[Research Contribution] Green Transformation of School Operations: Evidence from Educational Institutions in the United States and Implications for University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)

Keywords: Greening schools; sustainable development; sustainable education; green operations; green universities.

In the context of increasingly urgent environmental and climate change issues, a major question arises: how to both protect nature and ensure human development and quality of life? Sustainable development is seen as an important direction to balance economic, social, and environmental goals. On that journey, education is increasingly seen as an important foundation where sustainable awareness and actions for future generations can be formed. However, despite the "greening" trend spreading worldwide, research on sustainable school models and how educational institutions operate in an eco-friendly manner remains quite limited.

From that perspective, a group of students from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) conducted a study titled "Green Transformation of School Operations: Evidence from Educational Institutions in the United States and Implications for University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)," aiming to analyze how schools integrate environmental and social policies into their operations, thereby clarifying the trend of green transformation in the education sector and drawing lessons that can be applied in Vietnam.

When schools also embark on the journey of "greening"

For many years, when it comes to sustainable development, most discussions have often focused on the government or businesses. But an interesting question is gradually being raised: can educational institutions also become a part of this transformation?

In reality, schools are not only places for imparting knowledge but also environments that shape the awareness and behavior of the younger generation. When students learn and experience in an environment that values sustainability, those habits and mindsets can continue to spread throughout society. Therefore, more and more schools around the world are starting to pay attention to greening their operational systems.

When changes begin with how schools operate

The greening process in education does not stop at incorporating environmental topics into the curriculum. Many schools have begun to change their operations, from energy use and water management to optimizing resources on campus.

In the United States, educational institutions are gradually implementing various initiatives to minimize their environmental impact. Activities such as improving energy efficiency, upgrading water systems, and reducing resource waste have become part of the operational strategies of many schools. These changes not only help reduce pressure on the environment but also contribute to improving the operational efficiency of educational institutions.

What policies are driving this trend?

To promote the transition process, many schools have implemented policies related to the environment and sustainable development. Among them, initiatives to improve energy efficiency, manage water resources, and reduce resource consumption are being implemented quite widely.

Besides environmental factors, some policies related to social aspects have also received attention, such as training programs, raising awareness about sustainable development, or improving the learning environment for students. However, research results show that environmental policies often have a more pronounced impact on the operational efficiency of schools compared to social policies.

Research model

Suggestions for the journey of greening in education

From these results, it can be seen that the greening process in educational institutions is not just limited to directional commitments, but is being concretized through various operational policies. Specifically, initiatives directly related to the environment, such as improving energy efficiency, managing water resources, or reducing resource consumption, are showing significant impacts on the operational efficiency of schools. This shows that integrating sustainable factors into the operational system can become a practical direction for educational institutions to both enhance operational efficiency and contribute to sustainable development goals.

From the practices in the United States, the research also suggests several noteworthy directions for universities in Vietnam, including the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. First of all, universities can start with changes in their own operational systems, such as improving energy efficiency on campus, optimizing water usage, or implementing solutions to reduce resource consumption. In addition, the development of programs to raise awareness about sustainable development for students and staff can also contribute to creating a learning environment connected with green values.

Such steps not only help universities reduce their environmental impact but also contribute to the formation of an educational ecosystem aimed at sustainable development. In the context of many universities around the world transitioning toward a "Green Campus" model, gradually integrating sustainable elements into their operational systems could become an important direction for educational institutions in the future.

The research paper has indirectly contributed to SDG 4, 12, and 13. View the full research paper “Green Transformation of School Operations: Evidence from Educational Institutions in the United States and Implications for University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)” HERE

Authors: Le Anh Khoa, Luu Hoang Dung - University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

This article is part of the Green Research Community series with the message “Research Contribution for UEH Living Lab Green Campus” UEH sincerely invites the community to follow the next Green Research Community newsletter.

More Information:

SDG 4 – Quality Education seeks to guarantee that everyone has access to fair, inclusive, and quality education at all levels. Education goes beyond providing basic knowledge; it opens opportunities for skill development, creative thinking, and social responsibility, thereby helping individuals adapt to global changes and contribute to sustainable development.

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production focuses on ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns, thereby reducing pressure on natural resources, minimizing waste, and limiting environmental pollution. This goal emphasizes the importance of effective waste management, optimal use of resources, and promoting changes in consumer behavior at both individual and community levels, particularly through education and awareness.

SDG 13 – Climate Action calls for urgent measures to combat climate change and its adverse impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptive capacity, and raising public awareness. This goal goes beyond national-level policies and requires changes in individual and community behaviors in daily life, especially in areas directly linked to waste generation and management.

News, photos: UEH Green Campus Project, UEH Youth Union - Student Association, UEH Communications and Partnership Development Department

Voiceover: Thanh Kieu