Introduction
Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. In Algeria, responsible resource management has become a national priority, as evidenced by frameworks like the National Action Plan for Environment and Sustainable Development 2035 (PNAE-DD) and the Sustainable Consumption and Production National Action Plan (SCP-NAP). The University of El Oued contributes significantly to these efforts by implementing policies on ethical sourcing, waste management, and sustainability, both on campus and through community outreach and research. This report highlights the university’s strategies and achievements in advancing SDG 12.

University Policies and Operational Measures

The University of El Oued has established comprehensive policies and practices that promote responsible consumption and production within the campus community.

1. Ethical Sourcing Policy
   The University of El Oued follows an ethical sourcing policy that emphasizes the procurement of food and supplies from sustainable sources. The university collaborates with local vendors to source materials responsibly, supporting Algeria’s sustainable consumption initiatives and promoting fair trade and environmentally friendly practices across the supply chain. This policy aligns with Algeria’s national SCP-NAP to encourage responsible business practices and resource conservation.
2. Waste Disposal Policies for Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Materials
   Waste management at the University of El Oued includes stringent processes for disposing of hazardous materials in compliance with national environmental regulations. These processes involve the safe collection, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and other waste produced in laboratories and workshops. Furthermore, the university has implemented a landfill policy to track and minimize waste. The policy requires that waste be sorted, with recyclable materials separated from landfill-bound waste, supporting Algeria’s goal of achieving a zero-waste economy by 2030.
3. Policies for Minimizing Plastic and Disposable Item Usage
   In line with its commitment to reducing plastic pollution, the University of El Oued has introduced policies to minimize plastic and single-use disposable items on campus. The policy encourages the use of reusable containers, promotes eco-friendly alternatives, and discourages plastic packaging in campus food services. These policies also extend to external vendors and suppliers, who are required to follow the university’s sustainability guidelines to reduce environmental impact.
4. Extension of Sustainability Policies to Outsourced Services and Suppliers
   The university’s policies on responsible consumption extend to outsourced services and suppliers, such as those providing equipment, stationery, and building materials. By ensuring that all contractors and suppliers adhere to these sustainable practices, the university promotes a culture of responsibility and environmental stewardship across its entire supply chain. This approach is consistent with Algeria’s SCP-NAP, which emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to promote sustainable practices.

Research and Innovation in Sustainable Consumption

Research at the University of El Oued focuses on innovative approaches to responsible consumption and production, contributing to Algeria’s environmental and economic goals.

1. Sustainable Building Materials
   Research on sustainable construction materials at the university has led to the development of eco-friendly building solutions. For example, studies utilizing local materials, such as dune sand, rubber aggregates, and crushed clay brick waste, have shown potential for eco-mortar applications in construction. Through experimental analysis, researchers found that certain combinations of local materials improved the mechanical properties of eco-mortar, offering both economic and ecological benefits. This innovation supports sustainable construction by reducing the demand for non-renewable resources and aligns with the SCP-NAP’s goals of promoting resource efficiency.
2. Environmentally-Friendly Consumption Behaviour
   The university is also contributing to sustainable consumption research by exploring factors that influence environmentally-friendly behaviour, specifically in organic food consumption. A recent study applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour to examine the drivers of organic food purchasing intentions, integrating factors such as product-specific attitudes and future orientation. Findings suggest that while product-specific attitudes and availability positively impact organic food consumption, subjective norms are less influential. These insights offer valuable recommendations for promoting sustainable consumption patterns, aligning with Algeria’s national objectives to reduce the environmental impact of consumption.

Education and Community Engagement

The University of El Oued actively engages students, staff, and the broader community in sustainability education and responsible consumption practices.

1. Sustainability Education Programs
   The university integrates sustainability principles into its academic curriculum, particularly within environmental science and engineering courses. Programs and workshops promote awareness of sustainable consumption, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste, recycling, and conserving resources. Through these initiatives, the university educates students on the role of sustainable practices in achieving long-term environmental and economic goals.
2. Student and Staff-Led Initiatives
   The University of El Oued supports student-led initiatives that encourage sustainable behaviour on campus. Recycling drives, awareness campaigns on plastic reduction, and workshops on waste management allow students to take an active role in sustainability efforts. These initiatives align with the university’s policies and help foster a campus culture dedicated to responsible consumption.
3. Community Outreach and Partnerships
   The university extends its sustainability efforts beyond campus by collaborating with local government agencies and community organizations. Through joint workshops and awareness campaigns, the university shares best practices in waste management and ethical consumption with the wider community. By encouraging local businesses and households to adopt sustainable practices, the university contributes to Algeria’s national goals for environmental stewardship and resource conservation.

Conclusion
The University of El Oued’s commitment to SDG 12 is demonstrated through comprehensive policies, innovative research, and community outreach efforts. From waste reduction initiatives and ethical sourcing to education on sustainable practices, the university integrates responsible consumption into its operations and culture. These initiatives contribute to Algeria’s broader sustainability goals as outlined in the SCP-NAP, supporting a more sustainable future. Through continued research, policy development, and community engagement, the University of El Oued is making substantial progress in advancing responsible consumption and production practices.