To Advance Campus Sustainability, Cheng Shiu University Launches a Comprehensive “Green Office Initiative”

From energy conservation to waste reduction, and from green landscaping to sustainability advocacy, Cheng Shiu University (CSU) has fully implemented the Green Office Action Plan to embed sustainability into everyday administrative practices.
This initiative represents an important step in the university’s efforts to build a sustainable campus and respond to national net-zero policies, demonstrating CSU’s commitment and responsibility in sustainable governance within higher education.

Energy and Resource Conservation — Starting with Every Kilowatt and Every Drop of Water

CSU has implemented a wide range of conservation measures across all administrative and academic office areas:

• Electricity saving: More than half of campus lighting has been upgraded to LED; computers are set to energy-saving mode; air conditioning is uniformly set at 26°C; and elevators and equipment are regularly maintained to reduce standby power consumption.

• Water conservation: Water-efficient fixtures have been installed campus-wide, and pipelines are routinely inspected to prevent leakage and waste.

• Fuel-saving measures: University vehicles undergo regular maintenance with fuel usage tracked, while faculty and staff are encouraged to take public transportation or carpool to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.

• Prioritizing online meetings: With well-equipped video-conferencing facilities, CSU encourages virtual meetings in place of cross-campus travel, improving efficiency while cutting emissions.

• Reducing paper use: Administrative procedures are increasingly digitalized; printers are set to default double-sided printing; and eco-labeled paper is used as a priority.

These small, daily practices form the foundation for reducing the university’s operational carbon footprint.

Reducing Waste at the Source — Using Less Means Burdening the Planet Less

CSU promotes source reduction through institutional measures and behavior change:

• Plastic reduction: Single-use tableware, plastic bags, and bottled water are no longer provided at campus events or meetings, replaced with reusable or recyclable alternatives.

• Resource sorting and reuse: Waste is carefully sorted, and office supplies such as folders, paper clips, and document sleeves are reused whenever possible.

• Green procurement: Environmentally certified products are prioritized in purchasing, and meeting venues and catering services with green certifications are preferred.

Through “use less, reuse more, choose wisely,” waste reduction becomes a sustainable daily habit rather than a slogan.

Creating a Friendly and Comfortable Green Work Environment

Campus sustainability also begins with environmental aesthetics. CSU continuously invests in campus greening efforts:

• Introducing green walls, hedges, and rooftop gardens to reduce the heat island effect

• Adding indoor plants in office areas to create a welcoming and calming atmosphere

• Conducting annual office-area deep cleaning and minimizing the use of harmful cleaning agents and office supplies

These measures enhance workplace quality and help make the campus a healthier, more pleasant environment.

Green Living Advocacy — Making Sustainability Part of Everyday Life at CSU

To strengthen awareness and cultivate long-term sustainable behaviors, CSU organizes a variety of environmental education activities every year, including:

• Environmental literacy courses

• Green living workshops

• Sustainability-themed lectures and teaching activities

• Awareness campaigns and signage in office areas

Through continuous education and advocacy, faculty and students better understand the importance of sustainability and are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly actions in their daily lives.