Abu Dhabi: The University of Sharjah (UoS) has become the 1st University in the Arab World to earn a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in Florida, United States.
A globally renowned rating system, STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to quantify their sustainability performance in a comprehensive manner.
While the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) has classified 1,085 registered universities, representing 40 countries at the international level, the STARS Gold rating was only presented to 82 international universities including the University of Sharjah.
Moreover, the association evaluates universities sustainability achievements in 5 areas;
- Academics
- Engagement
- Operations
- Planning and Administration
- Innovation and Leadership
Responding to the University’s achievement, Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, highlighted the University’s keenness to focus on fields of sustainable development, commitment to clean environmental standards, and support sustainability projects to address environmental challenges, in accordance with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and founder of the University of Sharjah.
Meanwhile, Prof. Imad Alsyouf, Director of Sustainability Office, expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to preparing UOS file to participate in this rating, under the supervision and guidance of Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies.
The establishment of sustainability office at the UOS in 2017 had a significant impact in promoting awareness of sustainability issues, and fostering cultural sustainability among students, staff, and faculty members, as well as local community through the implementation of several environmental initiatives, organization of various campaigns and awareness programs inside and outside the campus.
Prof. Imad Alsyouf emphasized on the occasion.
Director of Sustainability Office added that this has happened in addition to the establishment of circles of sustainability, and the effective role of the office in distinguishing the university in various fields of sustainability, as well as its effort in making the university a global role model in sustainability and innovation.