Sustainability Report – SDG12

Sustainability Report – SDG012

 Responsible Consumption and Production

List of reports related to this goal

Introduction: 

Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie (PTUK) is strongly committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by integrating sustainability principles into teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Recognizing the environmental and economic pressures facing Palestine, particularly in relation to limited natural resources, waste management challenges, and increasing consumption demands, PTUK focuses on promoting resource efficiency, sustainable production practices, and a culture of environmental responsibility both on campus and beyond.

Academically, PTUK embeds sustainability and resource-conscious learning across various disciplines, including Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Applied Computing, and Business Administration. Course activities emphasize life-cycle thinking, sustainable material selection, eco-friendly production methods, and waste minimization strategies. Students are encouraged to develop projects that address local sustainability issues through innovation, such as optimizing irrigation systems, designing recycling solutions, and improving energy efficiency in small-scale industries. Laboratory work and research experiences help students develop the skills needed to analyze environmental impact and propose evidence-based solutions.

PTUK also prioritizes applied research related to sustainable production practices and waste management. Research initiatives have explored composting of agricultural waste, reusing treated wastewater for irrigation, developing biodegradable materials, and improving the efficiency of food processing systems. Partnerships with local municipalities, agricultural cooperatives, and environmental organizations support the translation of research outcomes into meaningful community applications.

Operationally, PTUK implements several measures to reduce its ecological footprint and promote sustainable consumption on campus. These include policies for reducing single-use plastics, responsible procurement practices that prioritize environmentally friendly materials, energy-saving measures across campus facilities, and recycling and waste separation programs. Green campus initiatives, such as tree planting campaigns and sustainable landscaping, further reinforce environmental stewardship.

Through community outreach, PTUK conducts workshops, awareness campaigns, and public training sessions to promote resource conservation and waste reduction practices among students, staff, and the surrounding community. These initiatives help strengthen environmental awareness and encourage behavioral change aligned with sustainability values.

By combining education, research, responsible operations, and community engagement, PTUK continues to play a key role in advancing SDG 12 and fostering a culture of sustainable production and consumption at both local and national levels.

University Commitments Regarding Responsible Consumption and Production:

• The University is committed to implementing ethical sourcing practices for food and supplies.
• The University is committed to the safe and responsible management of hazardous waste by applying best practices for disposal in accordance with approved environmental standards.
• The University is committed to promote environmental sustainability by developing waste management methods and supporting recycling on campus.
• The University is committed to reducing the consumption of plastic and non-biodegradable items across all its facilities and departments.
•  The University is committed to reducing the use of disposable items on campus by adopting sustainable alternatives and promoting the use of reusable products.

Executive Summary of Responsible Consumption and Production report 2024-2025

The SDG 12 Report 2024–2025 highlights Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie’s ongoing commitment to promoting responsible consumption and sustainable production practices within the university and across the wider community. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 12, PTUK has focused on integrating sustainability into academic curricula, increasing operational efficiency, advancing research on resource management, and promoting environmental awareness and behavioral change.

During this reporting period, PTUK enhanced its academic programs and interdisciplinary courses in Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Applied Computing, and Business and Sustainability, ensuring that students develop strong competencies in resource efficiency, circular economy principles, and life-cycle thinking. Classroom learning has been complemented by practical fieldwork, laboratory applications, and student-led innovation projects aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency in local production systems.

PTUK has also expanded its research contributions to support sustainable production and consumption. Key research areas included waste valorization, composting of agricultural residues, sustainable irrigation practices using treated wastewater, reduction of food waste in supply chains, and the development of biodegradable materials. The university’s research centers collaborated with municipal authorities, agricultural cooperatives, and environmental organizations to ensure that academic findings translate into practical, community-focused solutions.

At the operational level, PTUK implemented a range of sustainability initiatives on campus to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible resource use. These efforts included waste sorting and recycling systems, water and energy conservation measures, restrictions on single-use plastics, and sustainable procurement guidelines. The university also continued to expand green campus initiatives such as tree-planting, organic agriculture plots, and environmentally responsible landscaping.

PTUK demonstrated strong community engagement by offering workshops, awareness campaigns, and training sessions focused on household resource management, sustainable agriculture techniques, and environmentally responsible business practices. These outreach efforts targeted students, families, small producers, and local communities, promoting a shared culture of sustainability.

By linking academic preparation, innovative research, sustainable campus operations, and community outreach, PTUK continues to play a leadership role in advancing SDG 12. The 2024–2025 report reflects the university’s commitment to fostering responsible production and consumption patterns that support environmental resilience and long-term sustainable development in Palestine.

LINK for SDG12 Executive Report:

https://ptuk.edu.ps/projects/so/pdfs/EXECUTIVE_SUSTAINABILITY_REPORT_SDG12_1733055309.pdf