The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) represent a universal call to action to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
The 17 interconnected goals aim to guide countries toward a more sustainable and equitable future and as such, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach to achieve these goals, recognising the intricate interplay between economic, social, and environmental factors.
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) exemplifies this holistic approach, as the institution continues to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to integrating sustainability principles into all facets of its operations.
From education and research to infrastructure and community engagement, UBD stands poised as a key driver for sustainable development in Brunei Darussalam.
“The vision is clear: to cultivate a holistic, sustainable ecosystem that transcends the confines of its campus, influencing the wider community and contributing to global resilience,” UBD said in a statement recently.
EDUCATION AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE
UBD integrates sustainability principles into its education system, recognising its pivotal role in shaping a more environmentally conscious society.
According to the university, one of the key principles of UBD’s GenNEXT curriculum is environmental awareness.
More specifically, it attempts to inculcate principles of sustainability by introducing modules relating to climate change, biodiversity, environmental aspects of earth sciences, and socio-economic costs and benefits, among others.
“UBD believes students need to be informed of the critical threats facing our natural environment, primarily caused by human activities.”
RESEARCH: ILLUMINATING PATHWAYS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Research serves as the cornerstone of UBD’s journey towards sustainability, with research groups focusing on critical issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation, demonstrating its commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Research groups like ’Marine Ecosystem and Climate Change’ and ‘Sustainability’ tackle issues ranging from climate change impacts to biodiversity conservation.
“Over the last five years, around 90 per cent of active research grants (in UBD), predominantly interdisciplinary, have covered a wide spectrum of sustainability issues.”
The grants support interdisciplinary projects ranging from green energy to precision medicine, showcasing UBD’s diverse approach to sustainability research.
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS
UBD prioritises sustainability in its physical infrastructure, affirming the institution’s aspiration to mitigate climate change risks and reduce its carbon footprint.
The university incorporates energy-efficient features into its buildings and embraces sustainable landscaping practices to enhance biodiversity conservation.
“The university commits to designing energy-efficient buildings, utilising sustainable materials, and incorporating renewable energy sources.
“Current buildings already incorporate energy-saving features, such as LED lighting, sensor-driven electricity usage reduction, and the use of solar energy to power specific areas.”
The UBD Botanical Research Centre (BRC) in particular exemplifies this commitment to conservation, serving as a hub for multidisciplinary research on native plants (currently nurturing more than 200 local species), and their medicinal values.
INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY INTO GOVERNANCE
UBD’s commitment to sustainability extends to its governance structure, as they have established a dedicated sustainability committee to oversee the implementation of sustainability initiatives, monitor progress, and engage stakeholders across the university.
“This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that sustainability is integrated into all aspects of UBD’s operations, including those relating to campus and support services, facilities, procurement, and administration practices.”
ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION
UBD actively engages with local communities to address mutual sustainability challenges as UBD strives to equip community members with information that can drive positive change, through knowledge sharing and capacity-building programmes.
Additionally, international collaborations further enrich the university’s academic environment, promoting global competency and innovation.
“The short-term Global Discovery Programme (GDP) is an initiative that provides inbound students with invaluable learning experiences, equips them with cross-cultural competence, and also fosters important skills such as personal growth, independence, and adaptability.”
FOSTERING INNOVATION FOR IMPACT AND EXCELLENCE
UBD fosters an innovation culture through initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Village.
With entrepreneurship education and development through UBD Entrepreneurship Village (EV), UBD Startup Centre (USC), and collaboration with the Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), UBD continues to transform, pursue knowledge, and produce impactful innovations.
Furthermore, UBD’s efforts have garnered international recognition as it stands in the 401-500 band in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
It also ranks 68th in the THE Young University Rankings. Meanwhile, it secures 60th place in the THE Asia University Rankings, ranking fifth among esteemed institutions in Southeast Asia.
Among 1,500 institutions globally, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings places UBD at 387th place.
In the Asian region, it ranks 72nd. Since it first broke into the QS Sustainability Ranking last year, UBD now stands at 629th place.
Ultimately, UBD’s journey towards sustainability is a collaborative effort involving staff, students, partners, and government support. With dedication and collaboration, the university remains committed to leading the charge towards a sustainable future for Brunei and beyond. – Universiti Brunei Darussalam
