Environmental Sustainability

Greenhouse Gas Management

In 2024, NCCU completed its first ISO 14064-1 greenhouse gas inventory for 2023 and set that year as our carbon baseline. The results were verified by the third-party organization AFNOR GROUPE, confirming the credibility of our data. Categories 1 and 2 received reasonable assurance, while Categories 3 to 6 received limited assurance. We will continue advancing autonomous carbon management and moving toward a net-zero campus.

The University’s emissions are mainly from Category 2 (purchased electricity). In 2024, total emissions decreased significantly due to the lower electricity emission factor. Secondary emissions come from Category 4, including upstream emissions from purchased fuels and high-value goods. Focusing on controllable Categories 1 and 2, emissions in 2024 fell by 14% from the previous year, primarily because SF₆ cylinder purchases were reduced by half.

To address the major 2023 emission source—SF₆ leakage—the University began an improvement review in 2024. Working with Taipower, equipment suppliers, and electrical engineers, we are developing maintenance strategies to improve substation safety and strengthen energy-management resilience.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategies

The University has outlined five key strategies for achieving carbon neutrality. Since 2024, responsible units have begun implementing these strategies and evaluating their progress.

In line with the updated national reduction targets set for 2025 (32% by 2032 and 38% by 2035), the University will continue aligning with national climate policies and regularly review and adjust its campus carbon-reduction strategies.

Energy Management

The University follows the “Electricity Efficiency Management Program for Government Agencies and Schools” and continues to promote energy-saving efforts, targeting a 1% reduction in electricity use each year. In recent years, we have expanded equipment audits and replaced outdated systems, including lighting, chillers, and elevators. Units across campus are also encouraged to replace high-consumption lighting with LED fixtures and review air conditioners and central cooling systems over nine years old to improve energy efficiency.

In November 2023, the Environmental Protection, Safety, and Health Committee approved the University’s “Energy Saving Recommendations” which provide clear directions and practical recommendations for campus implementation.

Renewable Energy

The University continues to increase the use of renewable energy. In 2024, actual solar power generation is estimated at 610,000 kWh, accounting for approximately 1.85% of total annual electricity consumption. We are currently coordinating with campus units to assess the potential for expanding rooftop solar installations, provided that building safety and waterproofing are not compromised.

In terms of green buildings, four campus buildings have received Green Building Certification, including Dah Hsian Seetoo Library (Silver) and the Public Enterprise Center (Gold). The new Law School building obtained its occupancy permit in 2025 and has applied for Bronze-level certification.

Check real-time solar power generation data for the University:

• Administration Building
• Swimming Pool

Water Management

NCCU continues to improve campus water efficiency. Major projects include the relocation of a 2,000-ton storage tank and upgrades to the lower campus water network to address long-standing leakage. Since 2024, pipeline replacement and smart water meter installations have been underway in the upper campus, with estimated annual savings of 400,000 tons and a six-year payback period.

In 2024, per capita daily water use was 87.17 liters, well below the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ recommended level of 108 liters. The University received an “Excellent Award” in the 2023 water conservation from the Water Resources Agency.

Green Procurement

The University follows the government’s “Institutional Green Procurement Plan”  to strengthen campus implementation. By promoting recyclable, low-pollution, and resource-efficient products, encouraging procurement staff training, and adopting a “lease-before-buy” approach, green procurement performance has consistently exceeded government targets, reflecting the growing integration of sustainable purchasing practices across campus.

Documents on Green Procurement Policy Promotion

• Reference Question Bank and Guidelines for the Green Procurement Familiarity Test
• List of Designated Green Procurement Items
• Bonus-Point Green Procurement Items
• Green Procurement Process Flowchart

Waste Reduction

Through campus policies and student-led initiatives, the University promotes waste reduction and resource circulation to advance a more sustainable campus：

• General waste is collected daily by licensed contractors and sent to incineration facilities; additional bins and cleaning support are available during events.
• Plastic disposable tableware is prohibited at on-campus dining facilities, and incentives are offered for bringing reusable containers.A campus-wide reduction plan for bottled water at meetings was approved by the University Council（Resolution of the 222nd University Council Meeting）.
• Decommissioned campus items are reused through thrift-style auctions to promote resource circulation.
• Students organize secondhand, zero-waste, and plastic-free markets.
• Recycling and waste bin maps have been optimized to improve recycling rates.
• Waste reduction is promoted through sustainable water service practices at campus marathon events.

Resilient Campus

Campus-Wide Landscaping Improvement Plan

In response to the campus’s humid climate and aging facilities, the University launched a campus-wide floor and landscape improvement plan integrating anti-slip safety, greening, pedestrian-friendly design, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Improvements are being implemented in phases.

In 2024, accessibility facility surveys, walkway improvement designs, and reviews of multiple projects were completed, including Siwei Road and the main entrance area, the Roman Forum Humanistic Transport Improvement Project, improvements to the wooden decking in front of the College of Education, and pedestrian space improvements behind the Ta Chi Building. These projects have entered the procurement phase, and trial pavement installation was also completed in the Mai-side area.

Ecological Conservation and Environmental Education

 

The NCCU campus is adjacent to the Maokong mountain range and crossed by the Zhinan and Jingmei streams, giving it high ecological value. A 2023 survey by the Nature Conservation Society of the Republic of China recorded rich biodiversity in the back-hill area, including wildlife such as muntjacs, crab-eating mongooses, and pangolins, which are listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. Two campus trees are also designated as protected trees by the Taipei City Government and are regularly monitored.

In 2024, the University signed an MOU with the Taipei Zoo to advance the International Greater Wenshan Academic Corridor, promoting collaboration in humanities, ecology, and international exchange. Initiatives include involving College of Foreign Languages students in ecological guided tours and supporting eco-themed field trips in the Muzha area, while continuing to integrate courses and activities to strengthen environmental education.