SMU’s 2024 International Green Gown Awards Recognition: A Blueprint for Sustainability
As the University strives to create meaningful impact for a greener future, SMU has been integrating sustainability initiatives across education, research, campus, and community involvement. Its efforts were recognised at the 2024 International Green Gown Awards, winning “Sustainability Institution of the Year” and the “Next Generational Learning Skills”. Its net-zero energy building, SMU Connexion, was also “Highly Commended” at the awards.
Singapore Management University has been making great strides in its sustainability initiatives since the launch of its SMU 2025 Strategy in 2020 and its Sustainability Blueprint in 2022. Both serve to guide the university in its efforts towards addressing global complexities and cultivating positive change that support and enable sustainable living.
The university’s green endeavours were recognised at the 2024 International Green Gown Awards, a prestigious event that lauds exceptional sustainability initiatives by universities worldwide. Of the 28 awards presented, SMU took home two major honours: “Sustainability Institution of the Year” and “Next Generational Learning and Skills”.
Creating a culture of sustainability in the community
Underpinning the University’s ethos and sustainability initiatives is the Sustainability Blueprint. This blueprint outlines the university’s approach to embed sustainability in the everyday life of the SMU community, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In this action plan, SMU is creating a culture of sustainability through four key strategies: Cultivating a Greener University, Developing Change Agents, Driving Impactful Research, and Fostering Resilient Communities. From minimising on-campus waste and reducing its carbon footprint, to upholding diversity, equality, and inclusion practices, SMU has made sustainability its ethos and a shared responsibility across the institution.
A hands-on approach in training future leaders
In 2015, SMU launched SMU-X, an innovative, university-wide experiential learning programme designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. As a hallmark of the institution’s future-oriented pedagogy, SMU-X empowers students to apply their learning in real-world settings. This unique approach earned the programme the prestigious “Next Generational Learning and Skills” award.
“By collaborating with various industry partners, we provide students with real-world projects that address societal and business challenges, including sustainability,” said Mr Kevin Koh, Head of SMU-X at the Office of the Provost. Together with other 2024 International Green Gown Awards winners, he was invited to share his insights at a recent webinar hosted by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges, in conjunction with Education Day at COP29.
During his presentation, Mr Koh highlighted ways in which SMU-X accelerates sustainability efforts through hands-on learning. A key initiative is the integration of green skills into the curriculum offered across SMU’s different schools. These courses expose students to green technologies, future-proofing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle sustainability issues in the real world. Through industry collaborations, students have ample opportunities in innovating solutions in areas such as renewable energy and sustainable urban planning. One notable project is a smart food waste management tool, developed by SMU students in partnership with supermarket chain FairPrice Group.
“SMU-X is available to undergraduates, postgraduates, adult learners, and exchange students. In addition, our green job initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all students,” Mr Koh emphasised.
Partnerships with overseas higher education institutions further extend the experiential learning programme to a broader student body. Each year, SMU-X brings together more than 5,000 students, 120 instructors, and 200 industry partners to co-create solutions to address real-world challenges.
Leading the charge on sustainability
At the 2024 International Green Gown Awards, SMU also received a “Highly Commended” recognition for its SMU Connexion building in the 2030 Climate Action category. The vibrant, multi-functional space supports the SMU-X experiential learning pedagogy, offering both educational and recreational facilities designed to foster innovation and collaboration.
In line with the university’s commitment to sustainability, SMU Connexion was constructed using cutting-edge engineering techniques that not only accelerated construction but also reduced carbon emissions. Notably, it is the first large-scale Mass Engineered Timber (MET) development in Singapore’s city centre and the first on-site net-zero energy building. Equipped with photovoltaic systems, SMU Connexion is a self-sustaining structure that generates its own power, setting a new benchmark for urban sustainability.
SMU Connexion is just one example of the university’s broader efforts in enhancing the environmental performance of its buildings. Through large and small-scale changes, SMU is working towards becoming a carbon-neutral campus by 2030. The campus also serves as a living laboratory, where students, faculty, and industry partners can research, innovate, and test solutions for a more sustainable future.
By integrating sustainability-centred initiatives across education, research, campus, and community involvement, SMU has designed a holistic strategy in cultivating environmental responsibility in higher education. Its trailblazing strategy aligns with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, while supporting the Singapore Green Plan 2030. SMU’s recognition at the International Green Gown Awards is a testament to its ongoing commitment to placing sustainability at the heart of everything it does, as the university continues to lead the charge towards a greener future.
