In 2023, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) implemented various activities and equipment for water reuse within its campuses, such as rainwater harvesting, cooling water, and greywater reuse systems for irrigation and sanitation purposes. However, during this period, UEH did not yet have a formal, university-wide water reuse policy.

Moving into 2024, to institutionalize practical activities and demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainable water resource management, UEH issued the Water Reuse Policy in Article 15 of its Regulation on Water Resource Management and Use. This Policy specifically defines objectives, scope, implementation responsibilities, and technological investment directions, creating a foundation for measuring, monitoring, and expanding the circular water reuse model across the entire UEH system.

1. Policy Details

Article 15: Water Reuse Policy as stated in Chapter 3: Regulations for Stakeholders in the Green University Regulation 

(https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations)

This Policy aims to promote the recovery, treatment, and reuse of water resources within the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) to minimize new water exploitation, conserve resources, and advance the goal of sustainable development.

+ UEH is committed to building a circular water management system on campus, including rainwater harvesting, and the reuse of greywater (water from sinks, cooling systems, and laboratories after treatment) for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, campus sanitation, and equipment cooling.

+ UEH will invest in and operate local wastewater treatment equipment at each facility (Campus A, B, Vinh Long, etc.) to ensure that reclaimed water meets technical and environmental safety standards.

+ Affiliated units are responsible for regularly monitoring the quality of reclaimed water, reporting consumption data, and assessing annual water-saving efficiency to the Facilities Management Department.

+ UEH encourages research, innovation, and proposal of green technology application models in water treatment and reuse, while integrating this content into educational programs and community awareness campaigns.

2. Practical Implementation

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has put into practice several water reuse models to optimize resources and reduce the amount of new water consumption. Treated domestic wastewater is utilized for two main purposes: (1) irrigation for campus greenery at various facilities to maintain the green landscape and reduce pressure on the water supply; and (2) as flushing water for toilets in some lecture halls and dormitories, significantly saving the amount of clean water used daily.

These activities are regularly monitored by the Department of Facilities through the internal water management system, ensuring that reclaimed water meets technical and environmental safety standards. As a result, UEH not only contributes to minimizing the exploitation of new water sources but also builds a model for circular water use in higher education institutions, clearly demonstrating its commitment to becoming a Green University and achieving sustainable development goals under the United Nations SDG 6.

Open related links:

1. 2023. Regulations Regarding Green Campus Practice. Available at: https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations