University Green Office

Department	University Green Office, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi
Author	The Director, University Green Office
Authorised By	The Vice Chancellor, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi
Implementation By	University Green Office, Estate Care Office, Directorate of Works, Deans, Directors, Departmental Heads, support staff and other users
Approval Forum	University Syndicate
Date of Approval	10.07.2020
Period of Approval	36 Months
Implementation Date	December 2019
Review Date	December 2022

INTRODUCTION

Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) was established in 1994 as University of Arid Agriculture through the upgradation of Barani Agriculture College under the recommendations of Barani Commission Punjab. The mandate of the university is to produce high quality Agricultural Scientists and to form an organized scientific infrastructure for teaching and research for the development of dry land region of the country in general and Potohar in particular; thus minimizing the income gap between the rich and poor.

The University includes, Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, Range Management & Wildlife, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, University Institute of Management Sciences (UIMS), University Institute of Information Technology (UIIT), Institute of Food & Nutritional Sciences, Institute of Geo-Information & Earth Observations, University Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology and Institute of Soil Science. The University building contains an auditorium, multi-storied administrative and academic blocks, a state of the art library, student hostels and a sports gymnasium. Currently, more than twelve thousand students are studying in the University.

PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi aims to lead, innovate and create the powerful partnerships needed to address the complex issues we face in the country regarding Agriculture. We are committed to understanding and transforming our environment, health and wellbeing – and the students and staff plays a vital part in that.

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY OF PMAS-AAUR

1. PURPOSE OF THE WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to set out the direction for developing sustainable waste management practices within the University in order to reduce the environmental impact of its operational activities and to make a positive contribution to the local environment. The policy also sets out the legislative framework within which the University must operate and recognises the environmental imperative that informs these legal obligations.

2. ORGANISATIONAL DEFINITION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) aims to adopt a sustainable approach to waste management through the following application of the sustainable waste hierarchy:

• Prevention - avoidance, reduction and reuse
• Preparing for Reuse – recovery operations to prepare products or components for reuse
• Recycling – reprocessing of waste into products, materials or substances
• Other Recovery – anaerobic digestion and other processes which may produce energy from waste
• Disposal – any operation which is not recovery

3. EXISTING PRACTICES AT PMAS-ARID AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY RAWALPINDI FOR ZERO SOLID WASTE CAMPUS

PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi with the help of technical and field staff, took the initiative for waste management at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi to make it “Zero Solid Waste Campus”. For this purpose,” Integrated Waste Management Station” was established in the university. All types of wastes are collected daily and segregated into two categories, decomposable, and combustible wastes. These are processed separately to get useable products and energy.

Decomposable waste including plant, and grass, leaves etc are fermented in bio-digesters for a certain period, which start producing biogas on decomposition of wastes, while the compost “an organic fertilizer” is obtained at the end. On the other hand, combustible waste including paper, cardboard, wood and plastic are burned to heat the water and dry the food waste to use in poultry feed.

This station is also being used to create biogas and steam for the ultimate production of electricity to supplement the campus needs. The station of Arid Varsity serves as the model for education institutions, organizations and municipalities for making their surroundings clean and generating wealth from waste.

4. THE SCOPE OF THE POLICY

The Policy applies to all University officers, faculty, staff, students, contractors and visitors in so far as they can reasonably be expected to influence their actions and behaviour whilst on the premises.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DELIVERY

5.1. All Users

This policy establishes the principle that all users – officers, faculty, staff, students, contractors and visitors – have a responsibility to ensure it is adhered to and that any waste the University generates as a result of its activities is managed and ultimately disposed of in keeping with its principles, procedures and requirements. Although successful adherence to the requirements of the policy involves a positive contribution from all users, others also have specific responsibility in keeping with their roles.

