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Waste

EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

THROUGH COLLECTIVE EFFORT AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, OUR MISSION IS TO MINIMIZE WASTE, PROMOTE RECYCLING, AND CREATE A CAMPUS THAT EXEMPLIFIES THE VALUES OF SUSTAINABILITY.

At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), we are committed to promoting sustainability in every aspect of our operations, including our food supply. We uphold ethical sourcing principles by ensuring that the food we serve on campus is procured responsibly. In addition, our university has a strict policy on waste disposal and hazardous materials, with an emphasis on proper disposal methods to minimise environmental impact in line with the country’s legislation. To reduce plastic waste, we have implemented a policy on plastic minimisation, encouraging the use of reusable containers and promoting alternatives to single-use plastics. Our university has a strict policy on disposable items, aiming to curtail their usage and promote more sustainable alternatives. These sustainability policies extend beyond our campus to include our outsourced suppliers and their supply chain, ensuring that we work with partners who share our commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

Universiti Sains Malaysia's commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations. USM policies on ethical sourcing, waste disposal, and plastic minimisation demonstrate our dedication to creating a more sustainable future. The university's consistent ranking as one of the top universities in the world for sustainability is a testament to our efforts, and our "University as a Living Lab" approach promotes sustainability among the community within and outside the campus. By working with partners who share our commitment to sustainability and responsible practices, Universiti Sains Malaysia is setting an example for other institutions to follow.

  • Food Waste

    Since 2019, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has diligently initiated the measurement and monitoring of food waster across all the cafeterias, spanning its Main Campus, Engineering Campus, and Health Campus. Annually, a meticulous survey process collected cafeteria-specific food waste data, which is subsequently compiled and published on the university’s official website.

    In 2020, USM introduced a program promoting the recycling of food waste into compost, yielding encouraging results as some cafeterias successfully adopted this sustainable practice. Illustrated in the accompanying graph generated from the university’s food waste tracking system, this initiative is a testament to USM’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of sustainability amongst its community members, including faculty, staff, and students. It signifies one of many forthcoming sustainability endeavors undertaken by USM.

  • Solid Waste

    USM has also embarked on zero usage of single-use plastics and disposal items. This campaign aims to educate students and staff on the importance of taking care of the environment and the negative impacts of single-use plastics. With that USM practices Malaysia’s Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030 Towards A Sustainable Future. USM has also enforced all the provisions of food and beverages in cafeterias and offices, as well as events organized by USM to use non-plastic materials to support this campaign.

  • Chemical Waste

    USM manages and disposes of scheduled waste from chemical experiments, unused/expired chemicals, and chemical spillage. Scheduled waste refers to waste materials with hazardous characteristics that have the potential to cause harm to both the public and the environment. These materials are classified in accordance with the national regulations specified in the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulation 2005. In compliance with this Regulation, the University disposes of hazardous chemicals at prescribed facilities licensed by the Department of Environment, Malaysia.

    USM has formulated guidelines for the disposal of scheduled waste, which are documented in the "Procedure for The Disposal and Management of Chemical Waste. The University Occupational Safety and Health Committee has approved and reviewed this procedure. To access this procedure, USM staff and students can download it from the UKKP website here. Information and news on the disposal efforts undertaken by USM can also be accessed through the website here.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

In USM, the built environment emphasizes eco-friendly construction, energy-efficient facilities, and green spaces, fostering a sustainable and conducive campus atmosphere.

WATER

USM prioritizes responsible water use and conservation. We employ water-saving technologies and promote conservation practices, engaging the campus community through education and awareness campaigns.

WASTE

USM emphasizes waste minimization and recycling. Our efforts include recycling facilities, awareness campaigns, and collaborations for proper waste management.

ENERGY

USM prioritizes energy sustainability through efficiency and renewable sources. As part of our effort to reduce carbon emissions, we adopt energy-saving tech, lighting, and solar panels.

CLIMATE CHANGE

USM is dedicated to climate change mitigation and adaptation. We integrate climate topics into our curriculum, conduct research, and organize awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

USM prioritizes sustainability through health and well-being initiatives by promoting physical and mental health, offering recreational facilities, and fostering a holistic and sustainable campus community.

BIODIVERSITY & ECOSYSTEM

USM emphasizes biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management in conducting research, collaborating with stakeholders, integrating biodiversity education, and practicing sustainable land use.