SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
ADU

FOREWORD

Environmental Sustainability & Climate Committee (ESCC) is a University‑level standing committee subsidiary to the Strategy and Governance Committee and serves in an advisory and oversight capacity to the Vice Chancellor.

The ESCC supports the delivery of the University’s Sustainability Strategy and Climate Action and Net Zero Plan, ensuring alignment with national priorities, international best practice and institutional strategic objectives.

1. Introduction

ESCC ensures that Abu Dhabi University has in place appropriate policies, governance structures, resources, monitoring mechanisms and institutional coordination to support sustainability and climate action across all campuses.

The ESCC provides strategic oversight for environmental performance, climate resilience, social responsibility and the integration of sustainability into education, research, operations, and community engagement. It plays a central role in ensuring delivery of the University’s 2030 sustainability targets and Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

2. Membership

Members of the ESCC shall include: 

2.1 Vice-Chancellor, AI and Operational Excellence (Chair) 
2.2 Director, Sustainability Advancement and Integrated Facilities (Co-Chair)
2.3 Provost 
2.4 Assistant Chancellor, Global Partnerships
2.5 Campus Director, Al Ain 
2.6 Campus Director, Dubai 
2.7 Associate Provost, Research, Innovation and Academic Development
2.8 Dean, Student Affairs
2.9 Director, Research Institute for Sustainable Futures
2.10 Director, Finance
2.11 Director, TEG
2.12 Manager, Procurement 
2.13 Senior Officer-SAIF, Campus Sustainability
2.14 Two student representatives 
2.15 External sustainability experts

3. Terms & Conditions

Membership is based on nomination and election. 

3.1 Faculty elections shall be conducted every two academic years. 
3.2 Interested faculty shall submit a cover letter and application to the Vice Chancellor. 
3.3 At least one faculty member must have a minimum of two years of service at the University. 
3.4 Student members shall be nominated by the Dean of Student Affairs. 
3.5 The ESCC shall aim for representation from all campuses. 
3.6 External sustainability experts shall be nominated by the VC 
3.7 Voting on recommendations requires the presence of at least 75% of ESCC members.

4. Power and duties

The ESCC provides advice, oversight and endorsement in the following areas:

4.1 Monitor sustainability and climate initiatives to ensure alignment with the University’s strategic plan. 
4.2 Oversee implementation of the Sustainability Strategy and Climate Action Plan. 
4.3 Review institutional sustainability KPIs related to energy, water, waste, emissions, mobility, curriculum integration and research. 
4.4 Ensure appropriate policies, procedures and governance mechanisms are in place to support sustainability objectives. 
4.5 Guide prioritization of sustainability related capital and operational investments. 
4.6 Promote lifecycle costing, resource efficiency and decarbonization initiatives. 
4.7 Oversee sustainability data integrity, monitoring systems and reporting processes. 
4.8 Support compliance with national sustainability regulations and international frameworks. 
4.9 Review institutional sustainability disclosures, rankings submissions and public reporting. 
4.10 Foster a culture of sustainability engagement among students, faculty and staff. 
4.11 Support interdisciplinary sustainability research, innovation and student initiatives.

5. Reporting and Meeting Frequency 

The ESCC shall report to the Strategy and Governance Committee.

Meetings shall be held at least once every quarter, or as called by the Chair.

6. Related Documents

Sustainability Strategy, ADU Climate Action Plan, ADU Bylaws, ADU Committee and Subcommittee Bylaws

7. Document management

The Chancellor’s office manages this document circulated through the Executive Order. 

Resolution No.000
Executive Order000
SupersedesN/A
Version Number:01
Date Approved:Day/Month/Year
Owner:Vice-Chancellor 
Next Review Date:Fall 2026

8. Exceptions

For any circumstances/conditions and/or exceptions outside the conditions stated in this term of reference, a request shall be presented to the Board of Directors for decision.

9. Authorization

The University Chancellor authorized this bylaw

iori
Private, multi-campus university

Abu Dhabi University’s success stems from clarity of vision and values.

We regard students and faculty as a community of scholars, together pursuing knowledge, supported by great professional staff and excellent estate and facilities.

We continue to invest in our facilities; this year alone, we have added a new building to expand our laboratory provision for engineering and science; completed an extension to the student dormitories; and updated our facilities.

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Quality education & qualifications that are respected world-wide

50+

Multiple Programs

2.8%

In top University

04

Different Campuses

7K

Multinational Students

Abu Dhabi University
(ADU)

Ever since its inception in 2003, Abu Dhabi University has dedicated its mission to the intellectual development of individuals who will graduate to be leaders making a positive contribution to national and global betterment and prosperity. This mission, however, is not limited to educating students but is extended to the University’s proactive participation in the national development process that will transform the UAE into a knowledge-based economy.

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Undergraduate & Postgraduate programs

We offer undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, law, education, business and management, engineering and sciences, including to trainees and personnel of the UAE military.

7,500 students

Abu Dhabi University has over 7,500 students across its campuses and corporate programs.

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2.8% top universities

We are one of the 2.8% top universities in the world as per the 2018 QS Ranking. Abu Dhabi University is the largest private university in the UAE and is committed to becoming the institution of choice for students across all Emirates and more widely in the region.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region. We are a private, multi-campus university committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.

01

No Poverty
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02

Zero Hunger
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03

Good Health & Well-Being
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04

Quality Education
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05

Gender Equality
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06

Clean Water & Sanitation
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07

Affordable & Clean Energy
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08

Decent work & Economic Growth
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09

Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
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10

Reduced Inequalities
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11

Sustainable Cities & Communites
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12

Responsible Consumption & Production
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13

Climate Action
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14

Life below Water
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15

Life on Land
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16

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
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17

Partnerships for the Goals
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iori
Private, multi-campus university

Abu Dhabi University’s success stems from clarity of vision and values.

We regard students and faculty as a community of scholars, together pursuing knowledge, supported by great professional staff and excellent estate and facilities.

We continue to invest in our facilities; this year alone, we have added a new building to expand our laboratory provision for engineering and science; completed an extension to the student dormitories; and updated our facilities.

Discover More

Quality education & qualifications that are respected world-wide

50+

Multiple Programs

2.8%

In top University

04

Different Campuses

7K

Multinational Students

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