Navoi State University Plastic Use Minimisation Policy
(Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production)
Executive Summary
Navoi State University (NSU) recognizes the urgent global challenge posed by plastic pollution and acknowledges its institutional responsibility to minimize plastic use across all university operations. The Plastic Use Minimisation Policy establishes clear standards to reduce, replace, and recycle plastics in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
This policy promotes a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replace” framework for all departments, cafeterias, vendors, and events within the university. It also ensures that procurement, waste management, and community engagement activities are guided by sustainability principles.
Key objectives include:
– Phasing out single-use plastics such as straws, cups, and bags.
– Promoting alternatives like biodegradable and reusable materials.
– Establishing systems for plastic waste collection, monitoring, and recycling.
– Fostering awareness through training and plastic-free campaigns.
1. Introduction
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental concerns worldwide. Educational institutions like NSU have an important role in leading behavioral change and implementing practical solutions. This policy defines strategies to minimize plastic use within the university’s daily activities while promoting sustainable alternatives.
2. Policy Purpose
The policy aims to institutionalize a sustainable, long-term approach to plastic reduction. It provides guidance on procurement, consumption, waste management, and public awareness, thereby contributing to NSU’s Green Campus Initiative.
3. Policy Scope
This policy applies to all university departments, administrative units, dormitories, laboratories, cafeterias, vendors, and event organizers operating on NSU premises.
4. Guiding Principles
Reduction – Eliminate unnecessary plastic consumption.
• Reuse – Encourage the repeated use of durable items.
• Replacement – Adopt biodegradable and compostable alternatives.
• Recycling – Collect, segregate, and recycle plastics effectively.
• Responsibility – All stakeholders share accountability for plastic management.
5. Strategic Objectives
Ban the use of single-use plastics in cafeterias and events by 2026.
2. Replace plastic bottles with refillable dispensers and NSU-branded reusable bottles.
3. Encourage local suppliers to deliver goods in eco-friendly packaging.
4. Conduct semesterly plastic audits and publish results.
5. Achieve a 70% reduction in plastic waste by 2030.
6. Implementation Framework
The NSU Sustainability Committee will coordinate the implementation, supported by the Facilities, Procurement, and Student Affairs Departments. Each department shall appoint a Plastic Reduction Officer responsible for policy adherence.
6.1 Governance Structure
Responsible Unit | Key Responsibilities |
Sustainability Committee | Oversee policy execution, review annual reports, and track progress toward SDG 12 targets. |
Facilities Department | Ensure plastic waste segregation, collection, and delivery to recycling partners. |
Procurement Department | Revise purchasing criteria to eliminate non-biodegradable packaging and promote green suppliers. |
Student Union | Organize awareness campaigns, ‘Plastic Free Week,’ and student-led initiatives. |
Catering & Vendors | Adopt eco-packaging and comply with NSU’s plastic ban guidelines. |
7. Plastic Minimisation Approach and Examples
Initiative / Example | Description |
Reusable Bottle Program | All new students receive NSU reusable bottles to discourage the purchase of disposable plastic bottles. |
Vendor Plastic Ban | Cafeterias and campus stores are prohibited from providing single-use plastic bags, straws, and cups. |
Eco Procurement Policy | Contracts prioritize suppliers using biodegradable or compostable packaging. |
Plastic-Free Events | All university events follow Green Event Guidelines that ban disposable plastic items. |
Awareness Campaigns | ‘Plastic Free Week’ each semester engages students through workshops, clean-up drives, and competitions. |
8. Monitoring and KPI Table
Progress will be monitored through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure plastic reduction outcomes across departments.
Indicator | Target (2030) | Responsible Unit |
Percentage reduction in single-use plastic consumption | 70% | Facilities & Sustainability Committee |
Number of plastic-free events organized annually | 15 | Student Union |
Percentage of suppliers with eco-packaging contracts | 80% | Procurement Department |
Volume of recycled plastic materials | Increase 50% | Facilities Department |
Student and staff participation in awareness campaigns | 100% | Student Affairs Department |
9. Financial Considerations
The university will allocate an annual sustainability budget to support eco-packaging procurement, student initiatives, and awareness campaigns. Partnerships with local recycling companies will be leveraged to reduce costs.
10. Training and Awareness
Training programs will equip staff and vendors with knowledge about eco-friendly materials and waste reduction. NSU will integrate sustainability education into curricula and promote behavioral change campaigns across the campus.
11. Review and Continuous Improvement
Policy implementation will be evaluated annually, with reports published on the NSU website. Lessons from feedback and international best practices will inform policy updates.
12. References and Alignment
This policy aligns with SDG 12 (Targets 12.2–12.5), Uzbekistan’s Law on Environmental Protection (2021), NSU Sustainability Strategy 2025–2030, and international sustainability frameworks such as UI GreenMetric and QS Sustainability.
Conclusion
Through this policy, Navoi State University demonstrates leadership in reducing plastic consumption and promoting sustainable alternatives. By fostering a plastic-free culture, the university contributes to environmental preservation and exemplifies responsible consumption in alignment with SDG 12.
Annex: Plastic Reduction Action Plan (2025–2030)
Year | Goal | Key Action | Responsible Department |
2025 | Assess plastic usage baseline | Conduct initial audit of plastic consumption across campus | Facilities Department |
2026 | Eliminate single-use plastics | Implement university-wide plastic ban policy | Procurement & Sustainability Committee |
2027 | Introduce refill stations | Install refill water stations in all buildings | Facilities Department |
2028 | Expand reusable program | Distribute 3000 reusable bottles and containers | Student Union |
2029 | Achieve supplier compliance | Ensure 80% vendors adopt eco-packaging | Procurement Department |
2030 | Reach 70% reduction in plastic waste | Evaluate and publish sustainability outcomes | Sustainability Committee |
Navoi State University • Green Campus Initiative • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production • Contact: sustainability@nsuni.uz