Sustainable Investment Policy

University of Bahrain – Policy Information Document

1. Definitions

Sustainable Investment: An approach to investment‑related decision‑making that considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects alongside financial, operational, and institutional priorities.

Environmental Aspect: The assessment of potential environmental impacts, including energy use, emissions, resource efficiency, and long‑term environmental sustainability.

Social Aspect: The consideration of impacts on education, research, students, staff, community well‑being, and social value creation. Governance Aspect:

The application of transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, and compliance with applicable regulations and institutional frameworks.

2. Policy Purpose

• Align UOB investments with sustainability and strategy
• Encourage responsible investment decisions
• Provide a flexible guiding framework (non-binding)
• Support Bahrain’s national sustainability vision

3 Policy Scope

• Campus development and infrastructure projects
• Energy, utilities, and facilities investments
• Strategic partnerships with financial commitments
• Long-term academic, research, and community projects

Applied pragmatically based on feasibility, value for money, and regulations.

4. Policy Statement

The University of Bahrain is committed to responsible investment practices that integrate
environmental, social, and governance considerations while maintaining financial sustainability
and operational effectiveness.

5. Areas of Sustainable Investment Focus

Where feasible and aligned with institutional priorities, sustainability considerations may be reflected in the following areas:

5.1    Energy and Resource Efficiency

• Energy‑efficient buildings, systems, and technologies;
• Clean and renewable energy initiatives, including solar energy projects.

5.2   Sustainable Campus Development

• Environmentally conscious design and construction practices;
• Consideration of lifecycle costs, durability, and long‑term operational efficiency.

5.3   Education, Research, and Innovation

• Investment in facilities, laboratories, and research initiatives that support sustainability and innovation;
• Support for academic programs and initiatives aligned with national sustainability objectives.

5.4   Responsible Partnerships

• Collaboration with partners and service providers whose practices are broadly aligned with sustainability and ethical standards;
• Encouraging partnerships that deliver social, educational, or environmental value.

6. Roles & Responsibilities

Where applicable, existing University investment and financial committees, including the Investment Committee, may take sustainability considerations into account as part of their established review and recommendation processes, in line with approved mandates and applicable regulations.

7. Policy Procedures

The University may, where appropriate:

• Consider sustainability aspects during planning and evaluation of investment‑related initiatives;
• Document sustainability considerations within existing approval processes;
• Review practices periodically to support continuous improvement.

No additional mandatory procedures or exclusions are introduced by this policy.

8. Contact Information

General Director Office
Email: DGAS@uob.edu.bh