17.4.4. Sustainable Literacy
UEH Measures Student Knowledge on Sustainability during the Civiv Engagement Week and Green Campus Game
In 2023, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) implemented a comprehensive approach to evaluate student knowledge on sustainability, conducting awareness surveys, educational modules, and knowledge assessments during the Civic Engagement Week in September 2023. Additionally, UEH launched the Green Campus Game, which attracted over 16,000 participants, and empowered students to carry out green research projects, helping to raise environmental awareness, foster sustainability, and encourage eco-friendly behaviors.
The annual Civic Engagement Program at UEH provides students with a holistic introduction to the university environment and equips them with essential skills and knowledge. Beyond academic guidance, the program integrates political, ethical, and green education to elevate students' sustainability awareness. Knowledge about the UEH Green Campus Project, waste sorting habits, and environmental protection is incorporated into the teaching through various topics, and final course assessments include questions related to sustainable architecture and the principles of the Green University Regulations at UEH. This approach allows UEH to evaluate students' understanding of sustainability, ensuring that each student becomes knowledgeable and skilled, embodies a green lifestyle and actively contributes to the sustainable development of the community.
Students participated in the Civic Engagement Week and completed a sustainability awareness test.
UEH also conducted a survey to assess student awareness of the Green University principles, including waste sorting and identification at the source. Results showed that 42% of students did not fully understand different types of waste, and 32% were not yet practicing waste sorting. These insights form the basis for future activities aimed at spreading environmental protection messages and promoting positive behavioral change. Planned initiatives include the “UEH Green Day” event series, green challenges at the UEH K49 Freshmen Welcome Festival - Nối Vòng Tay Lớn 2023, and "UEH Youth Festival 2023: Green City" with workshops, games, and discussions on topics like the 3R1A culture, eco-fashion, and more.
The awareness survey data also served as the foundation for the Green Campus Game, a competition that tests students’ environmental knowledge and UEH’s green living principles. Launched in September 2023, the game featured five rounds titled Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and "Me - A Green UEHer Citizen." Through each stage, students learned about waste sorting, environmental protection, and the impact of individual actions on the planet. Results from the game and assessments reflected student knowledge and engagement levels, with feedback indicating increased environmental awareness and practical knowledge, such as “The game taught me how to protect the environment properly and embrace a sustainable lifestyle,” and “The questions about waste sorting gave me new insights.”
Interface of the Green Campus Game
To encourage students to explore and address environmental issues, UEH has supported various green research projects. In 2023, the university organized student-led research activities focused on five Living Lab themes, providing an environment for students to develop and measure sustainable initiatives. A total of 55 student research papers on sustainability were conducted, including 31 on behavioral change in waste sorting and 3R practices, 8 on technology-driven solutions, and others on carbon neutrality, resource recycling, and eco-innovation. Additionally, 16 papers were recognized within the Economic Student Event Commentary series.
With these innovative initiatives to assess and promote sustainability knowledge, along with a supportive learning environment, UEH has strengthened its standing as a leader in green university practices. The university continues to empower students to become true green citizens, contributing to a sustainable future..
