The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has issued and finalized the UEH Regulations Regarding Green Campus Practice applicable system-wide, focusing on reducing – replacing – moving towards eliminating plastic and single-use items (12.2.5 – 12.2.6). Concurrently, this policy extends its binding terms to all service units and suppliers on campus (12.2.7 – 12.2.8). The policy is implemented in a synchronized manner through: the 3R model with 3-bin and 7-bin sorting systems; campaigns like “Towards No Single-use Plastic Future,” “Trại Cai Nhựa” (Plastic Detox Camp), “Rác Không Bẩn” (Waste is not dirty), and the “Hi! Green Flag” gamification program. Other efforts include equipping campuses with water dispensers and microwaves to encourage the use of personal bottles/cups/boxes; replacing plastic bottles with glass bottles at events; using recycled/reused materials for standees/backdrops; and introducing electronic student IDs to reduce plastic cards. All canteens/minimarts/event organizers sign a Green Commitment, and Green Procurement clauses are integrated into purchasing contracts. The Department of Facilities, together with the Green Campus Coordination Board, conducts monitoring and periodic reporting based on generated waste reduction indicators and compliance levels (accompanied by annual quantitative data).
Regarding the Policy:
In order to realize the vision of “UEH Green Campus – Green, Smart, and Sustainable University”, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) issued the Regulations Regarding Green Campus Practice applicable to the entire system starting in 2022, which was adjusted and finalized in 2024.
The policy clearly states the principles of reducing, replacing, and moving towards eliminating plastic and single-use products, applicable to all students, staff, visitors, and all partners and service providers on campus.
See more about the 2023 plastic reduction policy, Article 4, Article 5, Chapter II, and Article 12, Chapter III in the Green University Regulations UEH at https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations
1. 2022 Plastic Reduction Policy
The single-use plastic reduction policy aims to limit, replace, and move towards eliminating difficult-to-decompose plastic products across all learning, research, and daily activities at UEH, while encouraging the use of eco-friendly and reusable items. In 2022, UEH launched this policy through various communication campaigns and 3R practice activities, though the regulations at that time were dispersed and did not clearly reflect interconnectedness in management and implementation.
According to the Chapter II “GREEN CAMPUS PRACTICE REGULATIONS AT UEH” in the Green University Regulations UEH
Article 4. 3R Practices at UEH
(https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations#qd-dieu4)
UEH encourages all UEHers and visitors to UEH to practice the 3R principles inside and outside the UEH Campuses comprising: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
1. Reduce: is to consider carefully when buying or using products through performing the following:
– Limiting printing of documents, paper documents when not necessary;
– All food types are encouraged to be sufficiently bought and used and used up to limit organic waste;
– Being encouraged to bring home-cooked meals during going to UEH Campuses or being at work to reduce waste;
– Considering carefully before buying new items, especially during promotions and super discounts;
– Registering to issue digital invoices, instead of paper invoices for payments for electricity, water, cable, Internet and so on.
2. Reuse: UEHer is encouraged to proactively reuse products and package so as to extend the product life cycle while still ensuring health through performing the following:
– Equipping reusable bags upon shopping (cloth bags, paper bags, reusable plastic bags, etc.);
– Encouraging reuse of used paper (single-sided paper);
– Encouraging the use of reusable items that can be refilled; water bottles, UEH water glasses to limit disposable plastic waste listed as cups, napkins, plastic bags and so on;
– Limiting the reuse of boxes, bottles, bags to the minimum range.
3. Recycle (Recycle):
– Practicing classifying waste at source to ensure quality recyclable waste for recycling facilities;
– Actively participating in recycling events at UEH;
– Encouraging proactive creative thinking, recycling waste into useful products while ensuring health without causing any harm to the environment.
