responsible consumption and production

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to sustainability through a comprehensive approach that addresses various environmental policies. The university implements an ethical sourcing policy to ensure that all materials and resources are obtained responsibly, aligning with sustainable practices. It has established stringent waste disposal policies for hazardous materials to mitigate environmental risks and protect public health. Additionally, the university places strong emphasis on reducing landfill use by promoting recycling initiatives and implementing effective waste-tracking systems, ensuring that a high proportion of waste is diverted from landfills. Policies aimed at reducing plastic consumption and single-use items are strictly enforced across campus, with these minimisation efforts also extended to suppliers. Through these measures, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi not only fosters an eco-friendly campus but also sets a standard for responsible resource management within the academic community. 

Dr. Stavros Christopoulos led a project aimed at developing environmentally friendly materials with advanced properties by embedding metal-oxide nanoparticles (e.g., ZnO, TiO2) into polymer matrices. The goal is to improve the physical properties of the films for applications in agriculture, construction, and display technologies, such as greenhouse covers and anti-glare coatings. The nanoparticles are treated, coated, and incorporated through processes like extrusion, resulting in low-cost, high-performance materials. The project also focused on using biodegradable polymers and developing a theoretical model to better understand the interaction between nanoparticles and the polymer, optimising the films' performance. 

Dr. Proscovia Svard led a study, with Dr. Victor Kabata as a participant, focused on investigating how governments can implement green information management strategies to address environmental challenges posed by the exponential growth in digital information and data centres. The literature review highlighted the lack of research in this area, justifying the need for the study. Research was conducted in several countries, including the UAE. 
The study aimed to examine how governments are aligning information management practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its specific objectives included: 

• Identifying the strategies and policies adopted by selected countries—including the UAE—for sustainable information management 
  
  
• Assessing public officials’ awareness of the environmental impacts associated with information management 
  
  
• Evaluating how open data developments support sustainability objectives 
  
  
• Providing recommendations for greening information management practices