Chaoyang University of Technology (CYUT) has actively responded to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), implementing energy-saving and carbon reduction measures while promoting environmental education. In recent years, CYUT has established university-level research centers to foster healthy and non-toxic agriculture, encouraged students to engage in international volunteer work, e.g. constructing libraries and information learning centers in Tanzania, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia, launched universities and care centers for senior citizens, promoted the digital learning companion program for students in remote area, and implemented university social responsibility (USR) programs. These efforts aim to promote sustainable environmental, social, and governance development. These achievements have been recognized internationally. In the 2023 GreenMetric World University Rankings, we were ranked 56th. We were placed in the 601-800 range in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which uses the SDGs as reference indicators. Also, the 2024 QS World University Rankings placed us in the 861-880 range. In response to the global net-zero trend, CYUT has designated 2021 as the first year of Sustainable Development and set ambitious goals of halving carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2045. To become a sustainable university that excels in governance, community engagement, and environmental protection, CYUT achieves these goals across various areas, including school governance, teaching, research, industry-academia collaboration, and external practices.
Finalist
Engaged & Sustainable University of the Year Award
Chaoyang University of Technology
Finalist of the Engaged & Sustainable University of the Year Award
Chaoyang University of Technology - Taiwan
"Making Sustainability an Integral Part of our DNA"
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Summary
Key People
Dr. Tao-Ming Cheng
President
Chaoyang University of Technology
Dr. Hwa-Nan Chang
Assistant Vice President, Dean of General Affairs
Chaoyang University of Technology
Dr. Hsi-Hsien Yang
Assistant Vice President, Dean of Research and Industry-Academia Collaboration
Chaoyang University of Technology
Acknowledgements
Ministry of Education, R.O.C. (Taiwan)
Green University Union of Taiwan
Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy
Images
For six consecutive years, CYUT has been ranked in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, making it the top private technological university in Taiwan.
Campus green coverage exceeds 94%, making CYUT one of the first institutions in Taiwan to be certified by the Environmental Protection Administration as an environmental education facility. It also received the Green Campus Award of the Global View Magazine.
Dr. Tao-Ming Cheng, President of CYUT, received Outstanding Professional Award for Sustainability at the 2023 Global Corporate Sustainability Awards (GCSA).
To align with the United Nations SDGs, CYUT has established a solar power system to promote the utilization of renewable energy.
Successfully creating diverse habitats, CYUT's campus has become a breeding ground for the Malayan night heron.
To avoid air pollution caused by incineration, the USR team of Industrial Design Department utilized discarded grapevines to create various biochar products, earning them the Most Influential Award in the U20 International Youth Forum.
CYUT International Volunteers extended care to Tanzania in Africa, receiving the Youth Overseas Peace Work Team Award from the Ministry of Education.
CYUT students initiated a beach cleaning campaign to safeguard the oceans.
The Department of Applied Chemistry developed pheromone microcapsules as a substitute for pesticides, helping local revitalization efforts. This innovation was selected as one of the top ten featured technologies by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Department of Golden Ager Industry Management pioneered the Intergenerational Learning Center, a senior daycare program in kindergarten, assisting kindergartens in transitioning and practicing social innovation.
IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifes
The average lifespan of Taiwanese people is steadily increasing. With children often juggling busy lives and the elderly not always needing full-time care, the demand for daytime support services is growing. Additionally, Taiwan's declining birth rate threatens the sustainability of kindergartens. Inspired by these challenges, we envisioned a place where children and seniors could learn and grow together: intergenerational learning centers. To bring this idea to life, we organized a "One-Day Intergenerational Learning Experience Camp."
Among our participants was a remarkable 93-year-old gentleman named Lin Tian-fa. Accompanied by his loving wife and daughter-in-law, he embarked on a heartwarming journey with a cane gently assisting his steps, traveling 100 km to join us. Waking up before dawn, he took a train from Chiayi to Taichung, his enthusiasm for learning shining brighter than the morning sun. His determination and spirit moved us deeply.
Throughout the day, Mr. Lin was a source of joy and inspiration. He effortlessly engaged in activities with the children, his youthful energy belying his years. From crafting toys to playing games, he was a vibrant presence. During the afternoon health session, he amazed everyone with his vitality and enthusiasm.
At the end of the day, Mr. Lin shared his heartfelt experience. Spending time with the kindergarten children made him feel young at heart. He expressed his hope that intergenerational learning centers would become a reality, offering seniors a place of joy and companionship. His words gave us hope and determination to make this vision a reality.
LEARNINGS
Lessons learned
1. Focus on People: The key to advancing sustainable development is influencing people's perceptions and behaviors. By integrating sustainability issues into curricula and organizing various related activities, educational institutions can enhance students' sustainability literacy through specialized and general education courses.
2. Emphasize Carbon Reduction: Given the severe impacts of climate change on humans and the environment, the focus should be on reducing carbon emissions. Schools should conduct greenhouse gas inventories to assess campus emissions and develop strategies for achieving net zero.
3. Leverage University Resources: Beyond teaching and research, universities have a vital role in supporting communities. Schools can form teams to assist rural areas and businesses with environmental and production challenges, working together to build a sustainable future.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?
Our school has incorporated sustainable development into our institutional development plan, and after years of implementation, we have achieved notable progress. Sustainable development is crucial for both our institution and society as a whole. Looking ahead, we will continue to achieve the following:
1. Enhancing the Sustainability Curriculum: We will further deepen our sustainability curriculum to improve students' sustainability literacy.
2. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero by 2050.
3. Advancing University Social Responsibility: We will actively engage with communities to support farmers and businesses in addressing challenges and fostering sustainable development.
4. Engaging with External Sustainability Organizations: We will continue to participate in and support the activities of external sustainability-related organizations.
5. Strengthening International Connections:
5.1 Collaborating with Sister Schools: Partner with international sister schools to advance sustainability initiatives.
5.2 Utilizing International Students: Leverage the presence of international students to promote sustainability concepts globally.
5.3 Participating in International Organizations: Engage with international organizations to gain insights from global experiences.
We envision our school as a campus closely connected with the community, where students have strong sustainability literacy, resources are used efficiently with low carbon impact, and there is harmony between people and the environment. Ultimately, we aspire to be a leader in nurturing life, a champion for environmental friendliness, an educator in sustainable development, and a responsible contributor to society.
