Keeping up with the ESG: How Education Nurture Future Talents at FJCU

Author: Andrea Hsu

According to the Paris Agreement proposed in 2015, member states of the United Nations aim to cope with climate change and put efforts to alleviate global temperature growth below 2°C by 2030. The responsibility is not only accounted for by governments but also by schools. Since topics related to sustainable development and disclosure standards have gained significant attention, in response, Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU) has been on its way to becoming the pioneer in the field of university sustainability. The Sustainability Management Micro Program under the College of Business is designed with a total of 12 credits, including six mandatory credits and six elective credits. Students are required to take the course “Seminar on Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Alignment with Fu Jen Catholic University Mission.” By exploring theoretical analysis and applying practical methods, they can learn how to integrate social entrepreneurship and community service, as well as engage in hands-on sustainable innovation projects. 

Apart from the circular economy, another team brings up the topic of source reduction under the supply chain. Team Two notices the problem of plastic pollution and its long-term negative effects to the environment, proposing a solution to redesign discarded plastics. Their solutions change plastic waste into valuable materials that can be used repeatedly. Furthermore, they point out why and how to enhance the public's awareness to decrease single-use plastic. With approaches to plastic management, their creative ideas contribute to environmental protection in both land and marine.

As a leader in the ESG trend, the FJCU Sustainable Development and Management Research Center has dedicated itself to several initiatives for years. They hold keynotes and lectures every month. Teachers of the center also instruct students to attend competitions to cultivate a sustainable mindset. By collaborating with industry experts, the center provides students with opportunities to tackle pressing sustainability challenges. According to Prof. Tseng, the CEO of the center, the institution “aims to equip students with the knowledge and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development through workshops and courses,” Prof. Tseng added. More and more students are thus able to embark on sustainability-related career paths.

Additionally, the center has been publishing corporate social responsibility reports since 2019, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability on campus. The reports highlight how FJCU reduces electricity and water consumption. One major initiative is the implementation of electricity-efficient systems, such as LED lighting and smart meters, to monitor electricity usage. “We reduced electricity consumption by 15% over three years through the installation of energy-efficient systems and motion-activated lighting,” mentioned by Prof. Tseng. Meanwhile, water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting have been introduced to minimize resource waste. Beyond resource management, plans include the installation of solar panels on building rooftops to generate renewable energy, targeting a 10% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025.

As the global emphasis on sustainability grows, universities are increasingly expected to embrace University Social Responsibility (USR).  FJCU proactively comes up with strategies with the Net-Zero trend. “Net-Zero is not merely a goal but a mindset,” Prof. Tseng remarked. He stressed the value of integrating sustainability into university operations, from academic to campus, is crucial. In the following semesters, the College of Business and the FJCU Sustainable Development and Management Research Center plan to provide more curriculums of sustainability-related courses, hoping that ESG education can inspire students and the community to take sustainability seriously. The school will continue to implement sustainable campus operations in the future in order to align with FJCU’s mission to foster the culture of sustainability and serve as a model for other institutions.