Greening Universities: Why Many Universities Hesitate to Embrace Costly Transformation?

Higher education is expected not only to deliver academic excellence, but also to set the standard for fostering sustainability and social responsibility. However, the transition towards ‘greening’ universities continues to face significant obstacles. 

Challenges in Greening Universities 

A report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group and the organisation behind the EDGE green building certification system, reveals that 50% of builders cite high costs as the primary barrier to expanding green construction in Vietnam. The lack of investment funding is identified as the most significant factor limiting the development of green projects. 

However, cost is not the sole obstacle. According to ARDOR Green, a Vietnam-based green building consultancy, new projects designed and built with optimisation can achieve sustainability with only a 1% increase in costs compared to initial investments, making greening entirely feasible. 

Mr. Dang Hoang Long, a sustainable design expert at ARDOR Green, argues that the slow progress in greening universities stems from inadequate awareness and inconsistent implementation capacity. Other challenges include a shortage of professionals specialised in green construction, a lack of incentive mechanisms, and insufficient tailored policy support. Nevertheless, ARDOR Green emphasises that this transition is inevitable, as educational institutions serve as the foundation for a more sustainable future. 

Greening universities is hindered by high costs, inconsistent awareness, limited expertise, inadequate implementation capacity, and a lack of supportive mechanisms and policies.

Leading universities worldwide have made substantial investments and implemented comprehensive strategies to promote sustainability across their systems. 

Stanford University (USA) has developed an energy system that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 80%, achieving 100% renewable electricity usage since 2022 and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Similarly, the University of Oxford (UK) has committed to net-zero carbon and net biodiversity gain by 2035, backed by a £200 million Sustainability Fund. Oxford’s holistic green strategy spans 10 key areas, including establishing top-tier research centers and collaborating with local authorities and businesses to create low-emission zones and integrated energy hubs. 

In Asia, NUS has launched its first net-zero building cluster, featuring adaptive reuse and energy-efficient technologies. It also established NUS Cities, an interdisciplinary centre for sustainable and resilient urban solutions in Singapore and the region. Meanwhile, Tsinghua University (China) has embraced a comprehensive Green University model since 1998, maintaining over 57% green space on campus while prioritising energy conservation and pollution reduction.   

In Vietnam, British University Vietnam (BUV) stands out as a pioneer in pursuing green values, embedding sustainability principles from its inception. 

British University Vietnam (BUV) is among the pioneering educational universities in Vietnam championing the cause of sustainability and greening initiatives.

BUV not only prioritises the development of green infrastructure but also positions its campus as a nurturing ground for fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among the younger generation. Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, emphasises the university’s ambition to serve as a practical model, inspiring students who will play a pivotal role in environmental protection. 

This vision is evidenced by BUV’s unique achievement as the only university in Vietnam to secure the advanced EDGE certification (an international green building standard) for both phases of its campus, meeting the stringent requirement of at least 40% on-site energy savings compared to conventional buildings. This milestone reflects the fruits of BUV’s persistent efforts to embed sustainability into every detail, driven by a dedicated team. From the initial design phase to the campus’s completion, every step has been meticulously planned with sustainable development at its core. 

From “Green” Buildings to “Green” Mindsets 

BUV’s greening journey has been profoundly shaped by its partnership with ARDOR Green, the design consultancy that has collaborated from the earliest stages. A representative from ARDOR Green shared that, at a time when concepts like energy reduction, carbon emission cuts, and water conservation were not yet widely embraced by universities, BUV proactively set these as priorities for the consultancy. 

“From the very beginning, we were surprised by a university that placed sustainability at the forefront. From naturally ventilated corridors and high-efficiency air conditioning systems to sophisticated passive design and meticulous selection of equipment, every detail was carefully considered. Our collaboration across both phases went beyond technical optimisation; it fostered a pioneering spirit, creating an inspiring, sustainable learning environment for future generations,” the ARDOR Green representative stated. 

BUV emphasised sustainability requirements at a time when such concepts were still novel for many universities.

As the organisation that initiated and awarded the EDGE certification to BUV for both campus phases, the representative of IFC – a member of the World Bank Group – shared: “These initiatives have created green learning spaces, raised awareness and promoted sustainable activities among BUV’s student community in particular and the society in general. With the EDGE Advanced certification for Ecopark Campus, BUV has joined the pioneering sustainable development enterprises in Vietnam. These efforts have not only saved millions of kWh of energy and cubic meters of water but also contributed to reducing 112,000 tons of CO2 per year.”

Moreover, BUV exceptionally focuses on creating disability-friendly spaces. From pathways and elevators to restrooms and desks, the campus is designed to ensure seamless accessibility for wheelchair users.

BUV aims to solidify its position as a leading green university in the region, acting as a catalyst for societal transformation. The university plans to install solar panels by 2026 and aspires to become Vietnam’s first carbon-neutral university, amplifying its message of sustainability. 

Beyond environmentally friendly infrastructure, BUV’s green spaces support its mission of sustainable education. Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh Thuy – Pro-Vice Chancellor, Chief Operating Officer emphasised that sustainability is central to the university’s curriculum, integrated through modules on business ethics and responsible tourism. 

BUV seeks to serve as a real-world example of sustainable green development, inspiring students to embrace environmental responsibility.

British University Vietnam (BUV) not only embeds green principles into its curriculum but also actively encourages faculty and students to engage in environmental protection. Through Personal and Social Growth (PSG) programme, students participate in activities related to sustainable development, fostering  awareness and social responsibility. 

This aligns with a global trend in education. In leading educational nations, sustainability has become a key focus, with universities integrating green practices not only in design but also in operational strategies and academic content. By embracing this global trend, BUV is emerging as a model for comprehensive “green” universities in Vietnam – extending beyond infrastructure to encompass its operational philosophy and educational strategy. These efforts solidify BUV’s pioneering role in sustainable development, laying the foundation for a new direction in Vietnamese higher education, where “greening” becomes a standard for growth and the cultivation of globally minded citizens.