhand smoke. This negative impact affects the health of non-smokers, infringing on their right to physical health, which in turn impacts their work productivity and financial situation, as well as the healthcare obligations of the state towards smokers. Smoking affects not only the smoker's health but also their job performance and their role as a member of society.

Article 1:

A committee will be formed within the university's administration to implement this policy and take the necessary legal measures in accordance with relevant laws.

Article 2:

The committee will oversee the implementation of the policy across all university entities and will have the authority to propose developments that facilitate its execution. It may also suggest the creation of subcommittees in faculties and research centers to ensure compliance.

Article 3:

Educational and awareness programs will be organized by faculties and research centers, including the holding of seminars, workshops, and lectures to spread the culture of non-smoking among university attendees, staff, and students.

Article 4:

Designated smoking areas will be allocated for smokers, isolated from non-smokers, and designed in accordance with health and engineering standards for smoking rooms.

Article 5:

The university's media department will raise awareness about the risks and harms of smoking through video materials published on university media channels, along with distributing informative posters.

Article 6:

Directives will be issued to contractors working with the university to prohibit the sale of tobacco products and its derivatives.

Article 7:

Smoking will be prohibited inside all university buildings, as well as in the university’s transportation vehicles and dormitories. Smoking is also banned inside the university club, except in the designated smoking areas as outlined in this policy.

Article 8:

The university coordinates with health departments or relevant agencies to develop a plan to combat smoking through awareness-raising lectures about its dangers and assisting smokers in quitting through appropriate health programs. A day will be dedicated to organizing activities that promote the implementation of this policy.