Article 5. Practice Green Campus Principles at UEH of Chapter II: “GREEN CAMPUS PRACTICE REGULATIONS AT UEH” in the Green University Regulations UEH
UEH requires UEHer and visitors to UEH to practice the principles of Green Campus as follows:
4. Practicing the reduction of single-use plastic waste within the campus
Article 11. Responsibilities of Goods and Service Providers (Canteens, Minimarts, etc.) at UEH of Chapter III: REGULATIONS FOR RELATED PARTIES in the Green University Regulations UEH
+ Have policies that encourage the use of reusable containers to replace the provision of single-use plastic containers.
+ Each UEH supplier must sign a Green Commitment to gradually reduce and eliminate the use of single-use plastic/paper products, instead encouraging customers to bring reusable items for packaging.
Article 12. Responsibilities of Event and Festival Organizers of Chapter III: REGULATIONS FOR RELATED PARTIES in the Green University Regulations UEH
+ Do not distribute non-degradable plastic packaging free of charge to customers.
+ Prioritize the use of recycled, environmentally friendly products instead of single-use plastic materials and polymers (banners, slogans, bottles, cups, straws, balloons, etc.).
2. 2024 Plastic Reduction Policy Adjusted and Applied
Moving into 2024, UEH officially unified and refined all relevant content into a separate section within the Green University Regulations, as detailed below. This made the policy clearer, more consistent, and easier to implement. The regulations were reviewed and interpreted more specifically regarding the scope of application, the responsibilities of various units, and provided detailed guidelines on item reuse, replacement with eco-friendly materials, and plastic waste source-separation. This refinement not only helped perfect the policy system but also reinforced practical application, widely spreading the habit of sustainable consumption within the entire UEH community.
“Article 8. Policy on reducing single-use plastic on UEH campus of Chapter II: “GREEN CAMPUS PRACTICE REGULATIONS AT UEH” in the Green University Regulations UEH
Reducing single-use plastics is an initiative by UEH to actively limit, replace, and eventually eliminate the use of plastic products and non-biodegradable materials in all learning, research, daily life, and event activities on campus. This policy aims to cultivate sustainable consumption habits within the UEH community while reducing plastic waste generated into the environment. The policy aims to create a single-use plastic-free learning and working environment, encouraging students, staff, faculty, and collaborating units to work together to implement green consumption and the 3Rs (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle) models throughout the UEH system.
1. Encourage the use of reusable or refillable items, such as personal water bottles, UEH water cups, glass containers, cloth bags, and recyclable products, to replace single-use plastic products like cups, straws, spoons, plastic bags, or styrofoam boxes.
2. Minimize the use of non-biodegradable plastic packaging at all stores, supermarkets, canteens, and dining halls within the UEH campus. Sales units are not provided with free plastic bags or packaging and should encourage customers to bring their own cloth bags, straw bags, or recycled plastic bags when shopping.
3. For service and goods providers (such as canteens, dining halls, chain stores, mini-supermarkets, etc.), UEH requires a gradual reduction and eventual elimination of single-use plastic products. Instead, units must provide or encourage the use of containers, cups, spoons, and straws made from environmentally friendly materials such as paper, cornstarch, bamboo, stainless steel, glass, or ceramics.
4. For events, conferences, festivals, and activities organized at UEH, the use of plastic bottles, plastic packaging, or non-biodegradable materials is not permitted. Departments and organizations must use glass bottles, refillable water bottles, reusable decorative materials, or eco-labeled products. Media publications (banners, standees, directional signs, etc.) should prioritize recycled and reused materials and must be stored for use in future events.
5. Suppliers, partners, and units collaborating with UEH are responsible for signing a commitment to gradually reduce and eliminate single-use plastic products in the supply chain, while also encouraging customers to bring their own reusable personal items.
6. The Facilities Department and campus management units are responsible for implementing the 3R model (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle) throughout the entire system, ensuring that sorted waste bins are placed in public areas, classrooms, offices, and service areas. Plastic waste sorting must be done at the source, separating recyclable and non-recyclable plastics.
