I. General provisions

1. This Policy establishes how the Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (hereinafter “the University”) measures and reduces its water use, maximises water reuse, prevents water pollution, applies water discharge standards, provides free drinking water and promotes the careful use of water.

2. Uzbekistan is among the countries most exposed to water scarcity in Central Asia. The University therefore regards the careful use of water as the responsibility of every unit, employee and student.

3. The Policy has been prepared in accordance with the Water Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Law “On Nature Protection” and the sanitary rules and norms on drinking water and wastewater discharge. It applies to all buildings, laboratories, canteens, dormitories and grounds of the University and to contractors working on its premises.

II. Measuring water use

4. The University measures the total volume of water it uses from the mains supply, and any water extracted from other sources, every month on the basis of meter readings and invoices, and calculates annual totals and use per person. Unexplained increases are investigated and leaks are repaired without delay.

III. Water reuse

5. The University seeks to maximise water reuse across the University. It collects rainwater and air-conditioning condensate for irrigation where feasible, assesses grey-water reuse in new buildings and major renovations, and uses closed-loop cooling in laboratories. The volume of water reused is measured or estimated by an approved method and reported every year.

IV. Prevention of water pollution and wastewater treatment

6. Wastewater is discharged only into the municipal sewerage network for treatment. The University does not discharge untreated wastewater into open water bodies, canals or the ground.

7. Processes are in place to prevent polluted water entering the water system, including from accidents and incidents. Laboratory chemicals are neutralised or collected as hazardous waste (TUIT-SP-05); canteen drains are fitted with grease traps; chemicals and fuels are stored in sealed containers; and spills are contained, cleaned up and recorded.

V. Water discharge standards and guidelines

8. All water discharged by the University complies with the water quality standards established by the sanitary rules and the conditions of the water supply and sewerage organisation, in order to protect ecosystems, wildlife and human health and welfare. Discharge quality is tested periodically, and any exceedance is eliminated at source.

VI. Preventing pollution of rivers, lakes and seas

9. The University prevents and reduces water pollution of all kinds arising from its land-based activities that could reach canals, rivers, lakes and ultimately the seas, including the Aral Sea basin. To this end it: prevents litter and plastic from entering drains and canals (TUIT-SP-06); minimises the use of fertilisers and pesticides on its grounds (TUIT-SP-09); keeps storm-water inlets clean and protected from oil and chemical runoff; and educates students and staff on the prevention of water pollution.

VII. Free drinking water and water-conscious buildings and grounds

10. Free drinking water is provided to students, employees and visitors in the University’s buildings, and the University progressively expands the number of drinking-water refill points.

11. New buildings and renovations apply water-saving standards, including low-flow and sensor taps, dual-flush toilets and leak-detecting meters. Landscaping gives preference to native and drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation.

VIII. Promoting the careful use of water

12. The University actively promotes conscious water use on campus through signs, induction sessions and student campaigns, and in the wider community through public lectures, school outreach and student projects on water saving.

IX. Responsibilities

13. The Department of Housekeeping and Landscaping organises metering, repairs, drinking-water points and discharge testing and prepares the annual water report. Heads of laboratories are responsible for chemicals and laboratory wastewater. The Sustainability Committee reviews progress every year.

X. Monitoring and expected results

14. The following indicators are reported every year: total water use; water use per person; the volume of water reused; the number of drinking-water points; and the number of pollution incidents.

15. Expected results by 2030: water use per person reduced by 10 per cent compared with 2025; rainwater or condensate reuse introduced at the main sites; no unresolved pollution incidents.

XI. Final provisions

16. This Policy is reviewed at least once every two years, and earlier if there are significant changes in legislation or in the activities of the University. Amendments are approved by the University Council.

17. This Policy enters into force on the date of its approval by the University Council and replaces the Water Conservation Program adopted in 2023.

18. This Policy is published on the official website of the University (tuit.uz/sustainability) in Uzbek and English and remains publicly available.