5.2. Academic & Administrative Heads

Academic and Administrative Heads (Deans, Directors, Chairpersons and Principal Officers) should be responsible for ensuring that they and their staff, students, contractors and suppliers are aware of the need to effectively manage waste and that individuals have a responsibility to ensure the requirements of the Waste Management Policy are adhered to. Only through their support, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi will be able to demonstrate a commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

It is expected that all PMAS-AAUR’s employees and students will understand the requirement to minimise the amount of waste produced within the University through implementing the following:

• Using electronic methods of communication and electronic storage of records rather than paper
• Re-use of paper for rough copies
• Double sided photocopying where possible
• Maximise container filling (don’t fill with fresh air, squash items instead)
• Reduce volumes of general, hazardous and toxic waste
• Reclaim or repair items when possible
• Use re-usable containers

5.3. Estate Care Office of the University

The Estate Care Office is to liaise with all academic and administrative departments regarding the type and volume of waste generated for each waste stream. Based on this information the concerned staff will assess the type and size of container required. This will also allow the Estate Care Office and University Green Office to assess whether any producer of harmful waste is carrying out the correct disposal procedures in accordance with current regulations and in accordance with safe disposal practices.

5.4. Contractors

All Contractors working in different sites of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi are required to provide a Risk Assessment and Method Statement, which confirms their responsibilities and procedures for the management and control of all waste generated as part of the work/contract. For development projects, the main contractor is also required to provide a site waste management plan. This may be a part of contract agreement between University and contractor in order to abide by the regulations strictly and with true letter & spirit.

5.5. Producers of Hazardous, Toxic and Inflammable Waste

Where hazardous, toxic, inflammable or similar waste is produced, the concerned incharge of the laboratory and staff must ensure that all such waste is stored in containers specifically designed for this purpose. Hazardous, toxic, and inflammable and other such waste may only be stored in designated areas. Waste containers are to be clearly labelled, sealed and secured in accordance with current University and legal requirements. Special arrangements are to be made for the storage and subsequent disposal of harmful, chemical, biological or clinical waste where applicable.

6. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

6.1. Support and Advice

The Estate Care Department, in consultation with University Green Office and other appropriately qualified staff, will be responsible for co-ordinating the waste management requirements for the University with the aim of reducing waste and increasing recycling and reuse through the implementation of sound waste management procedures.

6.2. Procedures

The Estate Care Office will consider the following:

• General Waste: Identify measures to reduce the volume of general waste to minimise the amount of waste currently destined for landfill sites.
• Hazardous and Toxic Waste: Assess the requirements and appoint suitable qualified staff for the safe disposal of wastes defined as hazardous. These include – but are not limited to asbestos, toxic, corrosive, radioactive, flammable/ignitable, medical, sharps, clinical and sanitary, glass, liquid, gas and chemical waste.
• Recycling: Assess the requirements to substantially improve the segregation of materials suitable for recycling or composting when applicable. Arrange on-site disposal points for paper, cans, bottles and other recyclable waste and appoint suitable contractors for the collection and recycling.
• Monitoring and Recording of Data: Provide statistical information on the production and disposal of waste ensuring that records relating to the collection, transportation, handling and disposal of the waste are kept for a period of at least three years.

6.3. Apportionment of Costs

The Campus Management and Commercial Services Department, through the general Campus Services budget, will be responsible for the control and management of costs associated with the disposal of ‘routine’ waste streams:

• General
• Sanitary
• Food waste
• Recycled waste to include paper, cardboard, plastics, cans and bottles
• Confidential waste

Operational and Academic Departments that require specific management or disposal procedures beyond the scope of the above waste disposal programme will be expected to meet any additional associated costs from their own budgets. Appropriate arrangements will be identified, made, controlled and monitored by the Campus Management and Commercial Services Department and the originating department will be recharged as appropriate. This policy allows the Campus Management and Commercial Services Department to manage the service but it places the onus on the waste producer to limit the amount of waste produced to manageable levels.

The costs associated with the storage and disposal of hazardous, toxic, inflammable and other specialist waste will continue to be met by the waste producer.

6.4. Guidelines and Forms

Further information and guidance can be obtained from the University Green Office.

