2.2 OPERATIONS
Increasing affordable plant-based options at the campus diner
From 2021 to 2022 , the Students for Sustainability ( S2 ), in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability and the campus diner food provider , led an
on-campus project to make the campus diner more sustainable , as part of a Global University Climate Forum project .
As a result of their concerted efforts , the students were able to introduce new plant-based foods and meals at several campus diner counters , including the Budget Meal couter . The budget meal is a subsidized full meal that includes soup , main course , salad , desert and drink at an affordable price .
Of note , the collaborative project was responsible for the implementation of a vegetarian option as part of the Budget Meal ; a more nutritionally balanced salad bar with new plant-based proteins such as legumes and quinoa , and healthy fats such as avocado and nuts ; and other newly introduced dishes including vegetable and falabel burgers at the gill , and fully plant-based pizzas and sandwiches .
New plant-based options at the campus diner
Tackling the campus diner food waste
Also as part of the Global University Climate Forum project from S2 , the students ran a
Diner Survey , in collaboration with operational teams , where consumer behavior and awareness on food waste were assessed . From the data collected from 246 participants , 42 % of customers did not finish their meal , with 69 % pointing big portions as the major reason , and over 50 % suggesting the introduction of reusable takeway containers . As a result of that feedback , half portions were introduced at several diner counters , and paper containers were offered as alternatives to plastic . The students also introduced an eco-label system to inform diner users of the water and carbon footprint of their food choices , in order to nudge consumers to more sustainable alternatives and raise awareness of the environmental cost of food production and wastage .
The Diner Survey
2.3 ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH
Contributing to national food security goals
In early 2022 , KAUST hosted
the Sustainable Food Security Workshop , in partnership with the Makkah Region Development Authority . Organized by the CDA with the support of the Office of Research Administration , the workshop gathered local , regional , and international leaders to discuss some of Saudi Arabia ’ s most prominent food related challenges : food supply , water use , food use , environmental change and the Saudi Green Initiative . Participants collaborated to define concerns , develop solutions , and present them during the three-day program . The main goal was to learn from international leaders pushing forward high-impact scientific , technological , and policy solutions for food security , and then adapt these lessons for the Kingdom in roundtable discussions with key food system stakeholders .
Sustainable Food Security Workshop
718 60
Speakers from Attendees Government , Industry
and Academia
18
Sessions
The Edible School Garden project
In order to integrate sustainable agricultural practices , healthy food habits , and plant science into the school curricula , the KAUST School ( TKS ) has partnered with CDA to launch the Edible School Garden Project ( ESGP ). The project has consolidated over 2021 and 2022 through a design competition for the edible gardens of all KAUST School campi , and the building of all necessary garden beds . The goal of the project is to integrate the principles of sustainable agriculture in school educational programs , and encourage the school community to grow their own food , allowing for a locally grown , free-of-charge , nutritious lunch to all KAUST School students .
TKS director Dr . Michele Remington and CDA director Prof . Rod Wing with childreem participating at the design competition for the school garden
KAUST also aims to share the project framework , so it is implemented in other schools across Saudi Arabia . The two pilot gardens , located on the TKS kindergarten campus and grade 1-12 campus , are now embedded in the curriculum for the 2022-2023 school year . Supported by KAUST researchers , the students will also undertake hands-on plant science experiments in the TKS laboratories , using the garden ’ s crops .
2 85
Large Gardens
Total Garden Beds
141 m2 1885
Total Cultivable Area
School Students To Be Impacted
9 | KAUST SDG HIGHLIGHT REPORT