7. Encourage recycling and reuse of used plastic in creative projects, student models, or community programs, such as using plastic bottles as flower vases, plant pots, learning materials, or sending them to specialized recycling partners for the production of road surfacing, paving stones, clothing, or new environmentally friendly materials.
8. Internal units of UEH are responsible for monitoring and inspecting compliance with the single-use plastic reduction policy within their management scope; periodically reporting on implementation progress and proposing improvements to the UEH Green Campus Coordination Board for inclusion in the annual sustainability report.”
Specifically:
Article 4 & 5 – Regulation on 3R Practice (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle): Encourages all UEH members (UEHer) to adopt behaviors related to reducing printing, reusing items, and waste source-separation.
Article 8 – Single-Use Plastic Reduction Policy: Clarifies the scope, responsibilities of each unit, and guidelines for using eco-friendly materials.
Article 11 & 12 – Regulations for Related Parties (Service Providers & Event Organizers): Mandates that all service providers, canteens, minimarts, and event organizers must not distribute non-degradable plastic packaging and must sign a plastic reduction commitment, prioritizing recycled and reusable materials.
See detailed updated Green University Practice Regulation 2024 at Link
These regulations are integrated across the entire operational system, including learning, research, events, canteens, and the entire supply chain – directly meeting the criteria of 12.2.5 → 12.2.8 of the THE Impact Ranking.
3. Implementation
*First, regarding the promotion of reusable and refillable items
Starting in 2024, UEH launched the “Towards No Single-use Plastic Future” campaign to promote and encourage all students, staff, and lecturers to use personal items such as refillable water bottles, UEH cups, and glass containers instead of single-use plastic products. Within the campus, a system of free water dispensers and microwaves in common areas has been equipped early on, creating favorable conditions for students to refill personal bottles and carry meals in glass boxes instead of using plastic-packaged food.
The launch event of the “TOWARDS NO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC FUTURE” campaign at UEH Campus A
Equipping lecturers and students with microwaves at Campus N
Water dispensers providing water for lecturers and students in classroom corridors
*Second, regarding encouraging service and goods providers to use reusable boxes, cups, and utensils
In 2024, UEH issued a regulation encouraging service providers on campus, such as canteens, dining halls, Cheers minimart, and student kiosks, to use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic boxes. These establishments are required to reduce the distribution of plastic packaging and encourage customers to bring their personal items for food and beverages. Periodic monitoring activities are also implemented, particularly at the canteen areas of Campuses B and N, to ensure compliance with the regulation.
Canteen at Campus V uses paper cups during sales operations
3. Saying “No” to Plastic Packaging at UEH Events, Festivals, and Conferences
While this regulation was only at the recommendation level in 2023, by 2024, UEH officially refined the content to make it mandatory for all events, conferences, and festivals held at the University. Accordingly, organizing departments and units must replace all plastic water bottles with glass bottles for delegates and must not use nylon bags or non-degradable plastic packaging. This regulation is uniformly applied in all large halls, clearly demonstrated at events such as the National Scientific Conference, where all delegates and guests were served using reusable glass water bottles.
The National Scientific Conference “Contributing to Vietnam’s socio-economic development orientation for the 2025 – 2030 period” (2024) used glass water bottles
*Third, prioritizing the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials in activities and events
Starting in 2024, UEH began replacing hard-to-degrade plastic materials with eco-friendly materials in the organization and decoration of events. Standees, display boxes, decoration boards, and cardboard boxes are made from recycled materials and are stored and reused across various programs instead of being single-use. Many decorative items have been continuously used in events such as the “Towards No Single-use Plastic Future 2024” campaign, the “UEH GREENZONE Exhibition at RTD,” and other communication activities within the “New Steps of UEH Green Campus in 2024” series.
Moving into 2024, UEH continues to maintain this policy and expand its scope of application. The reuse of items is not limited to standees and cardboard boxes but is also implemented for banners, backdrops, directional signs, and decorative items in halls, all made from paper, cardboard, or materials that are recyclable and easily biodegradable. As a result, each event not only holds academic or cultural value but also becomes a practical action in applying the Green University model and reducing single-use plastic at UEH.
Decorative cardboard boxes used in the “TOWARDS NO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC FUTURE” campaign (October 19, 2024)
Decorative standees used in the UEH GREENZONE Exhibition at RTD 2024 (December 2024)
And the clearest evidence of UEH’s priority in using recycled and eco-friendly materials in activities and events is the plastic reduction achieved through the electronic student ID card, implemented from 2024 within the framework of the “Smart – Green – 5.0 University” orientation. Instead of using traditional plastic cards, UEH students can now activate and use their electronic student ID card directly on the UEH Student App mobile application to verify identity, check attendance in classes, participate in events, enter the library, or use services on campus. This solution not only helps reduce tens of thousands of plastic cards annually but also demonstrates UEH’s advancement in combining digital transformation and sustainable development, moving towards the “Smart University – Green University” model.
The interface of the electronic student ID on the UEH Student App
In addition, UEH also encourages and supports students in developing innovative sustainable projects, exemplified by the competition and project “Developing Eco-friendly Products – Towards a Sustainable Fashion Industry.” Through this project, UEH students research and design recycled products, utilizing old materials and aiming for green fashion and responsible consumption. These activities not only create an academic platform but also spread the spirit of “Reduce – Reuse – Recycle” throughout the student community, contributing to the realization of UEH’s Green Campus vision.
The Senonika 3D-printed shoe product researched and developed by UEH students from UEH startup competitions
5. Building and Maintaining the 3R Model (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle)
The 3R Model is considered the foundation of UEH’s plastic reduction policy. Starting in 2023, the University innovated its entire system of trash bins on campus, transitioning to either a 3-bin or 7-bin sorting system, enabling the separation of plastic, recyclable, and organic waste right at the source-separation point. By 2024, this activity was maintained and expanded to learning areas, meeting rooms, and faculty offices, aiming to establish a waste sorting habit within the entire community.
The 7-bin sorting system trash cans at UEH campuses
The 3-bin sorting system trash cans at UEH campuses
In parallel with infrastructure expansion, UEH also implemented communication and practical activities to reinforce the effectiveness of the 3R model.
The “Rác Không Bẩn” (Waste is not dirty) Program – Changing students’ perception of waste and providing the necessary knowledge for waste classification.
To transition from awareness to specific behavior, UEH regularly organizes green volunteer programs, typically the “Green Volunteers 2024” program under the UEH Green Campus Project. UEHers volunteers directly participated in guiding waste classification at the “Green Practice Stations” across the University’s three campuses, assisting students in disposing of waste correctly, while spreading the spirit of green living right on the UEH campus. Through this, UEH does not stop at mere communication but creates a sustainable practice environment where students can experience, act, and naturally form green living habits.
Green volunteers guiding students in practicing waste classification using the 7-bin model
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17K7u5kdzR/
Continuing the spirit of the 21 Days Challenge – GO GREEN GO SUSTAINABLE series, UEH does not stop at spreading awareness but translates that spirit into specific actions through green volunteer programs. Typically, the “Green Volunteers 2024” program under the UEH Green Campus Project saw UEHers directly participating in guiding waste classification at the “Green Practice Stations” across three campuses. Every piece of waste properly disposed of, every friendly reminder, contributes to nurturing environmental consciousness within the student community. The image of dedicated volunteers in green shirts not only spreads the spirit of green living but also clearly expresses the sustainable education philosophy that UEH pursues – learning goes hand-in-hand with action, awareness with practice – so that every UEHer becomes a truly green citizen.
