(Reposted from TCSA Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Award website: https://tcsaward.org.tw/tw/news/index/478)

The 2024 Taiwan Sustainable University Awards, organized by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), have revealed this year’s honorees. The top ten universities are evenly split between public and private institutions, highlighting that sustainability is becoming a core focus across all types of educational systems in Taiwan.

This year, 41 universities competed for the awards, with 22 vying for the "Comprehensive Performance" category, reflecting doubled participation compared to last year and heightened competition. After rigorous evaluations by a 15-member jury, the top ten exemplary universities were selected.

Notably, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Yuan Ze University, and Chang Gung University made it to the top ten on their first participation. Meanwhile, National Dong Hwa University and China University of Technology joined the "Exemplary Universities" list for the first time.

Key Highlights:

1. Sustainability Reports:

• 35 universities submitted reports.
• Platinum-level recognition went to YunTech, National Chung Hsing University, Dong Hwa University, Taipei Medical University, and National Taipei University.

1. Performance in ESG Initiatives:

• 26 ESG results were submitted across schools, with 13 exemplary cases selected as models for others.

1. Outstanding Contributions to Sustainability:

• Three individuals received the "Sustainability Distinguished Person" award, including leaders from National Taipei University, Tunghai University, and NCKU.

Sustainability Practices at Leading Universities:

• Tunghai University integrates sustainability into governance and teaching strategies, focusing on local industry innovation and carbon reduction efforts using AI and digital technology.
• National Cheng Kung University pioneers sustainability research aligned with the UN SDGs, emphasizing areas such as carbon neutrality, health, and disaster resilience.
• YunTech excels in vocational education, promoting circular economies and low-carbon supply chains while fostering external collaborations.
• Tsing Hua University fosters sustainability through participatory initiatives like “students proposing and solving problems” and implementing experimental projects.
• National Chung Hsing University leverages expertise in natural carbon resources and digital tools for agricultural sustainability.
• Dong Hwa University prioritizes renewable energy and biodiversity education on its eco-rich campus.
• China University of Technology aligns its curriculum with SDGs, encouraging industry collaborations for net-zero initiatives.
• Yuan Ze University developed a comprehensive sustainability governance framework with defined carbon reduction targets.
• Chang Gung University applies interdisciplinary knowledge to drive local and global health and sustainability solutions.
• Chaoyang University of Technology integrates energy efficiency projects and community outreach to significantly reduce carbon emissions and foster societal contributions.

Broader Impacts:

The awards, led by experts across government, academia, and industry, reflect the growing importance of sustainability in higher education. TAISE Chairman Chien You-Hsin emphasized the transformative role of the awards in fostering sustainable practices in universities, mirroring the success seen in the corporate sector through the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards.