Since the inception of Earth Day in 1970, the activities Earth Day has inspired are more important than ever. The day honours the history and future of the environmental movement and raises awareness of crucial environmental issues. Through the lens of a university, Education for Sustainable Development (EDS) is recognised as an integral contributor to achieving climate mitigation and achieving many UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Middlesex University and the Institute of Sustainable Development (ISD) clearly drives an inclusive and equitable quality education (SGD4), but also understands as an academic institution that we take on a much broader responsibility and role to play to reach the wide-ranging SDGs.
This year the ISD has made significant contributions through our clothes drive for sustainable fashion, the recycling of plastic and e-waste, programmes on diversity and equality in education, and reducing food waste, all student led. We have also guided businesses to get involved in ESG strategies in the community, and led community outreach programmes in 8 different countries in the MEA region with our sustainability partner DHL. Companies who develop strong Environment Social Governance (ESG) standards are being rewarded with harmonious employees, stronger financial performance, and brand image. No longer is there a choice between ‘going green’ and business sustainability.
The day honours the history and future of the environmental movement and raises awareness of crucial environmental issues
Educational institutions, especially universities, have the responsibility to advocate the importance of SDGs and play their part in fulfilling the SDGs by providing research knowledge, innovations and ESG solutions, external leadership in raising awareness about the SDGs, and shaping the next generation of environmental minded leaders in the community.
About Andrew Mackenzie:
Andrew Mackenzie MBA SFHEA is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Head of the Institute of Sustainable Development (ISD) at Middlesex University Dubai. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Latrobe University (Melbourne, Australia) and has over 19 years’ experience of teaching across Australia, Kuwait, and the UAE. He is a Member of the American Marketing Association and the Professional Association of Workplace Coaching.
Andrew’s research interest is currently in the field of sustainability, and he is driving recycling programmes as an ambassador for the closed loop recycling platform, Simply Bottles. His teaching and learning interests include marketing, strategic marketing, digital marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship, and international business marketing.
About Middlesex University Dubai:
Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of the internationally renowned Middlesex University in London. The campus, which opened in January 2005, has over 4,500 students from more than 118 nationalities and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a wide variety of subject areas; it is the first and only university to offer a face-to-face LLB (British Qualifying Law) Degree.
Middlesex University is committed to meeting the needs and ambitions of a culturally and internationally diverse range of students, by providing challenging academic programmes underpinned by innovative research, grants and professional practice. Middlesex University Dubai prepares its students to be professional, skilled individuals fitted for the modern world, committed to life-long learning and able to contribute to the communities in which they live and work.
Middlesex University has a strong emphasis on sustainability initiatives through their Institute of Sustainable Development (ISD) and is continually teaching relevant practices to their students
As well as having all the advantages associated with being a British university, Dubai campus students can also benefit from studying in the heart of the city! Our primary campus is located in Dubai Knowledge Park, occupying high-tech classrooms and study areas across three buildings. Our second campus is located in Dubai International Academic City, with state-of-the-art facilities, learning labs and independent study spaces.
Middlesex University has a strong emphasis on sustainability initiatives through their Institute of Sustainable Development (ISD) and is continually teaching relevant practices to their students. For example, the fashion department learn about material waste, single use material, designing using scraps and cut-offs, and ethical sourcing, and the IT department covers topics such as e-waste and responsible disposal.