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Sustainability Policy of the University of Tunis El Manar (UTM)

Introduction
The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) is committed to sustainability through a comprehensive strategy that integrates environmental, social, and economic initiatives across its campus, in collaboration with local authorities, international organizations, and academic networks. This report outlines UTM’s sustainability efforts, highlighting key achievements, partnerships, and forward-looking goals aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  1. Environmental Sustainability

1.1. Energy Management

UTM prioritizes renewable energy adoption and efficient energy systems:

  • Solar Panels: Installed on faculty rooftops, generating 30% of on-site energy needs.
  • Collaborations: Partnerships with the Council of El Manar City and the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME) enhance energy innovation, such as the implementation of solar-powered systems.
  • Efficient Lighting: Motion-sensitive LED systems reduce energy waste across all buildings.

1.2. Waste Management

UTM has developed an integrated waste management program in collaboration with municipal services and international networks:

  • Recycling initiatives include “Recycling Week” campaigns to promote sorting of plastics, paper, and e-waste.
  • Example: The university leverages knowledge-sharing opportunities through its membership in the SDSN Network to adopt international best practices for waste management and circular economy models.

1.3. Water Conservation

UTM employs sustainable water management practices:

  • Rainwater harvesting tanks provide irrigation water for campus gardens.
  • Low-flow water systems have reduced water consumption by 40% at the Faculty of Medicine.
  • Partnerships: Expertise on water management is shared with El Manar City and international partners, particularly through participation in the H2020 MADFORWATER project, which addresses water scarcity in the Mediterranean region.

1.4. Sustainable Transportation

  • The use of shuttles/busses have cut internal transport emissions by 25%.
  • Bike Sharing: Many biking initiatives are launched. Joint programs with the city and many biking associations have encouraged eco-friendly commuting.
  • Global Insights: UTM collaborates with the United Nations SDSN and the Global South Sustainability Network to develop frameworks for sustainable urban transportation.many initiatives for eco cars and ecotransport production where launched at our School of engineering.
  1. Climate Action

2.1. Carbon Neutrality

UTM actively works toward reducing its carbon footprint:

  • Tree-planting events, co-hosted with the Council of El Manar City, contribute to regional carbon offsetting.
  • Smart meters and energy-efficient systems in research labs reduce electricity usage.
  • International Collaboration: Through the SDSN, UTM participates in knowledge exchange forums to enhance carbon-neutral strategies and regional climate action plans.

2.2. Climate Education and Research

  • Public workshops on climate resilience involve UTM faculty and city officials.
  • Data Sharing: A climate monitoring station on campus, supported by the city council, informs urban planning and sustainability efforts.
  • Horizon Europe Partnerships: UTM works with Erasmus+ PROMETEO and H2020 MADFORWATER to advance Mediterranean climate resilience and resource management.
  1. Social Sustainability

3.1. Inclusivity

UTM fosters an inclusive academic and social environment:

  • Scholarships support students from disadvantaged regions and sub-Saharan Africa.
  • INSIDE Project: Dedicated Bachelor programs taught by vision-impaired staff and the establishment of a Disability Office ensure accessibility.
  • International Alignment: UTM’s inclusion policies are informed by global standards, shared through partnerships with the European Association for International Education (EAIE).

3.2. Community Outreach

UTM serves as a bridge between academia and the community:

  • Medical teams provide free health check-ups in underserved neighborhoods.
  • Collaborative Events: Public lectures, organized with the city council, raise awareness of sustainable practices.

Global Partnerships: Activities align with UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development framework to encourage lifelong learning and public engagement.

  1. Economic Sustainability

4.1. Green Economy

UTM promotes innovation in sustainability-focused entrepreneurship:

  • The PAQ GREEN project at ISSBAT supports startups developing low-carbon technologies.
  • Joint programs with the Council of El Manar City, such as the “Green Innovation Challenge,” foster local economic growth.
  • Global Initiatives: UTM works with the SDSN Network and JAICA Japan to share successful models for scaling green technologies in developing economies.

4.2. Sustainable Procurement

Procurement policies prioritize eco-friendly and locally sourced products:

  • University cafeterias source organic produce from regional farmers.
  • Shared contracts with the city reduce costs for both UTM and the municipality.
  1. Campus Green Initiatives

5.1. Greening the Campus

  • Campus redesigns, supported by the Council of El Manar City, integrate native plants requiring minimal water, such as olive and almond trees.
  • Biodiversity zones, maintained by student clubs, support local wildlife.

5.2. Green Building Standards

  • New constructions adhere to national green building certifications, incorporating rooftop gardens for improved insulation.

Global Collaboration: UTM adopts international best practices in sustainable construction through its affiliation with the International Green Campus Network (IGCN).

  1. Governance and Reporting

6.1. Sustainability Board

  • UTM’s Sustainability Board includes representatives from the Council of El Manar City to ensure urban and campus sustainability goals are aligned.
  • Quarterly evaluations track progress in energy usage, waste management, and inclusivity initiatives.

6.2. Reporting and Transparency

  • The annual “Green Forum,” co-hosted by UTM, the Council of El Manar City, and international organizations like the SDSN, shares sustainability achievements and future strategies.

Global Recognition: UTM contributes to international sustainability reporting platforms, such as the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

  1. Collaboration and Partnerships

7.1. Local and Regional Collaborations

UTM partners with the Council of El Manar City to develop shared solutions for waste management, urban greening, and community outreach.

7.2. International Collaborations

UTM’s sustainability initiatives are enriched by global partnerships:

  • SDSN: Supports UTM in aligning its sustainability strategy with the SDGs and facilitates international knowledge sharing.
  • Erasmus+ Projects: PROMETEO, MADFORWATER, and INSIDE provide funding and expertise to enhance education, research, and infrastructure.
  • UNESCO: Collaborations on education and community engagement align with global sustainable development frameworks.

Chinese Academy of Sciences: Joint research projects advance low-carbon technologies and renewable energy solutions.

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