1. Policy Description

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has been implementing a policy to ensure that food served and consumed on campus is sustainably cultivated.
 This policy requires food service providers to prioritize agricultural and food products that are sustainably sourced and certified.

2. Internal Commitment and Supporting Policy (Pilot Addition to Regulation No. 2059)
 To institutionalize and ensure the effective implementation of this policy, UEH has piloted the addition of the following provisions to the Green University Regulation (Decision No. 2059/QĐ-ĐHKT-CSVC):

Article 6. Ethical Sourcing Policy
Ethical sourcing is UEH’s selection, procurement, and use of food, office supplies, materials, and equipment from suppliers who adhere to standards of safety, transparency, social responsibility, and environmental protection. The goal of this policy is to ensure that all procurement activities within UEH support sustainable development, promote green production, and responsible consumption.

+ For food: only purchase from suppliers with food safety certificates and clear traceability; prioritize local, organic products or those with VietGAP or HACCP certification.

+ For stationery and supplies: prioritize eco-labeled products, recycled materials, limit single-use items and non-recyclable plastics.

+ For technical equipment and supplies: prioritize energy-saving, environmentally friendly products with ISO 14001 certification or equivalent.

+ Internal units are responsible for selecting suitable suppliers, maintaining source records, and reporting periodically to the UEH Green Campus Coordination Board.

+ Suppliers who violate ethical, safety, or environmental standards will have their cooperation suspended and be placed on a non-compliant list.

Details of UEHGC – Regulations: https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations

3. Evidence of Implementation Programs
 UEH has been implementing a variety of practical programs and initiatives aligned with the goal of providing sustainably cultivated food, reducing waste, and promoting responsible consumption across the campus.
 These initiatives not only demonstrate UEH’s strong commitment to enforcing the Green Campus Food Policy and Green University Regulation (Decision No. 2059/QĐ-ĐHKT-CSVC), but also contribute to building a green consumption ecosystem—where students, staff, and partners collaborate toward sustainable development.

Below is a summary of notable programs and activities that UEH has carried out in recent years:

Program / Activity Title (with Source) Implementation Year Target Group Implementation Description Results / Impacts
“Green Campus Food Policy” 2024 UEH students and staff The policy promotes the procurement of food from sustainable sources (VietGAP, GlobalGAP, organic) and prioritizes local products. UEH canteens provide vegetarian, eco-friendly, and affordable meal options. Food on campus is sourced sustainably; ensures food safety and hygiene, reduces emissions and transportation costs, and spreads the “Green – Sustainable Canteen” model.
Waste Separation at Source under the Green University Regulation 2023–2024 Entire UEH community Waste is classified into three categories: food waste, recyclables, and residual waste. Integrated into the “Green Campus Audit” program. Improved food waste management system, increased recycling rates, and contributed to achieving SDG 2 and 12 targets.
Smart AI Vending Machine System 2024 UEH students Students from the Institute of Intelligent and Interactive Technology developed emotion-based drink vending machines, instant noodle dispensers, and automated fruit shake machines using AI. Provides students with quick, clean, energy-efficient access to food; reduces agricultural product loss; and promotes green innovation.

The continuous efforts in implementing the “Green Campus Food Policy”, along with a series of concrete programs and initiatives, have enabled the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) to gradually establish a sustainable – safe – and responsible food system right within its campus. Every activity—from prioritizing sustainably cultivated food sources, reducing food waste, to supporting disadvantaged students through welfare programs—reflects UEH’s strong orientation toward integrating education, university governance, and sustainable development.

Throughout this journey, UEH not only ensures the quality and transparency of its food sources but also promotes a green consumption culture and a sense of environmental responsibility among every member of its academic community. The achievements gained serve as a solid foundation for UEH to further expand its initiatives, strengthen collaboration with sustainable agricultural partners, and move toward its vision of becoming a leading green urban university in the region—where every meal and every act of consumption contributes to building a sustainable future for society.

Open related links: 

1. September 20, 2023 – UEH Promotes Healthy, Sustainable Food Support Initiatives for Students and Faculty – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-promotes-healthy-sustainable-food-support-initiatives-for-students-and-faculty-72869 

2. 2022, REGULATIONS Regarding Green Campus Practice at all UEH-affiliated Campuses of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and UEH Vinh Long Campus (Issued with Decision No. 2059 /QD-DHKT-CSVC on / /2022 by the President of University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City) – https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations 

3. May 26, 2024 – [Tuoi Tre News] Freshmen Develop AI-Integrated Automated Vending Systems – https://ai.ueh.edu.vn/news/press-coverage/tuoi-tre-news-freshmen-develop-ai-integrated-automated-vending-systems/ 

4. February 5, 2024 – Summary of the 16th Spring Volunteer Campaign – 2024 – https://youth.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/tong-ket-chien-dich-xuan-tinh-nguyen-lan-thu-xvi-nam-2024/ 

5. February 07, 2024 – Spring Welcome Activities at UEH Dormitory –  https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/hoat-dong-chao-xuan-tai-ky-tuc-xa-ueh-71393

6. December 17, 2024 – 2024 Economics Student Volunteer Campaign: UEH Youth Joining the “Year of Youth Volunteers” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/2024-economics-student-volunteer-campaign-ueh-youth-joining-the-year-of-youth-volunteers-73210 

7. July 04, 2024 – Economics Student Volunteer Campaign 2024: Commencement of projects in Response to the Peak Day of “Volunteers Participating in Building New Rural Areas” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/economics-student-volunteer-campaign-2024-commencement-of-projects-in-response-to-the-peak-day-of-volunteers-participating-in-building-new-rural-areas-72077 

8. October 13, 2024 – NOVA 2024 – Welcoming the New Generation of Pioneers “Committed and Fully Experienced” – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/nova-2024-welcoming-the-new-generation-of-pioneers-committed-and-fully-experienced-72758