2022-2023

AASTMT is dedicated to integrating its sustainability strategies across the entire supply chain, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility to achieve sustainable development goals. By ensuring that upstream partners adhere to its procurement policies, the university promotes ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and resource efficiency in the sourcing of goods and services. This approach not only strengthens supplier relationships but also reinforces AASTMT’s commitment to responsible consumption. Likewise, downstream partners are required to comply with AASTMT’s waste management policies, emphasizing proper waste handling, recycling, and disposal. By extending its sustainability framework to all supply chain partners, AASTMT creates a cohesive system that minimizes environmental impact and promotes accountability at every stage. This holistic approach highlights the university’s leadership in embedding sustainable practices into its operations, setting an example for institutions and organizations to follow, and building a collaborative network committed to a sustainable, environmentally conscious future. AASTMT Sustainable Investment Policy indicated under title “Policy Statements”, 5 policies are indicated in this section to explain the disposal procedures. 

AASTMT Sustainable Investment Policy

Introduction

AASTMT considers a comprehensive and forward-looking approach when making investment decisions. This approach encompasses various aspects, including environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance considerations. The AASTMT Investment Policy indicates the following:

1. Sustainability-Focused Investment Approach: We align our investment strategy with our sustainability goals. This includes directing a substantial part of our investment portfolio toward projects that promote environmental conservation, social equity, and economic prosperity.
2. Investment in Renewable Energy: Acknowledging the importance of renewable energy in combating climate change, we invest in renewable energy initiatives, including but not limited to wind, solar, hydro, and bioenergy projects.
3. Support for Sustainable Enterprises: We prioritize investments in start-ups and businesses that not only demonstrate potential for economic growth, but also operate responsibly with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, social equity, and good governance (ESG).
4. Global Health Initiatives: We allocate resources to invest in initiatives aimed at tackling global health crises, including investments in medical research and development that align with our sustainability ethos.
5. Green Building and Infrastructure: In line with our commitment to sustainability, our investments prioritize green building and infrastructure projects that meet internationally recognized sustainability standards.

Transparency and Accountability

AASTMT is committed to transparency and accountability. We make this policy publicly available on our website and other official platforms. We also publish an annual Sustainability Investment Report, detailing our investment actions and their alignment with our sustainability goals.

We believe this policy will enable us to contribute to a more sustainable future and align our actions with our commitment to social responsibility. We understand that our financial decisions have the power to drive sustainable practices, and we are dedicated to using this power response.

We invite our stakeholders, students, faculty, staff, and partners to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future. We encourage feedback and suggestions on this policy as we believe that collective and informed action is key to driving sustainability.

Policy Statements

1. AASTMT prioritizes a long-term approach in its investment strategy, taking into account environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance considerations. 
2. The primary emphasis when investing in the resources necessary for the institution is on sustainability as outlined in the “procurement policy”.   The university acknowledges the significance of environmental changes and the imperative for the globe to shift towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable ecosystem in practical ways to facilitate this transition.
3. AASTMT takes into account the adverse and beneficial effects of enterprises that could be detrimental to society or the environment and excludes them, instead choosing to invest in organizations that have a responsible culture, practices, and excellent governance.
4. The AASTMT will convey its dedication to sustainable investing to investment managers and urge them to interact with company management in order to foster corporate responsibility.
5. AASTMT conducts regular assessments of asset management, value, and investment utilization to ensure long-term sustainability.

Read our policy Sustainable Investment Policy

Through applying this policy, AASTMT will be committed to ensuring that our investments contribute to a sustainable future is outlined in our Sustainable Investment Policy.

