In the wake of growing global advocacy for issues such as net-zero carbon emissions and environmental sustainability, the imperative need to implement sustainable goals has become undeniable. This pertains to governments at all levels, various industries, multinational and local enterprises, as well as educational institutions, organizations, and individuals—each playing an indispensable role in the realization of sustainability. On November 29, the Center for Business Sustainability at NCCU hosted a forum inviting representatives from the alliance of universities within the Taiwan United University System responsible for campus sustainability development. The forum served as a platform for the exchange of current practices, encountered challenges, and diverse ideas, facilitating the practical implementation of sustainability goals on campuses.
The opening remarks were delivered by Director Lien-Ti Bei from the Center for Business Sustainability, welcoming representatives from the four universities in the Taiwan United University System to engage in discussions on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Given the center's focus on green architecture, the venue was deemed highly suitable for such deliberations. In recent years, ESG has gained significant traction in the corporate supply chain, and it is encouraging to witness discussions on related matters emerging within educational institutions.
Vice President Ming-Neng Shiu, representing NCCU, commenced the discussion by elucidating the inseparable connection between NCCU's five major academic development goals and the imperative of sustainability. NCCU adopts the corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) model as a practical approach to achieving a sustainable campus. Leveraging its distinctive strength in abundant humanities and social science disciplines, NCCU utilizes "culture" as the foundation for implementing sustainable development. Notably, the university's commitment to University Social Responsibility (USR) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident through projects such as "Prosperity and Well-being in Wenshan," "Ecological Conservation and Carbon Footprint Management in Resilient Lishan," and "Integrated Planning for Lishan Economy in Rural Areas." These initiatives embody the university's societal responsibilities, integrating concrete efforts towards environmental and resource sustainability. Measures include the installation of permeable bricks to create a nature-centric campus, replacing water pipelines to address resource wastage from leaks, and implementing resource reuse strategies like second-hand auctions and shared umbrellas. Additionally, NCCU repurposes cultural assets by transforming the Hwa Nan New Village into dormitories, achieving sustainable goals in student autonomy, gender equality, and cultural heritage preservation. Vice President Zhan acknowledged the substantial challenge of managing the extensive facets of a sustainable campus, emphasizing the need for meticulous data integration. Concluding with a perspective rooted in educational counseling, he proposed the Earth as a personal counselor, advocating that through sustainability maintenance, students can enhance their connection with nature, achieving a symbiotic relationship between society and the environment.
Representing National Central University (NCU), Director Kung-Yuh Chiang from the Office of Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility shared insights into the organizational planning of sustainable campus initiatives at NCU. Emphasizing concepts of environmental protection, occupational safety, and health, NCU prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of its faculty and staff in its sustainable campus construction. NCU boasts a green coverage rate of 95%, with ongoing tree inventory and the adoption of trees through a public engagement program, fostering ecological and environmental education. In water resource management, the university, in addition to tap water, taps into groundwater resources, implementing comprehensive water conservation measures through groundwater meters, rainwater harvesting, and recycled water systems. Energy management strategies include the deployment of energy-efficient lighting and solar photovoltaic systems to optimize energy consumption. Director Chiang highlighted challenges faced in the realm of electricity conservation, urging continued innovation in energy-saving practices. In conclusion, he emphasized the expansive scope of sustainability, urging collective efforts, encapsulating the spirit of "Pollution prevention always pays," to inspire all advocates of sustainability.
Mr. Hsu Ming-Neng, CEO of the Office for Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, represented the institution during the forum. Noteworthy is YMCTU's organizational structure, where the Sustainable Development Office holds a prominent position as a first-level unit within the university, facilitating comprehensive resource integration. The university strategically combines expertise in health sciences from Yang Ming University and technology disciplines from Chiao Tung University to drive sustainable development. In resource conservation, YMCTU has achieved remarkable success in reducing plastic usage on campus. The Plastic Reduction Campaign, initiated in April of the academic year 111, received recognition from the Ministry of Education, securing the Environmental Pioneer Award. Innovations include the "Serve Tea" app to minimize single-use plastic cup consumption, the promotion of reusable meal boxes during meetings, contributing to substantial plastic reduction. In energy conservation, the university implemented a cloud-based energy management system, allowing real-time monitoring of electricity consumption across campus. Precision-timed lighting of street lamps reduces carbon emissions by 26 tons annually. Active participation in The Times Higher Education Impact Ranking resulted in a global sustainability ranking of 83. Additionally, YMCTU engages in community outreach, utilizing medical resources to aid indigenous communities while emphasizing cultural sensitivity, achieving goals such as elder care, cultural preservation, and support for vulnerable populations. Mr. Hsu emphasized the ongoing challenge of waste reduction, requiring continuous efforts and promotion by the university administration to ensure sustained sustainability.
Representing National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Vice Dean Wang Jun-Cheng shared insights into the university's sustainable campus initiatives. NTHU focuses on integrating inter-university resources to construct a sustainable campus plan, with the active participation of faculty and students. The university has established the "NTHU Sustainable 17" website as a platform for the collaborative implementation of sustainable practices. Unique to NTHU is the implementation of an AI system for analyzing faculty research output in terms of sustainability awareness. Encouraging student participation, the university organizes the "NTHU IDEAL Sustainable Campus Project," creating student sustainability ambassadors to engage students in the sustainable campus initiative. In the realm of university social responsibility, NTHU is currently promoting the "Urban and Rural Regeneration Credit Program," enabling students to embody social responsibility through various program components. With a commitment to carbon reduction, NTHU aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, undergoing third-party carbon audits to enhance credibility. Vice Dean Wang concluded with President Hocheng Hong's sentiment, emphasizing the integration of sustainability into daily life, encouraging all faculty and students to contribute to the daily practice of sustainability on campus and collectively move towards sustainable goals.
The forum concluded with representatives from the four universities collectively exchanging strategies and challenges in advancing sustainable campuses. Despite the complexities involved in implementing sustainable practices, each institution expressed a commitment to overcome difficulties and, through collaborative discussions, identified new sustainable strategies to contemplate and implement on their respective campuses.
