BMC's Climate Action

BMC has a commitment to climate action by integrating sustainability and environmental awareness into its educational mission, research initiatives, and community outreach. In the 2024/25 academic year, this commitment was realized through a diverse array of programs that linked climate change to public health, promoted sustainable practices, and educated both the campus and wider community.

Educational Outreach and Public Health Awareness

Understanding that climate change is a significant public health issue, several BMC programs have launched educational campaigns focusing on its direct human impacts.

• Respiratory Therapy Program: The program organized a pivotal event, “The Impact of Vaping on Lung Health, Awareness of Asthma,” for students at Al Andalus School. This initiative drew a clear connection between air quality, respiratory health, and the environmental footprint of consumer products. By educating youth on the harms of vaping and asthma triggers, the program highlighted how environmental factors and personal choices contribute to public health challenges, a key aspect of climate change awareness.

• PharmD Program: The "Food Security and Sustainability" event engaged 77 students in understanding the global food system. The initiative educated attendees on sustainable agricultural practices, the critical importance of reducing food waste, and building resilient food systems—all of which are central to mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects.

• Health Management Program: Through its "Peer Power: Public Health Education for All" event at Jeddah International College, students presented on topics including environmental health. This outreach emphasized the interconnectedness of a healthy environment and personal well-being, promoting awareness of how climate action directly benefits community health.

Promoting Sustainability in Campus Operations and Culture

BMC has taken concrete steps to embed sustainability into its operational and cultural fabric, moving beyond awareness to actionable change.

• Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chains: The college’s operational policies emphasize the purchase of eco-friendly products. This commitment was reflected in events like the "World Day for Safety and Health at Work" organized by the Health Management Program, which partnered with local health and wellness vendors, encouraging a green supply chain.

• Waste Reduction and Innovation: The Occupational Therapy Program's "Wheelchair Footrest Bumper" project is a prime example of sustainable innovation. By designing and creating protective bumpers from recycled and recyclable materials like vulcanized rubber and polycarbonate, the program not only enhanced pedestrian safety but also championed the principles of a circular economy, reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials.

• Campus-Wide Sustainability Campaigns: The Preparatory Year and Pharmacy Program's "Food Security and Sustainability" initiative served as a large-scale, campus-wide campaign to instill sustainable values in the student body. By focusing on the reduction of food waste and the importance of sustainable consumption, BMC cultivates an institutional culture that actively contributes to climate goals.

Through this multi-faceted approach—connecting climate change to health, educating the community, and implementing sustainable practices on campus—BMC solidifies its role as an institution dedicated to a healthy planet and a healthier population.