Built Enviroment
EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT
OUR MISSION IS TO DRIVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INNOVATIVE PRACTICES AND SOLUTIONS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, ADDRESSING CRITICAL CHALLENGES AND PROMOTING THE SDGS AS GUIDING PRINCIPLES.
At our university, our mission is to transform the built environment into a force for positive change, driving innovation and sustainability to address global challenges and achieve the SDGs.
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Explore Free Open Green Spaces
FREE Public Access to Open Spaces and Green Spaces
Our campus is more than a hub for academic pursuit; it’s a sanctuary for both mind and body. USM proudly provides free, permanent public access to open spaces and green spaces, where a rich tapestry of grass, majestic trees, and vibrant plant life creates essential havens for our community. These green spaces are more than just scenic—they are life-enhancing, promoting mental and physical well-being, reducing illness risks, and fostering vitality. Refer to the open spaces and green spaces map to explore the abundance of nature that graces USM, inviting you to reconnect, revitalize, and thrive in this vibrant ecosystem
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Sustainable Practices
Sustainable Practices Targets
USM’s Sustainability Action Plan outlines targets to promote more sustainable commuting options, aiming to reduce environmental impact from campus transportation. Key initiatives include reducing motor vehicle usage by 50% by 2023, increasing bicycle rentals by 50%, and ensuring 30% shaded pathways by 2023. Additionally, USM is encouraging the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, enhancing shaded walkways, and promoting the use of non-motorized transport options such as walking and cycling. Public transport use and carpooling are also integral parts of their sustainable mobility goals
Sustainable Commuting
As a sustainability-driven university, USM actively undertakes actions to promote more sustainable commuting by providing a range of eco-friendly facilities and programs on campus. These include free and subsidised shuttle buses, free bicycle parking, cycle tracks, covered walkways, pedestrian paths, and shuttle services. USM also offers E-Bikes and Beam scooters as part of its bicycle-sharing programme, supporting convenient and sustainable transport alternatives. These initiatives aim to reduce reliance on cars and motorcycles, ultimately lowering the campus’s carbon footprint. Additionally, USM’s facilities are inclusive, taking into account the needs of users with disabilities to ensure accessible and sustainable commuting options for the entire university community.
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Prioritizing Pedestrian Access at USM
USM prioritizes pedestrian access on campus, placing pedestrians at the heart of our campus design. With bustling sidewalks, well-marked crosswalks, and inviting pedestrian zones, we've created a space where people stay connected with their surroundings. We understand the crucial role pedestrian safety plays in fostering a sustainable and vibrant campus. By focusing on pedestrian access, we're not just enhancing safety – we're promoting a culture of physical activity, reducing our carbon footprint, and strengthening our community. Join us in walking towards a healthier, greener, and more connected campus experience!
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Affordable Housing
1. Affordable Housing for Employees
USM provides housing options for on-call officers, including housing officers and technical employees working on campus. Additionally, USM provides affordable house rentals ranging from RM 200 to RM 350, significantly lower than market prices. The university also provides financial support for basic necessities to eligible employees.
2. Affordable Housing for Students
USM provides affordable on-campus housing through Desasiswa (hostels) for students, with rates as low as RM 5.00 to RM 6.00 per day per student. These housing are equipped with essential services such as cafeterias, laundry, and shops, with bus services provided for easy access to lecture halls and other campus locations. Special housing is available for disabled students at Desasiswa Aman Damai. Additionally, students from low-income families under the e-Kasih program receive financial support through discounted room rates.
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Supporting Remote Work
The university has adopted greater flexibility in working hours by allowing remote work for employees through the implementation of a clock-in system called the 'Sistem Kehadiran Kerja Fleksi.' To promote telecommuting as a standard policy and enhance work-life balance, the university encourages employees to utilize tools such as teleconferencing to support these arrangements.
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Green Building, Brighter Future
USM’s Sustainability Action Plan and USM's Energy Policy includes clear goals for building new infrastructure to sustainable standards. By 2025, all new buildings will comply with Malaysia's MS 1525:2007 standard, which emphasizes energy efficiency in non-residential buildings. The university is also working towards achieving 5% compliance with the Energy Management Gold Standard (EMGS) by the same year. This ensures that sustainable design and construction practices are integrated into all new developments on campus
The TORAY-USM Building has received the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Award for achieving an energy consumption of 61 kWh/m2/year due to its design, which incorporates long windows to facilitate natural daylight usage over electrical energy. The Toray-USM Knowledge Transfer Centre stands as evidence of the integrity and success of the university-industry relationship in elevating scientific work outcomes, including research and innovation efforts, and the connections forged through various networks to enhance the university's and the country's global reputation.

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.