Policy for Reducing Paper Consumption

Policy Number	MU-POL-021	Issue Date	1.0
Issue Date	Jan- 2025	Review Date	Jan. 2027
Owner	University Management	Scope	All Staff & Students

I. Purpose and Objectives

The University is committed to reducing paper consumption across all its academic and administrative facilities by promoting digital transformation, encouraging the use of electronic systems, and minimizing unnecessary printing. This commitment contributes to reducing the consumption of natural resources, decreasing waste generation, supporting sustainability goals, and preserving the environment.

II. Scope

This policy applies to:

All academic and administrative departments of the University.
All buildings and facilities across the University campus.
Faculty members, staff, and students.
All University meetings, events, conferences, and activities.

III. Definitions

• Paper Consumption Reduction: The optimal use of paper through minimizing unnecessary printing, adopting electronic means for the preparation, exchange, and storage of documents, and encouraging the reuse and recycling of paper whenever feasible.

IV. Core Policy Provisions

Adopting e-learning systems to support the creation of a learning environment that is as paper-free as possible.
Reducing paper consumption annually in comparison with the previous year.
Encouraging the use of electronic systems for administrative and academic correspondence and transactions.
Utilizing digital documents, reports, and forms instead of paper copies whenever feasible.
Configuring printers for duplex (double-sided) printing and black-and-white printing as default settings whenever printing is required.
Encouraging the reuse of single-sided printed paper for internal purposes.
Promoting a culture of responsible paper use among students, staff, and faculty members.

V. Alignment with the Digital Learning Environment

Given the University’s reliance on e-learning systems, the following mechanisms shall be implemented:

Using e-learning platforms to lectures, assignments, and examinations instead of paper-based copies.
Utilizing electronic signatures and digital forms in internal transactions whenever feasible.
Conducting meetings and exchanging documents electronically to minimize printing.
Implementing periodic awareness campaigns to promote digital transformation and responsible paper consumption.

VI. Related Procedures

Implementing measures to minimize unnecessary printing.
Monitoring paper consumption across various departments on a regular basis.
Encouraging the recycling of used paper in coordination with relevant entities.
Preparing periodic reports on paper consumption rates and improvement measures.

VII. Performance Indicators

Percentage reduction in paper consumption compared with the previous year.
Percentage of transactions completed electronically.
Percentage of meetings and events conducted without the use of paper documents.
Quantity of paper recycled or reused annually.

VIII. Review and Update

This policy shall be reviewed annually or as needed, taking into consideration performance indicator results, technological developments, and feedback received from departments and relevant stakeholders.