Abstract
This paper investigates solid-waste management performance potential within Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU), Jordan, in the context of environmental benefits and the UI green metric rating system waste category indicators. First, a field survey was conducted to characterise and quantify solid waste generated in AAU. Second, a checklist of the solid-waste management practices in university campuses was developed, based on the UI green metric rating system. Finally, the environmental impact of implementing solid-waste management in AAU campus was measured using the zero waste index (ZWI). The findings show that 491 tonnes of mixed waste are produced each year on campus, of which compostable waste, recyclables, and non-recyclables account for around 21%, 47%, and 32%, respectively. Using the ZWI to measure the performance of waste management practices, the study found a score of 0.75 for non-recyclable paper and plastic prevention; paper, plastic, and metal recycling; and organic composting. Paper recycling was found to have the greatest impact on virgin material substitution, and metal recycling has the highest potential for energy, water, and greenhouse-gas savings. Waste management projects in Jordanian universities should include reduction, in addition to paper and metal recycling in phase 1; and plastic recycling and composting should be applied in phase 2. Since not all waste management practices have the same environmental impact, the study recommends redistributing the UI green metric waste indicators points in accordance with environmental impact.
Highlights
Waste management is a vital issue that affects the soci- sector is not a top priority in the central government ety and economy of any urban settlement
Equation (3) reveals that the zero waste index (ZWI) was 0.75; 75% of solid waste generated on campus can be recovered by implementing non-recyclable paper and plastic prevention; paper, plastic, and metal recycling; and organic composting
The results indicate that paper recycling in Amman University (AAU) has the highest potential for virgin material substitution, followed by organic composting (Fig. 3)
Summary
Waste management is a vital issue that affects the soci- sector is not a top priority in the central government ety and economy of any urban settlement. One of the initiatives is the UI green metric rating system, which measures the sustainability efforts within university campuses in six main categories: setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste, water, transportation, and education, with a potential of 10,000 points that can be scored. The waste category in the UI green metric system is divided into six indicators, each weighing 300 points Four of these indicators are dedicated to solid waste (programmes to reduce paper and plastic on campus, recycling programmes, organic-waste treatment, and inorganic-waste treatment). This paper explores solid-waste management performance potential within AAU in the context of environmental benefits, taking the UI green metric waste category indicators into consideration. Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) has one campus, covering a total land area of 185,109 m2 It is located in a suburban setting between the capital Amman and the city of Al-Salt, with a Mediterranean climate. The university’s dormitories were excluded from the scope of this research due to the sensitivity and privacy of this part of campus, which is reserved solely for women
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