Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
ENSURE SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS
Research
Impact of Shipping Underwater Radiated Noise
Prof. Roee Diamant (Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences) and Prof. Aviad Sheinin (Morris Kahn Marine Research Station) quantify the widespread and long-term disturbance of Underwater Radiated Noise to the marine ecosystem; 
its impacts on animal behavior have never before been studied statistically over long periods of time. The conclusion will serve policy makers in the coming discussions on measuring underwater radiated noise in a vessel’s annual sailing test.
Mariculture for Food Security and Preserving Local Ecosystem
Mariculture is poised to present solutions for food security, rising human population and land shortage. However, site sampling and predictive modeling are required before development begins to impact the local ecosystem. Dr. Leigh Livne and team at the Morris Kahn Marine Research Station of the Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, find that small production farms (< 1000 t) do not negatively impact local habitat, and consistent monitoring of benthic life and sediments can mitigate negative impact.
Public Engagement
Industrial Symbiosis: End of Waste
Industrial symbiosis is when companies trade by-products or waste and thus “close the circle” to create a zero-waste rating. In a recent report by the head of the School of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Ofira Ayalon and her research team surveyed 75 Israeli manufacturers, managers, and engineers and applied their findings to promote policy tools required to advance industrial environmental symbiosis. A new course by Haifa Innovation Labs teaches about circular economy and circular business models.
Learning & Students
Integrating Environmental Sustainability into Nursing
The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing is the first nursing program in the country to integrate theoretical and practical environmental sustainability curriculum. Through this new initiative, over 100 students identified areas within the healthcare institution where they are interning that would benefit from intervention designed to promote sustainability and savings. Many of the proposals were accepted by their employers and implemented and, in consequence, have made a tangible positive impact.
Making the Garbage Bloom!
Between 1952 and 1998, the Hiriya man-made mountain of rubbish grew, peaking at 60 meters above its surroundings and 80 meters above sea level. Garbage disposal methods historically practiced in Israel have created several environmental issues. Dr. Riva Waldman, who recently earned her doctorate through the School of Environmental Sciences, is leading the current efforts by the Dan Region Association of Towns to transform the Hiriya dump into an industrial park and education center.
Operations
Reducing Use of Disposable Water Bottles
Faculty efforts to “green” conferences at University of Haifa are positively influencing university consumption practices. Recently, the University approved the purchasing of compact, mobile event water refill stations as part of a pilot to reduce the use of disposable water bottles and cups.
Digital Signatures and Documents
Beginning with a Pilot in the HR Division, the University is transitioning to digital documents and signatures. Over a 7-month period, 2225 processes took place digitally – saving over 9000 pieces of paper. The Pilot project results were presented to the Green Campus committee and will be expanded.
Cafeterias Incentivize Multi-Use Cups
A new initiative of the Operations Unit towards a green campus encourages faculty, staff and students to use multi-use cups for drinks purchased at 9 locations on campus. The student union cafeteria gives a 50% discount to those who bring their own multi-use cups. It is hoped that this dynamic will expand to other private on-campus food vendors.
Paper consumption
Over the last four years there was an 8% reduction in paper consumption at UofH.