Sustainability Pillar IV

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is dedicated to embedding sustainability into its operations and governance, a key pillar of its Sustainability Masterplan. UBD actively promotes resource efficiency, energy-saving measures, and waste reduction across campus operations. Governance structures, including dedicated committees and policies, ensure accountability and prioritise sustainability in decision-making. Through these efforts, UBD aims to align with both national and global sustainability goals for lasting impact.

UBD Sustainability Masterplan

Launched in Aug 2024, Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) Sustainability Masterplan integrates sustainability across all aspects of university operations and aligns with national and global goals. It focuses on five key pillars:

1. Driving Innovation through Sustainability Research: Encouraging interdisciplinary research and innovation to address sustainability challenges.
2. Cultivating Sustainability Champions through Transformative Education: Embedding sustainability into the curriculum to educate future leaders on environmental, economic and social stewardship.
3. Futuring Sustainability through Green Campus: Fostering a sustainable, eco-friendly campus through energy-efficient technologies, sustainable building practices, and the creation of green spaces for a low environmental impact and healthy community.
4. Sustainable Stewardship through Visionary Governance: Implementing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible resource management practices for a long-lasting sustainable impact.
5. Empowering Sustainable and Resilient Communities through Engagement and Partnership: Engaging the community through awareness campaigns and partnerships to promote sustainability.

This masterplan demonstrates UBD’s commitment to building a sustainable future through education, research, campus practices and community outreach, fostering a culture of sustainability that prepares future leaders to address global challenges.

Sustainable Business Operation

As a public university, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) adheres to the Government Financial Regulation to ensure it meets compliance requirement and maintain transparency and accountability throughout its operation. Furthermore, UBD aligns its campus operations and initiatives with the Brunei Climate Change Office’s Green Protocol, in support of the national effort to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

a.       Low waste business operation

• Reduced paper usage: The university is committed to minimising its environmental impact by significantly reducing printing and paper usage. This has been achieved through the implementation of digital systems for management and administration, including the Online Admissions System (OASys), Research Management System (ReMS), and the adoption of online meeting document repositories.
• Management of Sustainability events: From 2024 with the launch of the UBD Sustainability Masterplan, conscious and collective efforts have been made to create awareness and drive the adaptation to SDG-supporting lifestyle changes amongst the university community at the events organised by the university, such as the reduction of the use of plastic water bottles at meetings and events and the use of paper packaging.
• Tree planting: Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has launched several significant tree planting initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. Recently, in collaboration with Dynamik Technologies, UBD launched the “Adopt-a-Tree” program at the UBD Botanical Research Centre.  This initiative offers a unique opportunity to engage like-minded individuals and organizations in meaningful collaboration, allowing them to adopt and care for trees. By participating, they can contribute to the university’s efforts to enhance biodiversity, promote green spaces, and demonstrate a shared commitment to combating climate change and fostering a greener future for all.

b. Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Online Management Systems

GIS: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development

The GenNEXT Information System (GIS) is a groundbreaking online platform developed by UBD in 2019 to streamline and enhance the academic journey of its students. By providing a comprehensive system for managing various aspects of student life, from admissions to graduation, GIS is not only improving efficiency but also contributing significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

OASys: A Seamless Admissions Process

In addition to GIS, UBD utilises the Online Admissions System (OASys) to facilitate the admissions process for prospective students. OASys provides a convenient and efficient platform for applicants to submit their applications, track the status of their applications, and receive admission decisions online. OASys plays a crucial role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting equitable access to education, reducing administrative burdens, and fostering a more inclusive and efficient admissions process.

By combining GIS and OASys, UBD offers a comprehensive and efficient system for managing the entire student lifecycle, from admissions to graduation. This integrated approach contributes to the university’s commitment to providing a high-quality and accessible education for its students.

Canvas: Enhancing Education and Sustainability at UBD

Canvas, a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS), is used at UBD to streamline course management, enhance communication, and support both in-person and online learning. It allows instructors to organise courses, share materials, assign and grade work, and engage with students through discussion boards and messaging tools. By centralising course resources and enabling seamless interaction, Canvas not only contributes to a more flexible, accessible, and efficient learning environment but also supports sustainability efforts by reducing the need for paper-based materials, aligning with UBD’s goals of promoting eco-friendly and sustainable education practices.

myUBD: A Comprehensive University Platform

MyUBD serves as a comprehensive online platform that houses vital information and updates on university processes and regulations. This centralised platform provides a convenient and accessible resource for both students and staff, streamlining communication and enhancing efficiency. myUBD hosts the student portal which offers a wealth of information specifically tailored to students’ needs and the staff portal which provides a dedicated space for staff to access information related to their roles and responsibilities. myUBD also acts as a e-document repository for university meetings.

