Sustainability

University Sustainability and Impact

1. Overview

At the University of Jordan, sustainability is at the core of our values and strategic direction. Our commitment to sustainable development is reflected in our alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.

We are committed to:

• Reducing our environmental footprint
• Promoting social equity and diversity
• Ensuring strong governance and transparent decision-making
• Achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050

We are committed to advancing the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: decent work and economic growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: life below Water
• SDG 15: Life on land
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

We are proud to report major milestones, since the baseline year 2019, on our journey toward becoming a sustainable campus:

Our sustainability vision is embedded in all areas of university life, from research and education to operations and community engagement.

2. Sustainability Strategy

Vision: To become a leading university in sustainability through innovation, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.

Mission: To drive sustainability across education, research, operations, and community partnerships by embedding sustainable practices and values throughout the University of Jordan.

Values:

Diversity, Honesty, Respect, Fairness, Social equity, Inclusion, Environmental responsibility, transparency and accountability, Innovation and adaptability, Collaboration and partnerships, resources efficiency and circular economy and ethical governance and integrity.

Our University Sustainability Strategy is structured around clear goals and measurable outcomes (OKRs) to drive progress toward our 2030 and 2050 sustainability targets. It encompasses:

• Carbon reduction pathways
  
• Energy conservation and efficiency plans
• Curriculum transformation
• Community engagement and partnerships

The strategy aligns with SDGs, ESG pillars, and the GHG Protocol, and is implemented through collaborative efforts across all units.

Target Values by 2030 and 2050:

To view Full University of Jordan Sustainability Strategy, Click Here

3. Campus Sustainability Initiatives

• Green renovations: building insulation, LED lighting, smart building systems
• Solar energy generation: 16 MW capacity, net-metering
• Electrification of heating and cooling systems
• Waste minimization campaigns and recycling centers
• Smart irrigation and water-saving systems

4. Get Involved

We invite students, faculty, staff, and alumni to join us in advancing sustainability through:

• Student sustainability clubs
• Faculty-led research projects
• Community clean-up days
• Volunteering opportunities

5. News & Events

Stay updated with our latest:

• Sustainability achievements
• Conferences and workshops
• Publications and reports
• University-wide green campaigns

6. Reports & Resources

Access our key sustainability reports:

• Annual Sustainability Report
• GHG Emissions Report​
  

7. Strategic Sustainability Policies

Our comprehensive sustainability policies ensure that sustainability principles are embedded in every functional area of the university:

1. Education for Sustainability Policy  – Integrates sustainability across all academic programs (SDG 4, SDG 13)
2. Sustainability Research Policy – Encourages interdisciplinary research to address global and local sustainability challenges (SDG 9, SDG 17)
   
3. Sustainability Investment Policy – Directs university investments toward sustainable ventures (SDG 12, ESG)
4. Sustainable Procurement Policy  – Ensures environmentally and ethically responsible sourcing (SDG 8, SDG 12)
5. Student Union Sustainability Policy – Empowers students to lead and engage in green initiatives (SDG 4, SDG 16)
6. Human Resources Sustainability Policy – Promotes diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in employment (SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 10)
   
7. Waste Management Policy – Focuses on reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal (SDG 11, SDG 12)
8. Water Management Policy – Implements conservation strategies and smart water systems (SDG 6)
9. Alumni Association Sustainability Policy​ – Engages alumni in lifelong contributions to sustainability (SDG 17)
10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy  – Ensures equitable access and opportunity for all (SDG 5, SDG 10)
    
11. University Persons with Disabilities Policy  – Supports people with disabilities through inclusive provisions (SDG 10)
    
12. Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy  – Upholds ethical standards in all dealings (ESG-G)
    
13. Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy – Fosters a safe and respectful campus environment (SDG 5, SDG 16)
14. University Biodiversity Sustainability Policy  supports the university's broader sustainability and climate resilience goals (SDG 15)

8.Sustainability Governance

The University of Jordan (UJ) has established a dedicated committee solely responsible for advancing sustainable development and identifying priority issues related to sustainability. The committee's key responsibilities include developing policies and procedures, proposing strategic objectives, overseeing the implementation of sustainability initiatives, and staying informed about national and international sustainability developments.

This committee is led by the Vice President and comprises experts from various academic schools and specialized centers, including the School of Engineering, Science, Business, Agriculture, Political Science, the Water, Energy, and Environment Center, the Local Community Networking and Development Center, the Center for Women's Studies, the Center for Strategic Studies, and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.

Campus Sustainability Coordinator

Dr. Osamah Ayadi

email : o.ayadi@ju.edu.jo

Ext: 22801

In response to the growing emphasis on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UJ has appointed a faculty member with extensive experience as the Campus Sustainability Coordinator. This individual plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development across the university. Their responsibilities include:

• Proposing best practices for achieving the SDGs on campus.
• Acting as a central point of contact for sustainability-related inquiries, initiatives, and projects.
• Delivering mandatory annual training on the environmental and social aspects of sustainability to staff members. For more details click here​
  
• Collaborating with the EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Officer to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Providing training grounded in ethical values for all members of the university community.
• Overseeing ethical matters across the institution.

EDI Officer

Dr. Shera Mahasneh

Ext : 26241

email: shera.mahasneh@ju.edu.jo  

UJ has appointed a dedicated EDI Officer responsible for promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. This officer plays a vital role in advising on and implementing policies, programs, and training initiatives that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights across campus.

Sustainability Office

To further integrate and coordinate sustainability efforts across all campus entities, a proposal to establish a Sustainability Office was approved in March 2025. This office is responsible for overseeing the environmental and social dimensions of sustainability at the University of Jordan (UJ) through the following core functions:

1. Strategic Planning and Guidance
• Evaluating current performance and aligning initiatives with global sustainability standards
• Setting measurable goals and developing actionable implementation plans
• Monitoring progress and ensuring continuous improvement
2. Coordination and Follow-up
• Serving as a centralized hub for sustainability-related projects and initiatives
• Establishing and managing a comprehensive database to document sustainability practices across the university
3. Engagement Across Campus
• Highlighting and leveraging contributions from scientific and humanities faculties, administrative departments, and student clubs
• Supporting sustainability-related research, education, and environmentally responsible operational practices
4. Impact and Partnerships
• Enhancing collaboration with governmental and private sector partners
• Supporting applied research and attracting funding for projects with tangible benefits for both the university and society
5. Training and Capacity Building
• Delivering mandatory annual training on environmental and social aspects of sustainability for staff members
• Providing training grounded in ethical values for all members of the university community
6. Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Advising on and implementing policies, programs, and training related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights on campus
• Overseeing ethical matters across the institution

The establishment of the Sustainability Office represents a strategic step toward reinforcing UJ's leadership in sustainable development. It strengthens the university's standing as a top-tier research and educational institution and supports its mission to become a local and regional model in sustainability.

Contact & Feedback

Office of Sustainability
The University of Jordan
Email: ujro@ju.edu.jo
Share your ideas or feedback with us and be part of the change.

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