Why universities hesitate to embrace costly green transformations

A report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group and the organization behind the EDGE green building certification system, indicates that 50% of builders identify high costs as the primary barrier to expanding green construction in Vietnam. The lack of investment funding is recognized as the most significant factor hindering the development of green projects.

Cost, however, is not the only challenge. According to ARDOR Green, a Vietnam-based green building consultancy, projects that are designed and constructed with optimization in mind can achieve sustainability with only a 1% increase in costs compared to initial investments, making green building feasible.

Dang Hoang Long, a sustainable design expert at ARDOR Green, attributes the slow progress in greening universities to inadequate awareness and inconsistent implementation. Other challenges include a shortage of professionals specialized in green construction, lack of incentive mechanisms, and limited policy support. Nevertheless, ARDOR Green emphasizes that this transition is inevitable, as educational institutions are foundational for building a more sustainable future.

A green university campus in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of BUV

Globally, leading universities have made substantial investments and implemented comprehensive strategies to promote sustainability across their systems.

Stanford University in the U.S. has developed an energy system that has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 80%, achieved 100% renewable electricity usage since 2022, and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Similarly, the University of Oxford of the U.K. has committed to net-zero carbon and net biodiversity gain by 2035, supported by a EUR200 million (US$234.1 million) Sustainability Fund. Oxford's approach covers 10 key areas, including the establishment of top-tier research centers and partnerships with local authorities and businesses to create low-emission zones and integrated energy hubs.

In Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched its first net-zero building cluster, featuring adaptive reuse and energy-efficient technologies. NUS also established NUS Cities, an interdisciplinary center for sustainable and resilient urban solutions in Singapore and the region.

Tsinghua University (China) has implemented a Green University model since 1998, maintaining over 57% green space on campus while prioritizing energy conservation and pollution reduction.

In Vietnam, British University Vietnam (BUV) is recognized as a pioneer in sustainability, embedding green values into its core operations from the beginning.

British University Vietnam (BUV) is among the pioneering educational institutions in Vietnam championing sustainability and greening initiatives. Photo courtesy of BUV

BUV prioritizes the development of green infrastructure and aims to foster environmental awareness and responsibility among students. Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, notes the university's goal to serve as a practical model and inspire future leaders in environmental protection.

BUV is currently the only university in Vietnam to secure advanced EDGE certification (an international green building standard) for both phases of its campus, meeting the requirement of at least 40% on-site energy savings compared to conventional buildings.

This achievement is the result of sustained efforts to embed sustainability into all aspects of campus development, with a dedicated team overseeing each step from design to completion. BUV's progress has been supported by ARDOR Green, its long-term design consultancy partner. According to a representative from ARDOR Green, BUV set clear priorities for energy reduction, carbon emission cuts, and water conservation from the outset, at a time when such concepts were still unfamiliar to most Vietnamese universities.

The representative highlighted that every design element, from naturally ventilated corridors to high-efficiency air conditioning systems and carefully selected equipment, was chosen with sustainability in mind.

"Our collaboration across both phases went beyond technical optimization; it fostered a pioneering spirit, creating an inspiring, sustainable learning environment for future generations," the ARDOR Green representative stated.

BUV emphasized sustainability requirements at a time when such concepts were still novel for many universities. Photo courtesy of BUV

At the EDGE Advanced certification ceremony, an IFC representative praised BUV's commitment: "These initiatives have created green learning spaces, raised awareness, and promoted sustainable activities among BUV's student community in particular and 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."

BUV also places importance on accessibility, designing pathways, elevators, restrooms, and desks to be disability-friendly and ensure seamless access for wheelchair users.

Looking ahead, BUV aims to strengthen its position as a leading green university in the region. Plans include the installation of solar panels by 2026 and a long-term ambition to become Vietnam's first carbon-neutral university.

Beyond infrastructure, BUV's green spaces are integral to its mission of sustainable education. Nguyen Thi Vinh Thuy, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes that sustainability is central to the university's curriculum, with green principles embedded in 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. Photo courtesy of BUV

BUV encourages faculty and students to participate in environmental protection through its Personal and Social Growth (PSG) program, involving students in sustainable development activities and fostering social responsibility.

This aligns with a broader trend in higher education worldwide, as universities incorporate sustainability not just in campus design but also in operations and academic content.

By adopting these global best practices, BUV is emerging as a model for comprehensive "green" universities in Vietnam, going beyond infrastructure to encompass its operational philosophy and educational strategy. These efforts reinforce BUV's pioneering role in sustainable development and lay the foundation for a new direction in Vietnamese higher education, where "greening" becomes a benchmark for progress and the cultivation of globally minded citizens.