The Research Management System (ReMS)

The Research Management System (ReMS) is designed in the Office of Assistant Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Sustainability (OAVCRIS) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to streamline and enhance the management of the research activities. ReMS provides a comprehensive solution for handling all facets of research management. These processes include proposals of new grants, administration of existing projects (such as extensions, budget virements, progress reports and changes of the Research Teams), hiring Research Assistants, appointing Visiting Academic staff, and granting research leaves of staff. The primary purpose of ReMS is to create an efficient, user-friendly platform that simplifies administrative tasks, ensures compliance with institutional and funding requirements, and facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among researchers and administrative staff.

This efficient platform reduces paper usage and supports sustainability goals by minimising administrative waste.

Supporting the SDGs

These online management systems are making a substantial contribution to several SDGs, including:

• SDG 4: Quality Education: These online platforms enhance the quality of education by providing user-friendly and efficient tools for students and staff to access academic information and services. By streamlining administrative processes and reducing paperwork, the platforms minimise administrative burdens, enabling the university to focus more on delivering high-quality education.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality: The systems can help to promote gender equality by ensuring that all students have equal access to academic resources and opportunities, regardless of their gender. OASys ensures a transparent and unbiased admissions process, reducing the potential for gender-based discrimination.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The systems represent innovative technological solutions that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of higher education institutions. The systems can reduce administrative costs and improve resource allocation, allowing universities to invest more in education and research.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: By providing a centralised and accessible platform for students and staff, the systems can help to reduce inequalities based on socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other factors, in access to education and research opportunities.

Sustainability Governance and Reporting

The establishment of the university SDG committee marks a pivotal moment in the university’s journey towards embedding sustainability into all aspects of the university’s functions. Comprising 15 members, including esteemed leaders from faculties, research centres, and administrative offices, alongside representation from the national SDG coordination committee, the committee’s leadership is entrusted to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Sustainability.

The inclusion of senior figures from diverse university offices ensures that sustainability becomes deeply ingrained in teaching, research, and day-to-day functions, spanning across disciplinary boundaries. This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is fundamental for tackling the intricate challenges posed by sustainability, fostering innovative solutions through holistic problem-solving.

Moreover, the participation of members from the Secretariat to the Special National Coordination Committee on SDGs Brunei Darussalam underscores the university’s commitment to harmonising its sustainability endeavours with national priorities. This symbiotic relationship facilitates invaluable exchanges of knowledge, resources, and support, nurturing a mutually reinforcing partnership between the university and the broader national sustainability framework.

In essence, the formation of the university SDG committee represents a proactive declaration of the institution’s dedication to sustainability. It serves as a testament to its resolve in spearheading sustainable development internally while synergistically aligning with national objectives, thereby paving the way for a more resilient and responsible future.

UBD is committed to responsible governance and transparency in sustainability. UBD aims to regularly report our sustainability initiatives and progress through our website, newsletter, and social media platforms, ensuring accountability and demonstrating our dedication to effective sustainability practices.

Innovation of Teaching and Learning Centre (InTELECT)

InTELECT at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), serves as a hub of innovation dedicated to promoting teaching excellence in education. The centre focuses on enhancing the quality of education through a variety of initiatives, including workshops and training programs designed to empower educators with the latest pedagogical skills and methodologies.

By fostering collaboration with local and global industry experts, InTELECT strengthens the ties between academia and the professional world, ensuring that teaching practices are relevant and impactful. Through its commitment to continuous improvement, InTELECT is instrumental in shaping a dynamic and effective learning environment at UBD.

Lifelong Learning

The Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the student learning experience by promoting the importance of lifelong learning.

Guided by the vision of Transforming Teaching, Inspiring Lifelong Learning, C3L strives to cultivate a passion for continuous education through various initiatives. These include integrating lifelong learning principles into existing modules, offering specialised programs, and creating activities that foster this mindset among students.

C3L also develops Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs for UBD alumni and non-UBD graduates, allowing individuals to upgrade their skills or explore second careers. Additionally, the centre offers non-formal learning opportunities for Bruneians and the general public, supporting both personal and professional growth.

UBD ensures that lifelong learning opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or gender. By providing flexible and accessible lifelong learning options through blended learning formats, C3L enables students and the public to pursue higher education qualifications, whether through non-certificate, certificate, or degree programs. The centre also engages in research focused on next-generation learning technologies to enhance online learning experiences.

For more information about UBD’s programmes and the admission process, please visit UBD’s Admission Page. This page provides detailed insights into available programmes, entry requirements, application procedures, and other essential information.