In 2024, Universiti Sains Malaysia strengthened its commitment to sustainable campus development by prioritising the reuse and upgrading of brownfield sites rather than expanding into undeveloped green areas. A brownfield site refers to previously developed land that is currently underused or unused, including spaces where redevelopment may be complicated by the presence of existing structures or ageing facilities.

One key example is the redevelopment of the former Matriculation Building (Bangunan No. 88, D33). This site has a long and layered history of previous use. It was originally constructed as a male student hostel, and later repurposed for the School of Chemical Sciences laboratories after the Matriculation Centre moved to the Ministry of Education in 2000. Over time, as academic activities relocated and laboratory operations shifted to newer facilities, the building gradually became underutilised, fitting the definition of a brownfield site as previously developed land that was no longer actively or optimally used.

Instead of constructing a new facility on untouched land, USM chose to adaptively reuse and renovate this existing structure to establish the Graduate School of Business. By revitalising the building, USM preserved the existing footprint, minimised construction waste, reduced environmental impact, and avoided the need for new land clearing. This approach ensured that an ageing, underused building was transformed into a modern academic facility that continues to serve the university community.

This redevelopment demonstrates USM’s sustainable planning approach, which emphasises upgrading and reusing underutilised built assets while protecting green spaces. It reflects the university’s long-term commitment to responsible land stewardship and sustainable campus development.

Please find below the photos showing the building before and after redevelopment.

Before:

After: