GMU continues its commitment to achieving SDG 7 through comprehensive sustainable practices, resource optimization, and energy efficiency initiatives. The university remains dedicated to environmentally friendly infrastructure management, supporting its mission to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable growth.

GMU is committed to environmentally friendly waste management through a proper collection of waste at its point of generation and disposal of waste as per Municipality norms. We encourage reuse and reduction of waste generation to the maximum extent. We ensure optimal utilization of resources such as classrooms, lecture halls, labs, etc. through a well-designed resource tracking system. GMU sustainability Model (People Planet & Profit – PPP) is consistent with the mission and vision of the university to ensure that the organization recognizes and delivers effectively its responsibilities towards society and environment while focusing on its objectives. Planet related objectives are achieved through compliance with environment-friendly waste management, adopting paperless practices and systems and effectively monitoring utility consumption.

Periodic inspection is in place to ensure optimal consumption of water and electricity, periodic checking & analysis of generator smoke and water quality by the maintenance team to ensure an overall safe environment. We have a dedicated biomedical engineer to ensure all lab equipment are purchased, operated and maintained as per the international norms of sustainability.

We use timers on the lab equipment that don’t need to be left overnight, or during specific periods of time throughout the day. The benefits of this is a reduction in energy consumption, cost, environmental impact, and often increase in the useful life of the equipment. Fume hoods use a tremendous amount of energy hence are open only when being actively used.

Environmentally Friendly Practices in Infrastructure and Facility Management

GMU adheres to sustainable waste management practices, ensuring optimal waste collection and disposal in accordance with Municipality norms. The focus is on reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize waste generation. All resources, including classrooms, labs, and lecture halls, are utilized efficiently through a well-implemented resource tracking system. GMU’s sustainability model, aligned with the mission of integrating health professions education and social accountability, emphasizes environmental responsibilities under its People, Planet, and Profit (PPP) approach.

Key initiatives include:

- Waste Management: GMU adheres to Municipality guidelines for proper waste collection and disposal. Reuse and reduction of waste are prioritized, with dedicated efforts to optimize resource utilization.

- Energy Efficiency: Periodic inspections ensure efficient consumption of water and electricity. Generator emissions and water quality are monitored regularly to maintain a safe and environmentally conscious campus.

- Laboratory Energy Optimization: Timers are installed on lab equipment to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, while fume hoods, known for their high energy use, remain open only during active use.

Resource Optimization: Effective Utility Consumption Monitoring

With over 300 staff and 1600 students across various facilities, GMU employs strict utility monitoring systems to track energy, water, and resource consumption. The maintenance team conducts regular checks to ensure optimal performance of utilities, and a dedicated biomedical engineer ensures that all lab equipment meets international sustainability standards.

- Energy Audits: GMU continues to perform routine energy audits across all facilities, adjusting lab temperatures in line with seasonal requirements to conserve energy.

- Sustainable Lab Practices: Labs, which typically consume more energy than other university spaces, follow strict protocols to reduce their energy footprint. Liquid nitrogen conservation measures, sustainable chemical use, and freezer management practices (such as maintaining inventory maps) are implemented to maximize energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency in Lab Operations

Laboratories at GMU remain a significant focus for energy conservation due to their intensive energy usage. The university enforces strict guidelines to ensure equipment is powered down when not in use, and energy-saving measures are employed in cooling and storage systems. GMU labs adhere to national and international sustainability standards.

Best practices include:

- Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) Conservation: GMU continues to optimize the storage of LN2 to reduce energy-intensive production needs. Samples are organized strategically to minimize nitrogen loss.

- Freezer Management: Inventory systems ensure minimal open-door time for lab freezers, reducing energy consumption. Regular inspections ensure proper sealing of freezer lids.

Sustainable Procurement

GMU sources all supplies from authorized dealers that comply with international quality standards such as ISO, CE, and FDA. The university prioritizes energy-efficient products and encourages vendors to offer more sustainable options at competitive prices.

Sustainable procurement best practices include:

- Substituting reusable products when possible.

- Encouraging end-of-life take-back programs.

- Centralizing chemical purchasing to streamline inventory management.

Sustainable Transport Initiatives

The transport department at GMU has taken significant steps to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall transport efficiency. Initiatives such as eco-driving training, fleet performance evaluation, and shuttle services have been implemented to reduce the environmental impact of university transport operations.

-Eco-Driving Practices: Drivers are trained in fuel-efficient driving techniques that reduce CO2 emissions, such as maintaining steady speeds, reducing idling, and planning routes to avoid congestion.

- Fleet Management: GMU monitors fuel efficiency and maintains a log of vehicle performance, ensuring that transport services remain both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Educational Initiatives and Research

GMU's academic programs, such as the Master in Public Health and Master in Environmental Health & Toxicology, continue to train future healthcare professionals with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Student research projects frequently address local environmental challenges, from analyzing heavy metals in consumer products to studying the environmental impact of local industrial processes.

Ongoing and completed research projects include:

- Estimation of toxic heavy metals in consumer goods.

- Investigations into sustainable chemical alternatives in local industries.

- Projects addressing air and water quality in the UAE.

GMU's commitment to environmental sustainability is integrated across its operations, educational programs, and research initiatives. By focusing on sustainable energy practices, waste management, and resource optimization, GMU continues to contribute to the achievement of SDG 7, reinforcing its role as a socially responsible academic institution.