SUSTAINABILITY
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were born at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. The objective was to produce a set of universal goals that meet the urgent environmental, political and economic challenges facing our world.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a set of 17 interconnected goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to guide global development efforts by 2030.
These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) - 17 ELEMENTS
1.No poverty
2.Zero hunger
3.Good health and well-being
4.Quality Education
5.Gender equality
6.Clean water and sanitation
7.Affordable and clean energy
8.Decent work and economic growth
9.Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10.Reduced inequalities
11.Sustainable cities and economies
12.Responsible consumption and production
13.Climate action
14.Life below water
15.Life on land
16.Peace, justice and strong institutions
17.Partnership for the goals
To support USM sustainability, the School of Aerospace Engineering is adopting and implementing the five main criteria of the Green Office to achieve the mission of sustainable development on campus.
The five criteria and practices are as follows.
- Principles of green procurement
A sustainability audit of green procurement principles assesses whether an organisation makes responsible purchasing decisions, reducing environmental harm, supporting ethical supply chains, and creating long-term value. - Waste management
Promote sustainability by placing reminder posters, providing waste bins, promoting and executing 5R activities, encouraging online meetings, and utilising cloud storage to reduce paper waste. - Resource Efficiency
Encouraging staff to switch off the electricity when not in use, purchasing Energy Star 5 electrical appliances, maintaining the service for the air conditioner and water filter, and promoting the use of natural light to replace artificial lighting as much as possible in certain areas. - Health and Safety
Displaying safety and health policies in the lab and a visible area, placing suitable indoor plants in the office, and preparing and maintaining a conducive and clean workplace with a good and safe environment for people's safety. Additionally, the school has an emergency lane and fire prevention measures in place, ensuring readiness for emergency purposes. Other than that, we encourage good practices in handling chemical items and support a free tobacco/vape policy around the campus. - Staff and community involvement
Sustainability awareness and posters are everywhere, staff and students are involved in sustainability programs organised by the schools or campus.
ACTIVITIES
Sustainable Waste Management Practices During Jamuan Hari Raya
During the Jamuan Hari Raya, we took several steps to manage waste properly. The sustainability team provided separate bins for recyclable and non-recyclable items. Signs were placed in the visible area to help dispose of waste correctly. To minimise food waste, staff were encouraged to take only what they could reasonably expect to finish. These efforts support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Kaizen for Productivity and Quality
The School of Aerospace Engineering successfully held a "Kaizen Talk" by Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Yusri @ Zulfiki Bin Mohd Yusof, Director of Boeing Composites Malaysia. The session provided valuable insights on the concept of Kaizen and its practical application, inspiring participants to embrace continuous improvement in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9, 12, and 13).
Program Gotong Royong Perdana Peringkat Kampus
School of Aerospace Engineering successfully organized the "Gotong-Royong Perdana" in conjunction with Sustainability Week 2025 at the Engineering Campus. The program included opening remarks by the Dean, briefing sessions from the School's Sustainability Officer, and group activities that focused on recycling and campus cleanliness, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12, 13, 14 & 15). This collaborative effort fostered environmental awareness while enhancing the beauty and sustainability of the campus.