6.5. Communication Strategy

Raising awareness and encouraging the University community to support the Waste Management Policy will be fundamental to successful implementation. This will be achieved by:

• Raising awareness of the issues involved and requirements of the Policy. The policy will be available on the official website of the University.
• Issuing the policy to all contractors when appointed.
• Identify issues that need to be addressed through meetings with departmental heads.
• Identify any services that would support the requirements of the Policy and promote via the University’s website.
• Encourage and promote participation in recycling and other forms of waste management schemes

ENERGY AND WATER POLICY OF PMAS-AAUR

1. POLICY COMMITMENTS

This policy sets out the university’s commitment to energy and water reductions and how each and every individual plays a role in this.

2. THE UNIVERSITY’S SENIOR MANAGEMENT WILL

• Consider energy and water management in strategic decision
• Ensure suitable budget and resource is made available to deliver the energy and water management systems
• Empower staff and students to take responsibility for their impact on our carbon emissions
• Communicate relevant information in a timely manner across the universe to facilitate the delivery of the strategic objective of this policy
• Review and update the appropriateness, scope and ambition of energy and water reduction targets annually

3. EVERY INDIVIDUAL STAFF AND STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY WILL

• Ensure they personally use energy and water as efficiently as possible
• Work together to achieve the challenging carbon reduction targets set out in the sustainability strategy

4. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

The university commits to the following objectives and practices.

4.1. Carbon Emissions

• Maintain an up-to-date carbon and water reduction plan; report publically; and share examples of good practice, for the benefits of students, industry and the wider community.
• Continually reduce absolute and relative energy and water consumption in line with the university carbon management plan and water management plan
• Maintain good systems for metering, monitoring and reporting energy and water use.

Recommeded Steps to Reduce Carbon Emission in the Campus

There are numerous steps/recommendations that could be used to reduce carbon emissions from the University. These are as under:

• Advanced Energy efficient and Environment friendly electrical appliances and IT Equipments should be used in all the offices of the University, due to that carbon emission can be decreased. Moreover, used or old electrical equipment should be banned that can also help to reduce urban emissions.
• Awareness programs of causes and effects of climate change should be lunched widely for future mitigation of carbon emissions.
• Chapters of sustainable development and its goals should be included in scheme of studies of all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.
• Turn off the lights when natural light is sufficient and when we leave the office.
• Many electronics and IT equipments continue using energy even when powered down i.e. Computer, printer, television, charger etc. Use a power strip to easily unplug these electronics when not in use.
• Print and copy on two sides, save single-sided pages for notes, and print only what we need.
• Power off the computers when we are away. A computer turned off uses at least 65% less energy than a computer left on or idles on a screen saver.
• The major source of Carbon Footprints in the University is movement of transport within the University, which escalate by the entering of vehicles in the University premises. Therefore, all types of vehicles may be limited to the parking areas only, except the Vehicle of Vice Chancellor and other VIP movements, in order to reduce the carbon footprints in the University.
• Plantation Campaigns in the University by involving the students and employees of the University

4.2. OPERATE AND MAINTAIN FOR ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY

• Reduce demand/needs for energy and water consumption through behaviour change, space utilization, and passive design measures
• Maintain good working systems throughout the campus, reducing failure costs, and increasing longevity of the infrastructure
• Use smart controls to manage energy and water use
• Use efficient technologies e.g. low energy lighting, low flow water etc.
• Reduce/manage peak demands to reduce strain on the national supply network as well as the associated tariff charges
• Ensures low, or zero-carbon supply of energy and water e.g. on-site renewable, grey water harvesting

4.3. WHOLE LIFE PROJECT APPRAISAL

• Ensure whole life costs are taken into account to all estates management, design and equipment purchasing decisions
• All Business cases for large capital investment to take into account social and environment benefits of the project as well as the basic economics

4.4. ENERGY AND WATER PROCUREMENT

• To continue to procure energy and water at best value
• To continue to procure energy from renewable generation origins i.e. Solar Energy

4.5. AWARENESS TRAININGS/CAMPAIGNS

Awareness and motivation campaigns for staff and students will promote the benefits of saving energy and water and how to avoid waste. Campaigns will embrace financial, environmental and sustainability agendas. Training will be provided for key people who have a significant influence on controlling energy and water consumption.