Sustainability at UCSI, shaped by our community
At UCSI, sustainability isn’t just a goal — it’s a commitment we build together. In 2025, we invited our staff to share their views across seven key areas, from green office practices to curriculum integration. This report* presents the findings and highlights the key themes that will inform our next steps.
*Data collected in the first quarter of 2026
87%
of staff rated Sustainability Communication & Awareness as Good or Excellent
78%
of staff rated Green Office Audits as Good or Excellent
7/7
sustainability areas surveyed received a majority positive rating
KEY FINDINGS
Findings by Area
Select any area below to explore the key findings and suggestions raised by UCSI staff.
TOP STAFF SUGGESTIONS
Improve waste segregation with clearer bin labelling, correct bin caps, and better campus-wide signage
Digitalise approval and administrative submission processes to significantly reduce paper usage
Introduce incentives or an SDG-compliance recognition for departments that meet green standards
Conduct audits more frequently and transition the audit process itself to digital platforms
Review centralised air-conditioning settings to avoid unnecessary energy consumption
TOP STAFF SUGGESTIONS
Expand green spaces, solar panels, and EV charging points on campus
Promote carpooling, cycling paths, and low-carbon commuting options with practical incentives
Automate lighting systems in public and common areas to reduce energy waste
Communicate regularly to all staff on what management is doing to reduce emissions
Conduct energy audits and set measurable reduction targets
TOP STAFF SUGGESTIONS
Increase frequency of sustainability eblasts and internal digital communications
Create more engaging social media content — short videos, challenges, and staff success stories
Place buntings, pull-up banners, and larger posters across all campuses, including Springhill
Strengthen collaboration between UCSI University and UCSI International School on joint campaigns
Host more events and deeper talks around SDG and ESG to drive meaningful engagement
TOP STAFF SUGGESTIONS
Conduct at least one sustainability training session per quarter for staff and students
Make sessions interactive — include workshops, activities, and guest speakers from the industry
Offer certificates or recognition to encourage and reward participation
Provide structured, ongoing ESR and SDG training specifically for teachers and support staff
Improve waste segregation awareness among cleaners and frontline staff
Staff recognise that sustainability has been embedded in academic programmes, but some feel the integration could be more meaningful in practice — going beyond mapping on paper to actual student impact.
TOP STAFF SUGGESTIONS
Integrate sustainability across all subject areas — not just science, but humanities, languages, and arts
Use project-based learning and real-world case studies to make SDGs feel relevant
Introduce sustainability concepts during student orientation as an early touchpoint
Align curriculum objectives more clearly with SDG outcomes to support consistent delivery
Consider more MPU electives or assignment-based SDG components
Engagement in sustainability-focused research remains limited, with many staff citing a need for more guidance, time allocation, institutional support, and meaningful incentives to get involved.
TOP STAFF SUGGESTIONS
Provide financial incentives or recognition for sustainability-related research and publications
Offer training and collaborative opportunities with UCSI University to encourage greater involvement
Encourage faculty to embed sustainability topics into research proposals from the outset
Explore applied areas: urban waste management, circular economy, low-carbon investment
Staff support the single-use plastic ban but urge management to pair enforcement with practical, accessible alternatives. Several noted ongoing plastic usage at the University Springhill Campus and emphasised vendors respond better to encouragement than punishment.
TOP STAFF SUGGESTIONS
Conduct regular audits and spot checks of vendor compliance across all campuses
Ensure practical alternatives are available and accessible before enforcing the ban
Extend the campaign consistently to the Springhill campus and all other campuses
Install more water refill stations to reduce reliance on plastic water bottles
Lead with encouragement and clear guidelines — not punitive measures that may deter vendors
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Our Commitment to Action
All feedback submitted by staff has been carefully reviewed and assigned to one of three action tiers. Progress updates will be shared as actions are carried out.
Reviewed within 6 months
Feedback requiring near-term evaluation and concrete implementation planning.
Considered for future action
Valid suggestions noted for longer-term planning and integration into future roadmaps.
Noted for record
All remaining feedback acknowledged, kept on file, and considered in ongoing reviews.
Building a greener future, together.
Sustainability is not just a policy — it is a culture built through collective effort and honest reflection. The insights shared in this report reflect UCSI’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and a more sustainable future for our entire community.