Ethical Sourcing Policy
King Salman International University upholds a strong commitment to ethical sourcing, ensuring that all procured goods and materials originate from vendors who adhere to fair labor practices and environmental standards. The University collaborates exclusively with approved suppliers who prioritize sustainability and the ethical treatment of workers. Through this conscientious approach, the institution not only promotes responsible consumption but also fosters environmental stewardship and social equity.
Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Policy
King Salman International University (KSIU)
1. Purpose
This policy outlines King Salman International University’s commitment to Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) principles, in alignment with international frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12). It aims to reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption activities while enhancing social and economic sustainability across university operations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all departments, staff, students, suppliers, and contractors operating within or in partnership with KSIU.
3. Policy Statement
KSIU adopts a cradle-to-cradle approach to resource management, emphasizing the full life-cycle of goods and services. The university integrates SCP principles into its strategic planning, procurement, operations, and community engagement to foster responsible consumption and production.
4. Strategic Framework
KSIU’s SCP strategy includes the following core practices:
Supply Chain Management: Ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing throughout procurement processes.
Waste Management and Reuse: Implementing systems for waste separation, recycling, and safe disposal.
Resource Efficiency: Promoting efficient use of materials and energy across the value chain.
Cleaner Production: Adopting environmentally sound production methods.
Life-Cycle Thinking: Evaluating environmental impacts from production to disposal.
Eco-Innovation and Eco-Labelling: Supporting innovation in sustainable products and transparent labeling.
5. Implementation Measures
To operationalize SCP principles, KSIU commits to the following actions:
Sustainable Procurement: Prioritize suppliers who demonstrate environmental and social responsibility, and align with SCP values.
Ethical Sourcing Guidelines: Establish criteria ensuring compliance with labor laws, human rights, and environmental standards, referencing the Vienna Digital Manifesto.
Hazardous Materials Management: Maintain an inventory of hazardous substances for safe use, storage, and disposal.
Waste Disposal Policy: Develop and enforce policies for waste separation, recycling, and landfill reduction.
Plastic Reduction Initiatives: Minimize plastic use and promote alternatives with lower environmental footprints.
Digital Transformation: Reduce paper consumption through digitization of administrative and academic functions.
Awareness and Education: Conduct campaigns and integrate recycled materials into educational settings to promote SCP awareness.
Service Engagement Models: Extend SCP practices to services through business-to-customer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), and business-to-government (B2G) models.
Donation Programs: Facilitate the donation of used materials to local communities to support recycling and poverty alleviation.
Resource Sharing Initiatives: Encourage shared use of resources across campus to reduce consumption and promote sustainability.
6. Monitoring and Review
KSIU will regularly monitor the effectiveness of this policy and update it in accordance with evolving best practices and regulatory requirements. Departments are responsible for reporting progress and ensuring compliance.
7. References
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12
UN Environment SCP Guidelines
Vienna Digital Manifesto for Digital Human Rights
Institutional Operational Protocols and Recommended Best Practices in agricultural sector
University production of strategic crops
Total Productive Area Overview
The university farm in Ras Sudr encompasses a total of 16 feddans, strategically allocated to support a diverse range of agricultural activities. The land is distributed across:
Fruit Orchards: Cultivated with seasonal and perennial varieties.
Field Crops: Including grains and legumes suited to local climate conditions.
Vegetables: Grown in rotation to ensure continuous supply and soil health.
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Selected for their therapeutic and commercial value.
This diversified land use enables year-round agricultural production, supports academic research, and promotes sustainable farming practices tailored to the region’s environmental conditions.
Item | Area |
Olive Trees | 5.5 feddans |
Jojoba Trees | 4.5 feddans |
Fig Trees | 0.5 feddans |
Forage and Vegetable Crop Production | 4 feddans |
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants | 1 feddan |
Hydroponic Greenhouse | 200 m² |
Nursery | 200 m² |
Compost Production and Feed Preparation Unit | 500 m² |
Irrigation Well | — |
Meteorological Station | — |
Total | 16 feddans |
Tree Crops Cultivated for Commercial Production
The university farm dedicates a total of 10.5 feddans to tree crops cultivated for commercial and research purposes. The distribution is as follows:
Olive Trees – 5.5 feddans: Cultivated for both table olives and olive oil production, supporting local and regional demand.
Jojoba Plants – 4.5 feddans: Grown for jojoba seeds, which are processed into high-value oil used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Fig Trees – 0.5 feddan: Managed for fresh fruit production, contributing to seasonal market offerings.
This strategic allocation enhances the farm’s economic viability while supporting academic research in horticulture, agribusiness, and sustainable agriculture.

Field and Forage Crop Outputs
The university farm allocates specific land blocks for the cultivation of forage and field crops, supporting both academic research and operational sustainability. These include:
Green Forage and Grain Crops: Such as maize, cultivated for silage and grain to support livestock nutrition
Grasses (Panicum spp.): Grown for high-yield, drought-tolerant forage suitable for arid environments.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa): A nutrient-rich legume used extensively as animal feed.
This integrated approach ensures a reliable internal feed supply, significantly reducing dependence on external purchases and enhancing the farm’s self-sufficiency.

Vegetable Production Overview
The university farm supports the cultivation of a wide range of cool- and warm-season vegetables, ensuring year-round productivity and crop diversity. Key examples include:
Warm-Season Crops:

Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Cultivation
A dedicated 1 feddan of the university farm is allocated for the cultivation of diversified medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). This specialized block supports both academic research and commercial value chains, including fresh produce, dried herbs, and essential oil extraction.
Key species include:
Herbal and Aromatic Crops: Hibiscus, basil, mint, jasmine, chamomile, marjoram, rosemary, lavender, thyme
Medicinal and Nutraceutical Plants: Fennel, fenugreek, moringa
Oilseed and Spice Crops: Mustard, canola
This diversified MAP portfolio enhances the farm’s contribution to phytotherapy, natural product research, and sustainable agribusiness, while offering hands-on learning opportunities for students in agriculture, pharmacognosy, and food sciences.

Hydroponic Greenhouse and Plant Nursery Operations
The university farm integrates advanced cultivation systems through:
Hydroponic Greenhouses (200 m²) Designed for off-season production of leafy greens and fruiting vegetables using precision fertigation, optimizing water and nutrient delivery while minimizing resource waste.
Plant Nursery (200 m²) Dedicated to the continuous propagation of seedlings, ensuring a reliable supply for field planting and research trials throughout the year.
This dual system enhances productivity, supports sustainable agriculture practices, and provides hands-on training in controlled-environment farming and nursery management.


On-Farm Compost Production and Nutrient Recycling
The university farm operates a 500 m² compost and feed-preparation unit, designed to process organic waste from both landscape maintenance and agricultural activities. Key functions include:
Resource Autonomy and Climate-Smart Infrastructure
To enhance operational efficiency and resilience, the university farm employs:
Smart Irrigation System: Enables precise, data-driven water management, optimizing irrigation schedules based on crop needs and environmental conditions.

On-Site Weather Station: Provides real-time meteorological data to support risk assessment, adaptive planning, and timely interventions.
Together, these technologies contribute to stable crop yields, reduced water waste, and greater autonomy in resource management—aligning with sustainable agriculture and climate-smart farming principles.