Sustainable Procurement Policy

Background

The objective of this policy is to delineate the AASTMT's stance regarding the administration of sustainable and ethical procurement. The Sustainable Procurement Policy of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) establishes the essential sustainability criteria for the procurement of products and services by the institution. The policy also establishes the criteria and guidelines for the responsibilities of AASTMT buyers in relation to sustainable procurement activities. The Sustainable Procurement Policy mainly aims at waste reduction, with a hierarchical approach that emphasises reduction as the primary strategy, followed by reuse and ultimately recycling. In line with this perspective, it mainly focuses on minimising superfluous purchases, followed by a prioritisation of acquiring surplus or multi-purpose goods prior to procuring recyclable or compostable alternatives.

Mission and values

AASTMT is acknowledging that procurement activities exert a substantial influence on the environment. Consequently, a strong dedication is held to minimise this impact to the greatest extent feasible. The present Sustainable Procurement Policy aligns with the principles governing a comprehensive procurement strategy, encompassing production and service, and is consistent with the University's broader environmental sustainability policies, including Climate Action Progress and its dedication to the People. 

AASTMT actively promotes and advocates for its suppliers and subcontractors to effectively address and mitigate the environmental and social consequences arising from their business activities. Suppliers and subcontractors are advised to modify their business practises as necessary in order to comply with AASTMT policy and practices. In order to fulfil our obligations, we will:

1. Examine the necessity of procurement and the imperative to minimise consumption while simultaneously addressing user requirements.
2. It is imperative to consider the comprehensive life cycle costs and impacts associated with products and services when making purchasing decisions.
3. It is imperative to incorporate sustainability specifications into all pertinent procurement contracts and tenders, aligning them with the specific product or service being procured.
4. Assess the sustainability and environmental performance of suppliers and contractors, with the objective of promoting their adherence to environmentally conscious practises in their operational activities.
5. It is advisable to procure products that adhere to ethical standards and are traded fairly, thereby abstaining from the exploitation of labour. Additionally, it is recommended to endorse the acquisition of products and services that promote equality and diversity.
6. Enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel engaged in procurement activities, with the aim of promoting the adoption of the Sustainable Procurement Policy.

Policy Statement

The AASTMT recognizes its buying decisions' impact on the economy, society, and environment. AAST uses this as a chance to make ethical and sustainable purchases of goods and services. This policy attempts to incorporate environmental and socioeconomic considerations at each phase of the process of buying goods, mirroring the commitments outlined in the AASTMT's sustainability policy.

To assist us in fulfilling our obligations, the AASTMT seeks to

1. Evaluate the requirement for purchases and curtail consumption while simultaneously attending to user needs.
2. Consider the effects and whole-life costs of goods and services when making decisions about what to buy.
3. Assess suppliers' and contractors' environmental performance and sustainability and motivate them to operate in an environmentally conscious approach.
4. Invest in products that are ethically and fairly traded, refrain from exploiting employees, and encourage purchasing of goods and services that promote diversity and equality.
5. Raise staff members' knowledge and give them training so they will embrace the Sustainable Procurement Policy.

Objectives

1. To indicate the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly products whenever applicable.
2. To incorporate sustainable environmental criteria in the process of awarding contracts, when deemed suitable.
3. To plan the strategic activities related to Procurement strategically
4. To maximize the value for money and reduces operational and financial risk.
5. To adhere and promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and sustainability related to procurement processes.

Supplier evaluation

The suppliers’ sustainable environmental credentials are incorporated, to the extent feasible, into the suppliers' evaluation procedure.

1. Advocate for the adoption of sustainable Fair Trade purchasing principles in suitable and feasible contexts.
2. Collaborate with essential suppliers to facilitate transformative initiatives aimed at disseminating sustainability enhancements across the entirety of the supply chain. 
3. Engaging in the practise of abstaining from the usage of products containing substances that are known to possess particularly deleterious properties.
4. Promoting the utilisation of economically viable products that incorporate recycled materials.
5. Excessive packaging waste and promote environmental sustainability is to implement measures aimed at reducing the amount of packaging used and establishing take-back programmes.
6. Enhance the dissemination of information regarding the University's sustainability policies, objectives, and aspirations within the supply market to foster greater awareness.

