SDG6: CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, "Clean Water and Sanitation," is a critical global objective aimed at ensuring access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for all. Gulf University for Science and Technology is committed to supporting SDG 6 by promoting responsible water use, ensuring free access to clean drinking water on campus, and implementing water-conscious practices across its facilities and landscaping. GUST strives to manage its resources efficiently through sustainable building standards, smart irrigation methods, and a campus environment designed to reduce water waste. The University continues to strengthen its operational sustainability by prioritizing initiatives that conserve water and provide a safe, healthy environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Government Initiatives:
Kuwait has made significant strides in achieving SDG 6 through various government-led initiatives:
1. Desalination Technology: Kuwait is a pioneer in desalination technology, utilizing advanced methods to convert seawater into freshwater. This technology has significantly contributed to ensuring a stable supply of clean water for its residents.
2. Wastewater Treatment: The government has invested in wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that wastewater is properly treated and can be safely reused for agricultural and industrial purposes, reducing the strain on freshwater resources.
3. Public Awareness: Kuwait's government actively promotes water conservation and efficient use of water resources through public awareness campaigns and educational programs. These initiatives encourage responsible water consumption among citizens.
GUST’s Commitment to Sustainable Water Management and Community Care
GUST takes a comprehensive approach to water sustainability, recognizing that responsible water management extends beyond the campus and into the wider community. The university actively works to safeguard water quality, prevent pollution, and promote efficient water use through systems that monitor, and regulate water across all facilities. These efforts are supported by regular testing, preventive maintenance, and treated drinking water systems that ensure safe and reliable access for students and staff.
At the same time, GUST contributes to water stewardship within the broader community by adopting practices suited to Kuwait’s arid climate such as smart irrigation technologies that reduce waste, and initiatives that raise awareness about water conservation. Through these combined actions, GUST demonstrates its commitment to SDG 6, promoting the responsible use, protection, and care of water resources both on campus and in the surrounding environment.
Preventing Water System Pollution
GUST has several processes in place to ensure that no polluted or contaminated water enters the campus water system. These measures focus on continuous monitoring, regular evaluation, and effective treatment practices that protect the health of students and staff while supporting sustainable water management.
One of the key practices is the water quality assessment, carried out by certified specialists. The university’s cooling towers, boilers, chilled water systems, and raw water supplies undergo detailed testing for pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, chlorine levels, microbiological content, and other chemical indicators. These tests help identify early signs of contamination, allowing maintenance teams to respond quickly and prevent polluted water from circulating through campus systems. Adjustments such as conductivity calibration, biocide dosing, blowdown rate modifications, and corrosion control are implemented to maintain water within safe parameters.
In addition to system-level treatment, GUST has installed treated water dispensers in every campus pantry to ensure that students and staff always have access to clean drinking water. These units provide an additional purification step even though Kuwait already maintains one of the region’s highest standards for public water quality. This layered approach further reduces the risk of impurities entering the internal campus distribution network.
Through consistent monitoring, preventive treatment, and the availability of purified drinking water, GUST demonstrates clear alignment with SDG 6.3.2, showing that the university actively works to prevent pollution in its water systems and ensures that only clean, safe water circulates on campus.
Free Drinking Water Provided
GUST fully meets this indicator by ensuring free and accessible drinking water across campus (SDG 6.3.3).
Key provisions include:
- Water dispensers placed throughout academic buildings, student areas, and administrative spaces
- Free drinking water in classrooms and faculty offices
- Regular maintenance and sanitation checks to ensure water quality and safety
This guarantees that all students, staff, and visitors have consistent access to clean water, supporting both hydration and general well-being.
Water-Conscious Building Standards
GUST incorporates water-efficient building practices in alignment with SDG 6.3.4 by implementing:
- Low-flow faucets and fixtures to reduce water use in restrooms
- Efficient plumbing design to minimize unnecessary water loss
- Maintenance routines to prevent leaks and reduce waste
- Infrastructure choices that prioritize sustainability in new expansions and renovations
These building practices help GUST manage water sustainably in a region where conservation is essential.