Spreading the spirit of nylon bag reduction during the final stage of the 21 Days Challenge – GO GREEN GO SUSTAINABLE
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1185406185923756
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E4gWuv4cW/
To offer a novel learning and green action experience, UEH implements the “Hi! Green Flag” gamification playground under the UEH Green Campus Project. This activity is a continuation of the “UEH Green Campus Game” platform – a digital tool that helps students practice green living skills through interactive games. Upon participation, UEHer teams collaboratively progress through five exciting rounds themed around the 5Rs: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and I – The Green UEH Citizen. Each round helps players better understand their personal impact on the environment and practice green solutions in daily life. Notably, the top 15 teams with excellent performance will advance to the “Green Campus Innovation” Hackathon, where green ideas are brought to life. Through gamification, UEH not only spreads the spirit of green living but also encourages students to take creative action, contributing to the development of a sustainable Green University.
The “Hi! Green Flag” playground for UEHers
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17ZQDCfhh3/
Continuing the spirit of innovation and green action, UEH further spread sustainable values through the “Trại Cai Nhựa” (Plastic Detox Camp) project – a collaboration with the Choice organization aimed at encouraging students to change their habits regarding single-use plastic. With the message, “Cắt cơn nghiện nhựa, chữa lành hành tinh” (Break the plastic addiction, heal the planet), the project offered a practical experience space at UEH from November 19 to December 16, 2024, helping UEHers practice a green lifestyle in their daily routines. Here, students were inspired through a series of activities such as using personal water bottles, waste source-separation, recycling old items, saving energy, and planting trees on campus. The “Plastic Detox Camp” did not stop at propaganda but created opportunities for students to act and naturally form green habits. Through this, UEH affirmed its pioneering role in building a green university, where every individual is an “environmental ambassador” contributing to healing the planet.
Plastic Detox Camp – A small corner spreading a big spirit: Saying No to single-use plastic
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17KybosU1w/?mibextid=WC7FNe
The Department of Facilities Management, along with the UEH Green Campus Project Coordination Board, is responsible for monitoring implementation, periodic evaluation, and reporting the results in the annual UEH Sustainable Development Report.
Preliminary results for 2024 record:
+ Reduction rate of plastic packaging at UEH events: approximately 90% compared to 2024.
+ Over 20,000 students use the electronic student ID card instead of the plastic card.
These policies and actions help UEH form a closed-loop green consumption–supply chain; comprehensively meet the criteria group 12.2.5–12.2.8 and demonstrate the University’s strong commitment to implementing SDG 12 and SDG 13.
Open related links:
1. 2024, Green University Regulations UEH, https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations
2. September 8, 2024, Cuộc thi Supply Chain Hackathon 2024 Viện ISB, https://youth.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/hoc-thuat/cuoc-thi-supply-chain-hackathon-2024-vien-isb/
3. March 25, 2024, A practical project in Public Relations, Marketing: Integrating the story and spirit of Green Campus into the curriculum, https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/living-lab/a-practical-project-in-public-relations-marketing-integrating-the-story-and-spirit-of-green-campus-into-the-curriculum
4. August 16, 2024, TÌNH NGUYỆN VIÊN XANH 2024 – ĐỢT 2 – NGÀY RA QUÂN, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17ctTnKgGN/
