NTHU Net-Zero Emissions
National Tsing Hua University
NTHU's Net-Zero Actions: Six Key Pillars
1
Energy Management and Efficiency Measures
Responsible Units: Division of Construction & Maintenance; Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety Center
2
Renewable Energy Development
Responsible Units: Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety Center
3
Sustainable Transportation
Responsible Units: Campus Security Office
4
Green Buildings on Campus
Responsible Units: Division of Construction & Maintenance
5
Waste and Laboratory Management
Responsible Units: Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety Center; General Affairs Division
6
Sustainable Dining and Green Procurement
Responsible Units: Finance Division; Procurement Division
Introduction of Six Key Pillars
Pillar 1: Energy Management and Efficiency Measures
Responsible Units: Division of Construction & Maintenance; Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety Center
| Aspect | Measures | Outcomes / Data |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity Monitoring | Maintenance of power monitoring systems and analysis of electricity use (including building-level circuits) | Digital meter system implemented; annual data on power distribution provided. |
| Power Allocation | Establishment of energy-saving targets with reward and penalty mechanisms | Annual energy-saving targets set; incentive and feedback mechanisms in place for academic units. |
| Air Conditioning Efficiency | Regular inspection and replacement of filters; upgrade to high-efficiency units | 1,694 AC units replaced (2022–2024), saving over 1 million kWh annually. |
| Lighting Efficiency | Campus-wide LED replacement and ESCO projects | Annual savings of 2.3 million kWh; 62.39% efficiency improvement; 2.5-year payback period. |
| Heat Pump Systems | Installation of high-efficiency heat pumps and water heaters in female dormitories and swimming pool | Female dorms: annual cost saving NT$240,000, emission reduction 22,843 kgCO₂e; swimming pool: annual saving 100,000 kWh. |
Pillar 2: Renewable Energy Development
Responsible Units: Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety Center
| Aspect | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Solar Power | Over 20 rooftop solar installations with a total capacity of 835.56 kWp (e.g., New Gymnasium, Macronix Hall, Shui-Mu Life Hall). |
| Annual Generation | In 2023, total solar generation reached 932,400 kWh, steadily increasing the share of green power. |
Pillar 3: Sustainable Transportation
Responsible Units: Campus Security Office
| Measures | Outcomes / Impact |
|---|---|
| YouBike & E-scooters | 9 docking stations established; average daily use exceeds 500 rides. (Safety considerations ongoing due to campus slopes.) |
| Electric Motorcycle Charging | Four charging stations installed in collaboration with CMC Motor; encouraging faculty and staff to adopt low-carbon vehicles. |
Pillar 4: Green Buildings on Campus
Responsible Units: Division of Construction & Maintenance
| Measures | Examples |
|---|---|
| Green Building Design | 9 docking stations established; average daily use exceeds 500 rides. (Safety considerations ongoing due to campus slopes.) |
| Swimming Pool Water Reuse | Four charging stations installed in collaboration with CMC Motor; encouraging faculty and staff to adopt low-carbon vehicles. |
| Rainwater & Groundwater Management | Integrated lake systems, hillside water retention, and promotion of green rooftops. |
Pillar 5: Waste and Laboratory Management
Responsible Units: Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety Center; General Affairs Division
| Measures | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Zero-Litter Campus | Average waste per person reduced from 0.30 kg (2019) to 0.18 kg (2023). |
| Digitalized Lab Management | Implementation of an e-management system for environmental safety and health in laboratories. |
Pillar 6: Sustainable Dining and Green Procurement
Responsible Units: Finance Division; Procurement Division
| Measures | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Dining | Promotion of plant-based diets (e.g., vegan counter in Feng-Yun Building), reduction of single-use products, and composting of food waste through vendor collection. |
| Green Procurement | Green procurement ratio reached 92% in 2023, consistently exceeding Ministry of Education requirements. |
Methods and Steps
STEP 1
Management Mechanisms and Lifestyle Habits
Inspire the entire faculty, staff, and students with the concept of sustainability and implement sustainable behaviors in daily life and work, supported by management mechanisms.
STEP 2
Improve Equipment Efficiency
Gradually replace old equipment on campus, such as chiller machines, air conditioners, and refrigerators that use refrigerants. This should be included in cost-benefit planning, where the investment in new equipment can be gradually amortized through annual electricity savings.
STEP 3
Use Decarbonized Energy Sources
Gradually transition to using green energy, whether generated in-house or purchased from external sources.
STEP 4
Carbon Credit Trading
After fully implementing the above steps, there will still be a small portion (about 10%) that cannot achieve net-zero, such as the demand for refrigerants in daily life. For this portion, carbon credits will be purchased to offset the emissions.