Water-Conscious Planting
GUST actively applies water-conscious landscaping strategies to reduce outdoor water consumption (SDG 6.3.5). This includes:
- Using desert-friendly, drought-tolerant plants that require minimal watering
- Implementing drip irrigation systems, which deliver water directly to plant roots, significantly reducing evaporation and runoff
- Strategically designing green spaces to balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility
These methods ensure efficient water use while maintaining an attractive and environmentally resilient campus landscape.
Promoting Conscious Water Usage on Campus
GUST supports water conservation on campus through awareness campaigns, signage, and sustainable infrastructure choices (SDG 6.5.5). Students, faculty, and staff are regularly encouraged to:
- Use water mindfully in restrooms and laboratories
- Report leaks or water waste immediately
- Follow conservation guidelines in dorms, classrooms, and common areas
GUST’s sustainability initiatives, including digital posters and campus announcements, reinforce responsible water behavior as part of everyday campus life.
Sustainable Water Extraction and Irrigation Technologies
To support sustainable water use across its campus grounds, GUST utilizes an integrated Rainbird irrigation system to manage the landscaping area of more than 51,000 square meters. Given Kuwait’s arid climate, efficient irrigation is essential, and the Rainbird controllers help regulate water usage through automated, pre-programmed schedules that minimize waste. The system operates across five controlled zones and delivers precise, timed irrigation cycles throughout the day, ensuring that water is used only when needed and in the appropriate quantities. By adopting smart irrigation technology, GUST promotes sustainable water extraction and responsible water use on its campus, in line with SDG 6.5.3.
Cooperation on Water Security
GUST contributes to national efforts toward environmental resilience and water security by facilitating academic-government dialogue, hosting multi-sectoral conferences, and creating platforms where policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders can address sustainability challenges. While Kuwait’s broader water security policies are shaped at national and ministerial levels, GUST plays an active supporting role by providing research, fostering scientific exchanges, and encouraging policy-relevant discussions that touch on water scarcity, environmental protection, and sustainable resource management.
Through these collaborations, GUST helps advance SDG 6.5.4 by strengthening national capacity to address interconnected environmental issues, including the relationship between water security, climate pressures, and energy transition.
First NREET Conference
On March 15–16, 2023, Gulf University for Science and Technology hosted the First NREET Conference (New and Renewable Energy, Environment, and Technology), organized by the Center for Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) and the Gulf Financial Center (GFC), in partnership with the Department of Economics and Finance. The hybrid conference brought together policymakers, engineers, economists, and industry participants to explore global perspectives on energy transition, environmental sustainability, and resource-efficient development.
Although the conference focused on renewable energy and sustainable economic planning, many discussions highlighted the deep interconnection between energy transition and national water security. Topics such as climate adaptation, environmental resilience, and sustainable infrastructure directly relate to Kuwait’s water challenges and long-term resource planning. By hosting and contributing to this interdisciplinary platform, GUST advanced SDG 6.5.4 by enabling dialogue between governmental bodies and academic experts, sharing research insights, and supporting collaborative approaches to strengthen Kuwait’s environmental and water-security strategies.
Community Awareness for Conscious Water Use
GUST actively supports SDG 6 by providing educational opportunities on water management and promoting responsible water use both on campus and throughout the wider community. Through a series of public seminars, sustainability talks, and awareness events, the University ensures that local residents, students, and professionals have access to practical knowledge that fosters better water practices.
GUST’s outreach efforts contribute to SDG 6.5.6 by encouraging conscious water usage beyond the campus environment. Student clubs and the Center for Sustainable Development frequently engage with community members through environmental campaigns, social media awareness drives, and collaborative activities that emphasize responsible household water use, the importance of reducing waste, and practical conservation habits. These activities extend GUST’s influence into the wider community, promoting a culture of sustainability that aligns with Kuwait’s national environmental priorities.
