NCKU Students Collaborate with International Sustainability Organizations to Host " Zero Carbon Event"-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) students are implementing a zero-carbon initiative in innovative ways, organizing the  "NCKU Sustainable life, tranquil mind" Festival and calculating all carbon emissions from electricity consumption and generator fuel during the event. Through initiatives such as signing up for "vegetarianism to reduce carbon footprint" and promoting a circular economy model by reusing canvas, they achieved a "net-zero" demonstration experiment for this event. Collaborating with international sustainability organizations such as 350 Taiwan, SDSN Taiwan, and the Foundation for the Development of the World Religious Museum, they declared their response to the "G7 Global Citizen Initiative," aiming to inspire more sustainable actions and spread their practices throughout society!

The NCKU Sustainable Innovation Club (SIC) aims to break the traditional perception that "sustainability = environmental protection" by hosting the "Sustainable life, tranquil mind" Festival today (20th). Through various activities such as a second-hand market, independent bookstore, emptiness contest, and sustainable talks, they creatively approach the concept of sustainability. They hope to lead the public to a deeper understanding of practical ways to integrate sustainability into daily life and utilize the rich resources within and outside NCKU. They invite everyone to join and experience a better future through sustainable living.

During the opening ceremony, Associate Vice President Ping-Sheng Wu, representing President  Meng-Ru Shen, expressed: "To depict my own sustainability and emptiness, it should be about giving ourselves and each other the appropriate space, as we strive together for the future."

The student-led event, recognizing past issues of waste and carbon emissions, initiates the "Today's Carbon Consumption Initiative." It aims for "net-zero carbon emissions" by calculating electricity usage and promoting vegetarian options, serving at least 1,000 vegetarian meals. Additionally, it promotes "resource recycling" by repurposing large canvas prints into multipurpose bags to reduce single-use waste.

The event also featured seven distinguished speakers focusing on sustainability topics such as "local revitalization, circular economy, and new venture education." Speakers included Liang-Yi Chang, Visiting Expert at the Strategic Development and Integration Office of NCKU and Co-founder of SDSN Taiwan; NCKU alumni and Founder of Pocebo Circular Future Room, Po-Yuan Feng; Executive Director of Tainan Cultural and Arts Foundation, Chong-Li Yeh; Public Relations and Marketing Director of SSICON Sustainable Innovation Annual Conference, Yung-Chi Shen; CEO of Talent Factory, Chia-Chi Tsai; Dean of Education of STI Sustainable Talent Incubation Program,  Hsiang-Chin Chung; and Producer of "Our Island" on PTS,  Li-Ping Yu. Through sharing their practical experiences, they provided the audience with more insights into sustainability issues.

NCKU is the first university in Taiwan to integrate the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its campus development plans. The student-led NCKU "Sustainable life, tranquil mind", held at the Future Venue, serves as NCKU's hub for sustainable innovation, assisting student teams in proposing creative solutions for future challenges related to sustainability and innovation.

The  "NCKU Sustainable life, tranquil mind" Festival encompasses a total of six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, achieving sustainable development and global citizenship education. It promotes a deeper understanding of sustainable lifestyles among the public. Students from universities such as NTU, NTNU, Taipei Medical University, Taipei University, and NCYU have also contributed slogans and posters in response, demonstrating NCKU's commitment to creating a campus culture of sustainability with students as the main drivers and collaboration between faculty and students.