In order to implement sustainable operations and development while promoting diverse ecosystems on campus, MCUT, as a member of the Green University Union of Taiwan, is developing various environment-friendly measures such as campus greening and energy conservation through interdisciplinary sustainable knowledge sharing. In the future, the university will continue to promote the construction of solar photovoltaics with the goal of achieving net-zero energy and will dedicate itself to building a green-energy, low-carbon campus to realize the visions of a zero-carbon campus and environmental sustainability.

Circular and Sustainable Campus

reBAG

The Environment Agency of Great Britain's 2011 research findings revealed that a cotton, eco-friendly shopping bag must be used at least 131 times to offset the environmental impact of using a disposable plastic shopping bag once. To support New Taipei City's initiative to reduce the use of plastic bags, MCUT has introduced the reBAG Recycling Bin to provide a platform for communication on various kinds of bags. This provides a platform for collecting different types of plastic, paper, and eco-friendly bags for recycling, thereby extending their life cycle. The reBAG recycling bin is in front of the Office of General Affairs in the Teaching Building. By 2024, additional storage locations will be added, with plans to install recycling bins at the Comprehensive Building and Innovation Building.

Formosa Biomedical Laundry Detergent Refill Mobile Unit

To promote the reduction of plastics on campus, MCUT has set up environmentally friendly laundry detergent refill mobile units at the waiting booth at the campus entrance, in front of the catering department of Student Dormitory 1, and in the basement of phase nine dormitory. People can bring empty bottles and purchase bottled laundry detergent for NT$40 per liter, while the market price of the laundry detergent is NT$119 per liter. In addition to reducing the generation of empty plastic bottles, we provide laundry detergent with an environmentally friendly label and high biodegradability to minimize plastics and hazards against water resources.

Used clothes recycling bin

Under the combined influence of fast fashion and online shopping, staying up to date with current fashion trends is a common interest among students, faculty, and staff. As a result, many second-hand clothes can be spotted on campus at certain times or when students are moving out. In response, MCUT has placed recycling bins for used clothes at Student Dormitory 1 and phase nine dormitory on campus. This initiative aims to promote the concept of a circular economy, extend the lifespan of clothes, and reduce waste and environmental pollution on campus.

Campus Greening Management

The MCUT campus features about seven parks and landscape rest areas, including Diligence and Perseverance Park, Formosan Indigenous Park, Simplicity Park, Founder Memorial Park, and others. Flower houses have been established on campus to enhance the beauty and greenery of the environment. These facilities are open for visitors, teachers, and students to enjoy. The shrub planting area on campus covers approximately 5,300m². The main tree species have an average age of 20-30 years. Various animals such as squirrels, snails, frogs, crabs, snakes, bamboo partridges, and a variety of birds including turtledoves can commonly be seen on campus. More recently, creatures such as butterflies and fireflies have also been observed, showcasing the diverse campus ecology and the success of campus greening.

Recycling of Horticultural Waste on Campus

The campus has abundant native plants, forests, and green spaces. In the past, campus staff conducted annual pruning and branch trimming. Currently, wood chippers have been purchased to dispose of non-easily rotted tree branches that take up space. This helps in achieving the goals of soil improvement and waste reduction. The types of horticultural waste on campus can be generally classified into four categories: fallen leaves, branches, trunks, and others.

Processing of Yellow Leaves of Royal Palm Trees

Gongzhuan Road on campus is an existing road, and the royal palm trees on both sides are still under MCUT’s administration. This road is a Coconut Grove Avenue that presents a unique local landscape. However, since the trees have already been planted for many years with heights reaching three to four stories of general buildings, falling coconut leaves may harm pedestrians and vehicles. We want to protect the environment and trees, so we will strengthen publicity to remind students, teachers, and other people to be vigilant when walking under the coconut grove. Additionally, we will utilize monthly maintenance work to patrol yellow leaves from the coconut trees. When yellow leaves are found, cranes will be used to conduct high-altitude operations to remove these leaves and maintain the safety of the campus and people passing by.

Recycling of Pruned Branches on Campus

In the current year, MCUT collaborated with ReWood, an expert in providing solutions for remaining forestry materials. We transported 9 tons and 6 tons of pruned branches to ReWood for effective utilization in March and May, respectively. To maintain campus greening and ensure students' safety, MCUT checks its campus trees yearly and periodically prunes trees that affect pedestrians and vehicles. Furthermore, we would track, prune, or remove diseased trees. However, pruned trees on campus were usually directly transported to incinerators for incineration, lacking effective utilization. ReWood implements high-value recycling of pruned branches on campus and uses the recycled branches for professional charcoal production. Then, the charcoal will be processed and made into dehumidification packs or air-purifying charcoal planters. The pyroligneous generated during charcoal production can also be used to make environment-friendly detergents, reducing environmental burdens. The selected pruned branches can also be used as woodworking materials. As a result, the campus trees can be reconnected with people's lives again as quality home decorations. During the charcoal production process, people can receive environmental education, experience ecological sustainability, and carry out woodworking skills so that culture and forestry ecology continue to thrive.