Through these combined efforts, GUST plays a key role in empowering both its campus and the broader public with the knowledge and motivation to protect water resources and support long-term environmental resilience.
GUST Welcomes H.E. Minister of Oil, Electricity & Water Dr. Khalid Al-Fadhel
GUST was honored to welcome Kuwait’s Minister of Oil and Minister of Electricity & Water, H.E. Dr. Khalid Al-Fadhel on campus last week to talk to Dr. Mohammed Alnughaimish's Leadership (MGMT 361) class. The Minister spoke to students, staff and faculty about his experience and how leadership and character aided in his appointments as Former Deputy Minister of Commerce and his current position.
In attendance was GUST President, Professor Walid Bouhamra, who was also the H.E. Minister’s Professor at Kuwait University while he was completing his degree in Chemical Engineering. Also, in attendance was BOT Advisor, Dr. Jasem Abdulsalam, Vice President for Professional Development and Community Services, Dr. Ahmad Al-Darbas, Director of the Graduate Studies and Research Office, Professor Bassam Alameddine, as well as faculty members and students. The talk was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Alnughaimish', GUST Adjust Professor.
H.E. the Minister left the audience inspired with his stories and his character, and even gave a majority of the session open for their questions. GUST is continuously seeking high caliber speakers to inspire students to give their all and excel both academically and personally.
GUST Hosts ‘Climate Talks’ Conference
GUST and the Embassy of France in Kuwait held today, a local conference entitled “Climate Talks,” in support of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), at the GUST conference center in Mishref. This event is the first of its kind in the country, supporting a global cause that will help mobilize the Kuwaiti society towards reducing its carbon footprint.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Salah Al-Sharhan, GUST Vice President of Academic Affairs welcomed the audience and said, “GUST is very proud to be working with the Embassy of France in Kuwait, the Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (K-EPA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with the globally conscious citizens of Kuwait to support such a noble and important cause. We have always strived to be a leader in responding to global challenges by acting locally to catalyze a positive change in our students and our community. We believe that true sustainable development starts from behind classroom desks.”
The opening ceremony also included remarks by H.E. Christian Nakhlé, French Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Khaled Al-Enzi, Head of Public Relations at the Kuwait Environment Public Authority (K-EPA), and Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
H.E. Christian Nakhlé, French Ambassador to Kuwait, said, “In preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), also known as “Paris Climate 2015,” the Embassy of France in Kuwait has organized many events, conferences and activities. The event today, “Climate Talks,” organized in collaboration with GUST is an example of the different successful events organized in Kuwait. COP21 will be held in Paris from 30th November to 11th December, under the umbrella of the General Secretary of the United Nations and the Presidency of France. This yearly conference is a crucial international meeting and a top priority on France’s diplomatic agenda. The aim is to reach a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change and preservation of the planet. We thank all our Kuwaiti partners, and especially GUST, for hosting this event to raise awareness on the climate change issue.”
The conference brought in renowned, specialized speakers from local and international institutions to raise awareness on climate change and shed light on the topics and debates of COP21, taking place in France later this year. GUST’s Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Dr. Mohamad Yassine, spoke about climate change and its implications on food, water and energy nexus; Dr. Taoufik Souami, from the Urban Planning School of Paris, discussed the best ways to change human behavior to save environmental resources. While Dr. Eric Verdeil, from Paris East University, talked about the emerging policies for sustainable transition in Mediterranean countries.
Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Deputy Resident Representative at the UNDP, said, “In December 2015, the international community will convene in Paris to agree on a new global climate change deal, aiming to accelerate opportunities for climate change action in all countries as an important pillar in the post-2015 era of sustainable development. The Paris Agreement has the potential to galvanize countries and communities to act, simultaneously working to reduce carbon emissions, while adapting to the long-term impacts of climate change. UNDP is extremely pleased to join efforts with GUST and the Embassy of France in Kuwait as well as other national groups to raise awareness around this important global undertaking.”
