The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has issued an Energy Efficiency policy and plan as an essential part of the “Regulations Regarding Green Campus Practice” (issued in 2024), marking a shift from orientation to concrete actions in the university’s overall energy management. This plan clearly defines the process of measuring – monitoring – reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while identifying key solution groups, including: transitioning to renewable energy sources; optimizing building operations; encouraging responsible and economical energy consumption behavior; and investing in green energy technologies. In practice, UEH has implemented a series of specific projects such as the installation of solar power systems at Campuses A, B, and N; the “Calories Stair” project that encourages staff and students to use stairs; and a comprehensive energy management program to ensure efficient electricity use in all buildings. These initiatives have contributed to reducing more than 1.26 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Such efforts demonstrate UEH’s strong commitment to building an energy-efficient, neutral carbon, and sustainable university.

Regarding the policy

In 2023, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) had not yet issued a specific policy on an energy efficiency plan aimed at reducing the university’s overall energy consumption. However, numerous programs, events, and workshops were organized with the objective of encouraging energy-saving behaviors and promoting sustainable development. Entering 2024, to concretize this orientation and establish a clearer roadmap for the future, UEH officially incorporated new provisions on Energy Saving Plan, thereby laying the foundation for more consistent and effective energy management across the university system. 

These updates were added to Article 9, Chapter II – Green Campus Practice Regulations at UEH: (https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/quy-dinh-thuc-hanh-dai-hoc-xanh#qd-dieu3) 

“Article 9. Carbon Emission Reduction and Management

This article stipulates the measurement, management, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), aiming toward carbon neutrality and sustainable development in all training, research, and operational activities of the university.

1. Carbon Emission Measurement and Monitoring Process: UEH develops a process for measuring carbon emissions through the following steps: Collecting data on energy consumption and operational activities; Classifying emissions into three scopes (Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3); Calculating CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions using internationally standardized tools or software. The collected data serves as the basis for evaluating, reporting, and proposing annual emission reduction plans.

Scope Implementation Solutions
Scope 1 

(Direct Emission Reduction Measures)

 – Transition university-operated vehicles and student shuttle buses to electric or renewable-energy-powered vehicles.

– Reduce the use of fossil fuels in operational activities by prioritizing clean fuels or renewable alternatives.

– Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of mechanical and cooling systems to prevent greenhouse gas leaks.
Scope 2 (Indirect Emission Reduction from Purchased Energy) – Optimize the operation of lighting, air-conditioning, and high-consumption electrical systems.

– Install renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar power, across UEH’s campus buildings.

– Monitor and report energy consumption periodically to ensure effective control of electricity usage across the university system.
Scope 3 (Emission Reduction in the Value Chain) – Prioritize selecting suppliers and partners with verified sustainability certifications or formal commitments to sustainable development practices.

– Implement a green procurement policy, minimizing waste generation and plastic packaging.

– Encourage online meetings and limit non-essential business travel.

 

2. Encouraging and Facilitating Emission Reduction Programs. UEH encourages and facilitates departments, member schools, Youth Union – Student Association organizations, and student clubs to organize or collaborate in conducting programs, training courses, workshops, seminars, and communication campaigns on energy saving, emission reduction, and climate change adaptation. These activities aim to raise awareness, promote green actions, and spread a culture of sustainable development throughout UEH.

3. Investment and Collaboration in Green Technology Development: UEH proactively invests in and collaborates with organizations, businesses, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to advance projects related to clean energy technology, carbon capture and storage, tree planting for carbon offset, and other sustainability programs. All investments and partnerships must contribute to practical and measurable greenhouse gas emission reductions.”

Implementation

In 2024, UEH developed the Green Campus Project Plan, implemented related activities, and officially reported the outcomes in the UEH Green Campus Annual Report 2024, compiled by the UEH Sustainable University Project Board (available at: https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/sustainability-report/annual-report). Specifically: 

UEH’s energy-saving plan is part of a broader strategy aimed at becoming a Neutral Carbon University. 

Stage/Category Implementation Timeline
Overall Strategy The period 2021–2025, with a vision to 2030, forms part of UEH’s strategy to become a Multidisciplinary and Sustainable University.
Installation of Renewable Energy Systems Installation of solar power stations at UEH’s three largest campuses (A, B, and N) began in 2022.
Living Lab Net Zero Emissions Implementation of Solution Group 2 – Living Lab Net Zero Emissions has been initiated across UEH campuses.
Efficient Energy Management Building management and efficient energy use (Activity 11) are carried out within the framework of Solution Group 2.

