RMIT Vietnam leads the way in campus sustainability

RMIT Vietnam leads the way in campus sustainability

RMIT Vietnam’s leadership in sustainability is inspiring students, staff, industry partners and the community to adopt and promote sustainable practices.

RMIT’s mission is to empower people to become passionate sustainability advocates, through a growth mindset, continuous improvement, harmony, and integrity.

Building a community of sustainability champions

At the heart of RMIT's sustainability efforts is the Sustainability Ambassador Program, which unites students from diverse backgrounds to drive environmental change. Launched in early 2023 with 11 members, the program is welcoming its fifth generation, who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to tackle real-world challenges. The program envisions a future where individuals and communities are central to addressing gaps in sustainable practices through education, training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-1-rmit-vietnam-leads-the-way-in-campus-sustainability' RMIT Vietnam’s Sustainability Ambassador team

Through interactive training and real-world projects, participants gain hands-on experience working alongside internal and external stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions.

Innovative solutions for daily sustainability

The University has rolled out several initiatives to weave sustainability into everyday campus life. The Green Point program, an online rewards platform, has engaged over 800 participants. This initiative allows students and staff to earn points for sustainable actions like using reusable cups and participating in recycling programs. These points can be redeemed for eco-friendly gifts, creating a tangible incentive system that encourages positive environmental behaviours.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-2-rmit-vietnam-leads-the-way-in-campus-sustainability' A set of redeemable eco-friendly gifts

RMIT launched the Zero Waste initiative in June 2023, aiming for net zero waste to landfill by 2025. The University has introduced a comprehensive five-category waste sorting system across the campus. This program extends beyond basic waste management by promoting the ‘7Rs’ message ‘RMIT goes beyond with Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle’. Regular training sessions and monthly events, such as the ‘Bring clean plastics, take home gifts’ activity, keep the community engaged and informed about proper waste management practices.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-3-rmit-vietnam-leads-the-way-in-campus-sustainability' RMIT Vietnam’s five-category waste sorting system

Setting new standards for sustainable events

RMIT is committed to integrating sustainable principles into its events, which total around 1,000 annually. The event owners are encouraged to consider sustainable practices in site selection, food service, energy consumption, traffic management, and waste generation. The Sustainable Event Program aims to minimise the environmental impact of campus events through training, stakeholder collaboration, and incentive programs. By addressing these areas, RMIT promotes a culture of sustainability and reduces the ecological footprint of its events, contributing positively to the environment and community.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-4-rmit-vietnam-leads-the-way-in-campus-sustainability' Top three green events in 2023

By 2025, all large-scale RMIT events will adhere to the Sustainable Event Guideline, with the goal of expanding this to all events by 2030. The program aims to educate event organisers, industry partners, the RMIT community, and neighbouring institutions through documentation, consultation, workshops, and incentive programs to encourage sustainable practices.

Celebrating innovation and collaboration for a greener future

Originating from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, RMIT Sustainability Week took place in early November 2024 at Saigon South campus for the first time under the theme ‘Resilience and Regeneration: Creating a Sustainable Tomorrow’. The event featured panel discussions, workshops, and a showcase. Participants explored sustainability through four interconnected themes shared by over 20 experts from various industries. Topics included empowering the green workforce, making conscious choices, adopting a circular economy, and practising sustainable food production and consumption. 

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-5-rmit-vietnam-leads-the-way-in-campus-sustainability' The inaugural Sustainability Week at RMIT Vietnam Saigon South campus

The event highlighted RMIT's 7Rs Sustainability Culture and provided opportunities for the community to engage in sustainable practices through interactive workshops and activities.

Apart from diverse initiatives led by the Sustainability team, RMIT has also launched Sach Sanh Sanh, a campaign hosted by the Alumni Relations team, to raise awareness about food waste and sustainable lifestyles.

Inspired by Vietnam's national goals of Zero Hunger by 2025 and Net Zero by 2050, the campaign aimed to educate the RMIT community and the public on reducing food waste and adopting eco-friendly habits. Activities included a creativity artwork contest, sustainable factory tours, cooking for a cause, Green Business Showcase, food donation, rubbish collection, and walking to plant trees.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-6-rmit-vietnam-leads-the-way-in-campus-sustainability' An activity of Sach Sanh Sanh campaign

Mr Pham Huu Hoang, RMIT Alumni Relations Manager, emphasised the critical role the University plays in promoting environmentally responsible practices. 

“RMIT places sustainability at the forefront of its strategic agenda. RMIT Vietnam’s alumni community of over 22,500 working professionals across 6,000 enterprises in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region, actively embraces this call for sustainability. Many of these alumni are change-makers, driving positive socio-economic impact through their work,” he said.  

As Vietnam faces increasing environmental challenges, RMIT is inspiring other institutions by creating a sustainable campus and preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle environmental issues. The success of these initiatives reflects RMIT Vietnam's commitment to ‘build a better world through the expansion and development of sustainability within the community’ and positions the University as a leader in environmental sustainability.

Story: Ha Hoang

02 December 2024
Engage

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