The Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy held the 2024 inaugural selection for the “Taiwan Sustainable University Award,” where Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) was honored with the Gold Distinction for its publication of the “Sustainability Development Report.”
CYCU upholds the philosophy of holistic education and is committed to fostering a sustainable campus. With its emphasis on high-quality teaching and strong academia-industry collaboration, the university leverages the power of higher education and knowledge dissemination to drive sustainable development in society, earning widespread recognition.
The Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy launched the inaugural “Taiwan Sustainable University Award” in 2024, presenting four major awards, including the “Sustainability Report Award,” which encourages transparency in information disclosure by higher education institutions. Chung Yuan Christian University’s “Sustainability Development Report” received the prestigious Gold Distinction.
The award ceremony was held at 2:00 PM on November 20, 2024, at the Grand Hotel, Taipei. Representing Chung Yuan Christian University, Dr. Lee Ming-Yen, Director of the Office of Sustainability Governance under the Office of Institutional Research and Sustainability Development, accepted the award.
To effectively integrate sustainability efforts across administrative and academic units and build a sustainable campus, Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) designated 2022 as the baseline year for promoting environmental sustainability. The university formally published its Sustainability Development Report to communicate its achievements in governance, teaching and research, talent cultivation, industrial innovation, social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and the creation of a holistic and inclusive campus for faculty, staff, and students.
In 2024, CYCU released its first English e-book version of the Sustainability Development Report, achieving bilingual transparency in public information. This initiative not only enhances the university’s international reputation but also underscores its commitment to addressing global sustainability issues, making its strategies and outcomes more accessible to a broader audience.
CYCU encourages faculty, staff, and students to participate in courses related to sustainability and pursue certifications aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To support these efforts, the university provides financial subsidies.
To date, dozens of faculty and students have obtained SDG-related certifications. Moving forward, CYCU will continue to cultivate the capacity of its community in net-zero and sustainability initiatives, aiming to address global climate change challenges and contribute to achieving national goals for net-zero transition and climate adaptation.
Chung Yuan Christian University’s Sustainability Development Report is compiled in accordance with internationally recognized standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) guidelines, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework.
This year, for the first time, the report underwent third-party verification in compliance with ISAE 3000 standards, receiving certification assurance. This not only aligns with the Financial Supervisory Commission’s regulations but also enhances trust and credibility among stakeholders.
The report’s recognition with the Gold Distinction in the “Sustainability Report Award” category of the “Taiwan Sustainable University Award” reflects the collective efforts of CYCU’s faculty, staff, and students, underscoring the university’s commitment to sustainability excellence.