Annual energy assessments and analyses are conducted to identify facilities and operations with inefficient energy consumption.
Energy-Saving Products The Calories Stair Project (encouraging the use of stairs instead of elevators) was completed and officially launched at buildings B1, B2, and N1 in 2024.

 

Connection to Specific Actions

The energy-saving plan is materialized through the following actions:

  • Renewable Energy (Production and Conservation): Installation of solar power stations and adoption of sustainable operation solutions through technology integration.
  • Encouraging Consumption Reduction (Load Reduction):
  • Calories Stair: A staircase decoration project at buildings B1, B2, and N1 encouraging UEHers to use stairs instead of elevators. This initiative promotes physical activity and reduces emissions.
  • Sustainable Design: New facilities and infrastructure are designed to optimize energy efficiency.
  • Applied Research: Living Lab research projects contribute practical solutions, including eight studies proposing scientific and technological measures that support the Operations pillar.
  • Operations Management: Building management and efficient energy use are implemented as concrete actions to reduce energy consumption.

Current Status Data and Initial Results

UEH’s actions, particularly the adoption of renewable energy and the promotion of energy-saving behaviors, have yielded significant results in reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions:

Energy Efficiency Indicators Current Status / Results (2024) Resources
Total Solar Power Capacity: Installed over 509,000 kWp across UEH’s three main campuses (A, B, and N). https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-va-no-luc-xay-dung-dai-hoc-xanh-thong-minh-tu-nhung-cong-trinh-den-khuon-vien-xanh-than-thien-voi-moi-truong-73313
Solar Power Generation (2024): Produced 470,000 kWh of solar energy, specifically 470,224.2 kWh generated from four buildings  – A, B, N1, and N2.
CO₂ Emission Reduction: Successfully reduced 1,270,000 tons of CO₂ emissions (precisely 1,265,560.2 tons), equivalent to planting 12,000 trees.
Infrastructure Improvement: New UEH facilities are designed and constructed in line with international sustainability standards, including ensuring optimal energy efficiency.
Electricity Savings from Recycling Activities: The i Ve Chai Machine – an automatic bottle collection system operating since August 2024 – has saved 11,177.28 kWh of electricity. 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

 

Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism: available at the UEH Green Campus Annual Report 2024: https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/sustainability-report/annual-report

UEH employs the Living Lab model and research-based monitoring activities to assess the effectiveness of its energy-saving initiatives:

+ Living Lab Model: The UEH Green Campus Project is implemented as a Living Laboratory, integrating research, education, innovation, and technology to address real-world issues — including environmental challenges.

+ Carbon Tracking Research: UEH is carrying out Activity 10, which focuses on developing a carbon credit framework and a carbon tracking model for individual UEHers, departments, buildings, and campuses. This serves as a direct mechanism to monitor energy performance and emissions.

+ Governance Monitoring Mechanism: The governance strategy includes establishing strict monitoring mechanisms and enhancing the quality of green initiatives to ensure effective management of environmental protection activities.

+ Renewable Energy Performance Monitoring: The university publishes detailed data on solar power generation (470,224.2 kWh) and CO₂ reduction (1,265,560.2 tons), demonstrating rigorous tracking and measurement practices.

Open related links:

1. 2023 – Article 9, Practice Green Campus Principles at UEH – 

2. 2024 – UEH Green Campus Annual Report – https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/sustainability-report/annual-report

3. December 11, 2024 – UEH and Solar Energy: Affirming the Pioneering Role in Green Energy Application with the Reduction of 1,265.5602 tons of CO2 – https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/breaking-news/ueh-and-solar-energy-affirming-the-pioneering-role-in-green-energy-application-with-the-reduction-of-12655602-tons-of-co2

4. January 23, 2024 – Striving to build a green and smart university, UEH happily welcomes the Spring of At Ty 2025 – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-va-no-luc-xay-dung-dai-hoc-xanh-thong-minh-tu-nhung-cong-trinh-den-khuon-vien-xanh-than-thien-voi-moi-truong-73313

5. December 31, 2024 – New steps of UEH Green Campus in 2024 – Creating and spreading the Green University Model – 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