5. July 16, 2024, CHỈ VỚI 21 NGÀY ĐỂ TẠO RA MỘT NEW VERSION CHO PHONG CÁCH SỐNG?, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1185406185923756
6. August 9, 2024, CÙNG NHAU TẬP “KHÓ CHỆU” VỚI TÚI NILON ĐỂ BẢO VỆ MÔI TRƯỜNG, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D79vsjMvM/
7. September 24, 2024, GAMIFICATION “HI! GREEN FLAG”][SÂN CHƠI TRUY TÌM “GREEN FLAG” CHÍNH THỨC MỞ CỔNG ĐĂNG KÝ, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A32rriJVK/
8. November 24, 2024, DỰ ÁN “TRẠI CAI NHỰA” ĐỒNG HÀNH CÙNG SINH VIÊN UEH, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CjEeESaYg/?mibextid=WC7FNe
9. October 24, 2024, Launching of the “TOWARDS NO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC FUTURE” Campaign at UEH Vo Thi Sau Campus, https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/breaking-news/launching-of-the-towards-no-single-use-plastic-future-campaign-at-ueh-vo-thi-sau-campus
10. September 10, 2025, The “UNBOX Glo-cal Class: Refill and Reuse” event, https://future.ueh.edu.vn/chi-tiet-knowlege/unbox-glo-cal-class-refill-and-reuse-hanh-trinh-khoi-day-loi-song-xanh-tu-mot-thoi-quen-nho-be-mang-binh-theo-minh/
11. December 8, 2024, The final round of The Supply Chain Champion Competition 2024 still used plastic bottles, https://ueh.edu.vn/college/phvl-som/vi/vong-chung-ket%C2%A0cuoc-thi-the-supply-chain-champion-2024%C2%A0noi%C2%A0toa-sang%C2%A0dam-me-va%C2%A0hoi-tu-cac%C2%A0chuyen-nganh-73143
12. September 18, 2024, Final round of Supply Chain Hackathon 2024: Envisioning the Future of Supply Chain, https://youth.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/hoc-thuat/cuoc-thi-supply-chain-hackathon-2024-vien-isb/
13. December 9, 2024, National Conference on “Contribution to Vietnam’s Socio-Economic Development Strategy for the Period 2025 – 2030, https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/national-conference-on-contribution-to-vietnam-s-socio-economic-development-strategy-for-the-period-2025-2030-73129
14. December 31, 2024, UEH GREENZONE Exhibition at RTD 2024 (December 2024), https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/public/en/breaking-news/new-steps-of-ueh-green-campus-in-2024-creating-and-spreading-the-green-university-model
15. August 26, 2024, UEH Smart & Green Students in the 5.0 Era: Reducing Plastic by Using Electronic Student Cards, https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-smart-green-students-in-the-5-0-era-reducing-plastic-by-using-electronic-student-cards-72337
16. September 10, 2024, UEH Students’ Attempts to Develop Environmentally Friendly Products for a Sustainable Fashion Industry, https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/breaking-news/ueh-students-attempts-to-develop-environmentally-friendly-products-for-a-sustainable-fashion-industry
17. February 15, 2024, UEH increases enrollment quota by 100 students for 2 new majors in 2024, https://tuyensinh.ueh.edu.vn/bai-viet/dai-hoc-kinh-te-tp-ho-chi-minh-khoi-dong-mua-tuyen-sinh-2024-on-dinh-chi-tieu-phuong-thuc-mo-02-nganh-hoc-moi-da-dang-linh-vuc-ho-tro-dinh-huong-tang-nhieu-co-hoi-lua-chon-nghe-nghiep-phu-hop/
18. Launching of the “TOWARDS NO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC FUTURE” Campaign at UEH Vo Thi Sau Campus
19. The “UNBOX Glo-cal Class: Refill and Reuse” event
20. The final round of The Supply Chain Champion Competition 2024 still used plastic bottles
21. Final round of Supply Chain Hackathon 2024: Envisioning the Future of Supply Chain
https://youth.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/hoc-thuat/cuoc-thi-supply-chain-hackathon-2024-vien-isb/
22. National Conference on “Contribution to Vietnam’s Socio-Economic Development Strategy for the Period 2025 – 2030
23. UEH GREENZONE Exhibition at RTD 2024 (December 2024)
24. UEH Smart & Green Students in the 5.0 Era: Reducing Plastic by Using Electronic Student Cards
25. UEH Students’ Attempts to Develop Environmentally Friendly Products for a Sustainable Fashion Industry
26. UEH increases enrollment quota by 100 students for 2 new majors in 2024
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