"UEH Zero Waste Campus" Project - Global Citizens For Sustainable Development

“UEH Zero Waster Campus” is a green initiative, implemented jointly by UEH and the Vietnam Zero Waste Alliance (VZWA), to impart knowledge, raise awareness among the UEH community and the general public on “Rethink, Be Green” as we look towards a future sustainable UEH University. The project is now entering phase 2, and is expected to significantly influence UEHers and have a positive impact on the online community and the younger generation in the society.

UEH Zero Waste Campus – first-ever green initiative in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam

Motivated by the 3R Model (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and the need to create a green, zero waste campus for students and the university employees, “UEH Zero Waste Campus” is the first-ever green initiative for sustainable living at a university. “Rethink – Be Green” is the first stage of the project for 2021 that aims at reducing at least 40% overall waste and 30% of single-use plastic waste, while ensuring that at least 70% of the UEH community has a clear understanding of what it means to be “zero waste”. “This initiative lays the groundwork for the establishment and growth of a multidisciplinary and sustainable UEH University, showcasing UEH’s commitment to implement the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals – Dr. Bui Quang Hung – Vice President of UEH shared.

"UEH Zero Waste Campus" proposes an innovative solution that prioritizes applying the 3R (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle) model in waste classification and treatment, as well as using technology in education and user-centric communication methods to see more clearly the benefits of the project, promoting the circular economy, and simultaneously, contributing to spreading, inspiring, and changing younger generations’ mindsets and behaviors. The project is being implemented, and is expected to be completed by 2025 with predetermined milestones to create green UEH citizens, green partners, and green communities for sustainable development.

Project Milestones

"Rethink & Be Green" – Knowledge shared, awareness raised, mindset changed, behavior shifted, for a green UEH community

With more than 4 months of surveying, planning, and implementing practical activities under the directions of the University Board of Management, along with input from leading experts from the Institute of Smart Cities & Management and the Southeast Asian Institute of Environmental Economics, from Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Linh - Head of Department of Environment and Labor Protection, Ton Duc Thang University, as well as other supporting units, the initial phases of the project are completed, with the publication of the “Me – Green UEHer Citizen” handbook, the UEH Zero Waste Platform (UEHZW). This also called for further strategizing in establishing the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and other solutions such as employing waste classification trash bins, refilling systems or integrating navigation through Wayfinding. In particular, the project also received a lot of feedback from industry experts and developing units in environmental and social sciences, and more than 6000 freshmen of UEH Class of K47 during the week of Orientation.

To view the “Me – Green UEHer Citizen” handbook, click here

In the coming months, in addition to the construction of the MRK area at Campus N (Nguyen Van Linh), UEH will continue to communicate the details of the “UEH Zero Waste Campus” initiative to all university staff and students through a plethora of activities, workshops and creative competitions. The goal is to further spread knowledge on the topic, raise awareness and thereby, changing people’s mindsets and behaviors. Accompanying “Rethink – Be Green” is Singer Trong Hieu, who’s already been well-known for his influence among the youths. Not to mention, he’s also a strong proponent for innovative and creative mindset and a willingness to be open and transparent towards noble causes. Through his lifestyle and music, Trong Hieu, as a brand ambassador for many community projects, has been successful in inspiring his followers to lead happy and positive lives. He’s also recently started to practice vegetarianism, which has attracted the attention of various members of the public in terms of green living and thinking.

It is with hope that such activities are not only practical but also helpful in impacting the UEH community; thereby, bringing about positive influence to our society in the future.

Community Integration, Knowledge Spillover, Actions for a future Multidisciplinary and Sustainable UEH University

In order to connect both the internal and external forces of UEH to join hands in community integration, “UEH Zero Waste Campus” project is also currently participating in the “Zero Waste City Challenge” organized by Waste Aid NGO and sponsored by Huhtamaki. As part of the Circular Economy Network project, “UEH Zero Waste Campus” is honored to be a finalist among more than 95 submissions from India, South Africa and Vietnam.

Through the 8-week duration in the competition, UEH has initiated connection with many industry experts and the Circular Economy Network by participating in various workshops hosted by both local and international guest speakers. Various input, feedback and suggestions were given to help refine the project’s quality, improve practicality while aiming at minimizing as much risk as possible.