CAU has made significant progress in reducing waste generation by addressing two

of the most resource-intensive areas: paper and plastic consumption.

The university has fully transitioned to a paperless administrative system through the av.ijro.uz digital platform.

All contracts, tuition agreements, certificates, and transcripts are now processed electronically, eliminating the need for thousands of sheets of paper annually.

This shift has not only reduced material waste but also enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency across academic and administrative operations.

In parallel, CAU has introduced a strict zero single-use plastic policy.

Food service providers and vendors operating on campus are contractually prohibited from using disposable plastic packaging, cups, and bottles.

Instead, they are required to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable packaging and reusable containers.

To reinforce this cultural change, staff and students are encouraged to carry personal thermoses, reusable cups, and refillable water bottles.

This transition is supported by infrastructure: every floor of CAU’s academic and administrative buildings is equipped with kitchens and filtered water machines.

These facilities ensure that sustainable consumption is not only encouraged but also made practical and convenient, embedding reduction practices into the daily routines of the entire campus community.

Reuse has become a central component of CAU’s sustainability agenda. The university recognizes that extending the lifecycle of resources reduces the demand for new materials and lowers environmental impact.

One of the most visible reuse initiatives is the introduction of eco-friendly mobility solutions, including bicycles and electric scooters. Offered free of charge to students and staff, these vehicles reduce the environmental burden of short-distance travel while simultaneously promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices. By encouraging cycling and shared scooter use, CAU reduces fuel consumption, improves air quality, and fosters community engagement.

Reuse also underpins the university’s digitalization efforts. Academic submissions, research projects, and internal communications are increasingly conducted through digital systems, reducing the need for physical printing. This shift extends the lifespan of resources, lowers costs, and demonstrates that sustainable practices can enhance, rather than hinder, efficiency.

Through these initiatives, CAU demonstrates that reuse is not limited to materials but can also be a mindset—a way of extending the usefulness of resources and reducing waste across all areas of university life.

In 2025, CAU significantly expanded its recycling program, making it one of the most comprehensive in the region. A color-coded bin system was introduced across all campus facilities to ensure proper segregation of waste. Separate bins are provided for plastic, paper, organic material, and hazardous items such as batteries and lightbulbs.

To ensure that recycling efforts are not symbolic but effective, CAU established strong partnerships with the State Unitary Enterprise Makhsustrans and Green International. These partners oversee the systematic collection, sorting, and processing of recyclable materials.

A particularly innovative component of the program is the composting of organic waste. Organic materials collected on campus are transported to a specialized facility near Tashkent, where they are blended with agricultural by-products such as straw and leaves.

Using advanced German composting technology, the mixture undergoes a six-week processing cycle that produces nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. This fertilizer is then distributed to local farmers and gardeners, creating a closed-loop system in which campus-generated waste directly benefits the surrounding community.

This system not only diverts waste from landfills but also supports the circular economy, reduces methane emissions, and strengthens connections between the university and local agricultural stakeholders. It represents a model of sustainable waste management that can be scaled and replicated in other institutions.

Looking ahead, CAU plans to integrate AI-driven monitoring systems into its waste management framework. These systems will provide real-time data on waste generation, enable predictive analysis of waste streams, and optimize collection routes and recycling processes. By adopting smart technologies, the university aims to make its waste management not only comprehensive but also intelligent and adaptive.

CAU is also exploring the potential of waste-to-energy initiatives, which would convert non-recyclable waste into renewable energy for campus use. Such projects would further reduce landfill dependency while contributing to the university’s renewable energy goals.

By 2030, CAU aims to achieve a 50% reduction in total waste generation and a 70% recycling rate. These ambitious targets demonstrate the university’s long-term commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of campus life.