Sustainable Procurement Policy

This policy is aligned with the previous one. This policy aims to outline the AASTMT’s position on the management of ethical and sustainable procurement.

Arab Academy and Nahdet Misr Sign MoU for Sustainable Environmental Management and Training Collaboration

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Nahdet Misr Company and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT).

Today, a joint Memorandum of Understanding was officially adopted between Nahdet Misr for Modern Environmental Services, a subsidiary of Arab Contractors, and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport. Signed by: His Excellency, Mr. Hossam El-Din Imam (Chairman of the Board) and Prof. Dr. Alaa Abdel Bari (Vice President of the Academy).

The memorandum includes cooperation in the following areas:

1. Waste management in the tourism sector to protect the marine environment in Alexandria Governorate.
2. Collaboration in training programs agreed upon to enhance the efficiency of trainees.
3. Conducting joint research in fields of mutual interest that serve the environment, cleanliness, and sustainable development.
4. Exchange of information and consultations in areas of mutual interest, particularly as the Academy is an accredited Arab knowledge hub by the League of Arab States.
   

Sign MoU for Sustainable Environmental Management and Training Collaboration

AAST Partners with Nahdet Misr in Pioneering Plastic Waste Collection Initiative for Alexandria’s Marine Conservation

The Ordinary General Assembly of Nahdet Misr for Modern Environmental Services, led by Chairman Hossam El-Din Imam, approved the 2022 financial statements and reported a revenue of EGP 886 million. The company increased its workforce to 7,200 employees, raising wages to EGP 295.4 million. Imam expressed gratitude to employees, auditors, and board members, and particularly thanked Ahmed El-Assar, Chairman of Arab Contractors, for ongoing support.

Improvements over the past year, including new equipment and vehicles, helped Alexandria become Egypt's cleanest governorate, leading to a 5-year contract with Alexandria Governorate for waste management and street cleaning services. Nahdet Misr also signed protocols with Titan Company for alternative fuel supply and with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) to establish a company focused on collecting plastic waste from Alexandria’s coastal areas. Imam emphasized the company's commitment to Egypt Vision 2030 and sustainable development goals, expanding services to new governorates and enhancing quality.

Pioneering Plastic Waste Collection

Arab Academy Students Explore Environmental Training and Collaboration with Nahdet Misr for Modern Environmental Services

Nahdet Misr for Modern Environmental Services, a subsidiary of Arab Contractors, welcomed a delegation of students from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology at its headquarters in Moharram Bek. This visit was part of the memorandum of understanding regarding training to enhance the capabilities of human resources.

The student delegation was received by several company officials, including: Mr. Mohamed El-Saeed, Head of Environmental Treatment Sector and Medical Waste Management, Mr. Ahmed Tawfik, Head of Research and Development, Ms. Rita Elias, Office Manager of the Vice Chairman

The delegation visited the hazardous medical waste treatment center to learn about treatment methods and safe disposal practices in accordance with legal and environmental standards.

After the field tour, the delegation attended a meeting to learn about the company’s various activities and explore cooperation opportunities between the company and the Academy in the environmental sector.

Explore Environmental Training and Collaboration  

Management of Medical and Biohazardous Waste Disposal

The AASTMT complies rigorously with Egyptian Law No. 202 of 2020, which regulates the handling of medical and biohazardous waste, encompassing chemical and biological waste. AASTMT acknowledges the significance of appropriate waste disposal to safeguard public health and the environment. The medical and biohazardous waste produced on its campuses is governed by a detailed procedure termed the Management of Medical and Biohazardous Waste Disposal, which guarantees compliance with designated handling and disposal protocols for the different categories of this waste. To ensure compliance and efficiency, waste is picked up every three days by Nahdet Misr Company, a certified waste management service provider. This methodical approach demonstrates AASTMT's dedication to sustainable and legally compliant waste management practices.

Medical waste disposal procedures within the Arab Academy

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