After a networking break, Ms. Jenan Behzad, from the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), shed light on the story of climate change in Kuwait’s green schools; Eng. Salem Al-Ajmi, from the Kuwait Society of Engineers, talked about the new E-Waste Plant in Kuwait and its benefits for the country and its environment; and finally, Sheikha Fatima Mubarak Jaber Al-Sabah, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of K’S PATH, answered the question why do we clean beaches, and what are we protecting, showcasing the importance of even the most minimal actions to help the environment.
Dr. Khaled Al-Enzi, Head of Public Relations at K-EPA, said, “The EPA has adopted an approach in consolidating environmental approaches to conform with its perspective in making Kuwait among the best countries in the region, in terms of environmental protection. In addition to increasing courses in government schools and civil society institutions, the EPA strives to enhance the environmental thought and culture, and seeks to achieve sustainable development. Undoubtedly, law number 42/2014 is unique in the history of environmental action. The EPA is also carrying out a campaign in four languages to promote environmental awareness, targeting both local citizens and expatriates.”
A "Kuwait Climate Action" competition was also announced during the event, where teams must submit projects that detail actions to help reduce the impact of climate change in Kuwait. The winning team will be awarded a trip to Paris to present their project at COP21 on behalf of the Kuwait community.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), is a yearly conference that aims to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change, preservation of the planet, and to reduce the greenhouse effect. Due to the alarmingly increased rate of greenhouse emissions worldwide today, France is targeting an ambitious goal of reducing it by 40% by 2030, 60% by 2040 and finally 80-95% by 2050 (compared to 1990); to encourage a safer future for generations to come.
As part of its responsibility to the community, GUST endeavors in becoming more involved in causes that effect the environment, and stand to create more conscientious global citizens of its students. GUST prides itself in actively engaging in projects alongside its staff, faculty and students, which help the community and raise awareness on local and global issues.
GUST celebrates Earth Day
GUST as a part of their community outreach initiatives, celebrated International Earth Day, which was first initiated on April 22nd, 1970 in the U.S., and today unites 1 billion people from 192 countries,to broaden, diversify, mobilize and raise awareness about the global environmental movement – called “Mobilize the Earth” Campaign – which aims to convey the message that our Earth won’t wait and calls for people to unite, speak and act.
The event welcomed different stations by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, Down to Earth, Environment Preservation Industrial Co. (EPIC), the Institute for Green Business Certification ME, Al-Dhow for Environmental Projects and Green Technology Group. Each with a different aspect of the environmental issues, but all with the same goal: to educate and raise awareness of people within our community.
Eng. Khalaf Alenezi, Head Organizer of the event, welcomed Dr. Sabah Al-Quaddoomi, VP for Academic Services, Dr. Lee Caldwell, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dr. Mesfer Mesfer from the Office of Student Life, Ibrahim Emran, Assistant Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Osama Al-Hares, Director of Alumni and Career Services and Dr. Masoud Asad, Director of Public Affairs.
Eng. Alenezi took all the guests around the different booths set up by the different companies and societies, introducing them to the intricate ways the environment works and how we can help protect it by implementing a few simple strategies, including: smart shopping, buying energy-efficient products, considering transportation alternatives, improving our food choices, developing washing and drying methods as well as heating and cooling, planting more trees, implementing bathroom basics, cleaning more consciously and never discarding items on the streets and recycling what we can.
Following the tour of the booths, there was a small Kung-Fu presentation by two young Kuwaitis, which was enjoyed by all. Followed by an enlightening presentation by Dr. Bader Alenezi, KU Professor and Essa Ramadan, from Kuwait Weather Forecast, talking to students and staff alike on the consequences and effects the things we do every day have on the environment; things that we normally won’t pay attention to at all on a daily basis.
For more information on Earth Day and the “Mobilize the Earth” Campaign, visit www.earthday.org.
