SDG7
可負擔的潔淨能源
NUK and Yokohama City University Deepen Taiwan-Japan Academic Cooperation through Sakura Science Program
【Text: Associate Professor Yi-JaoChen, Department of Architecture; Photo: Yokohama City University】【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】2026-03-11Under the support of the Sakura Science Program promoted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), a delegation of faculty and students from the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) recently traveled to Yokohama City University (YCU) in Japan to participate in an eight-day, seven-night international urban learning workshop. Led by NUK President Chi-Jen CHEN and Associate Professor Yi-Jao Chen from the Department of Architecture, the delegation included students specializing in fields such as architecture and law. Through academic lectures, field observations, and international exchange, the participants gained deep insights into the historical development, urban governance, and sustainability policies of Japanese port cities.During the visit, President Chi-Jen CHEN also held a formal meeting with YCU President Yoshihiro Ishikawa to discuss future academic research, student exchanges, and international collaborative curricula. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation between Taiwanese and Japanese higher education institutions, specifically expanding opportunities in urban studies and interdisciplinary education.The workshop commenced at YCU’s Minato Mirai Campus, with the participation and assistance of Professor Shinji Suzuki and Associate Professor Eri Aoki. In the opening session, Professor Suzuki presented on the "Urban Development History of Yokohama," outlining the city’s evolution since the opening of its port. The curriculum then extended to the Minato Mirai 21 district, where students learned about the historical context of urban redevelopment and the role of regional energy systems in low-carbon transitions. The group conducted on-site visits to local district heating and cooling facilities, while officials from the Yokohama Municipal Government shared the city’s net-zero emission policies and the "GREEN×EXPO" development strategy.For courses on urban planning and community regeneration, the delegation visited the Koganecho area. YCU Professor Masahiko Nakanishi introduced Japan's urban planning systems and practical cases in Yokohama, while Professor Suzuki discussed "Art and Community Regeneration," explaining how culture serves as a catalyst for urban renewal. By visiting local art spaces and community sites, students observed how a once-declining neighborhood has gradually rebuilt its vitality through artistic and cultural initiatives.Regarding port city governance, the Yokohama Port and Harbor Bureau introduced development strategies for the Yokohama waterfront within the framework of environmental policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students conducted walking surveys through Motomachi, Yamate, and Yamashita Park, and visited the Yokohama Archives of History to understand the city's transformation from a traditional port town into an international maritime hub. Furthermore, the group traveled to the Marunouchi district in Tokyo. Through a specialized seminar and guided tour by Mitsubishi Estate, they learned about Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in large-scale Japanese urban renewal projects and long-term spatial strategies for central business districts.To observe historical urban environments, the delegation also conducted a field survey in the ancient capital of Kamakura, visiting the Great Buddha and the bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple. Upon returning to campus, student groups presented their findings, re-evaluating the relationships between environmental policy, urban governance, and cultural preservation from the perspective of historical urban spaces. Notably, this workshop continued a collaboration established in September 2025, when a team from YCU visited NUK to study Kaohsiung’s own port city development.President Chi-Jen CHEN stated that the Sakura Science Program provides an international platform where students can observe urban development and public policy in a real-world setting. He noted that such immersive learning not only expands students' international horizons but also provides new inspirations from different governance and cultural contexts. Moving forward, NUK will continue to deepen its partnership with international peers like YCU to cultivate talent with global perspectives and interdisciplinary skills. This international mobility experience has established a robust foundation for future cooperation in teaching, research, and student exchange between the two universities.#SDG4 #SDG7 #SDG11 #SDG17 @Department of Architecture&Events
"UI GreenMetric World University Rankings": NUK Advances to 285th Place, Achieving Success in Promoting Environmental Sustainability.
【Translator : Siou-Yao Han】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) series】2024-01-03 The National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) has once again made it to the world rankings! In the latest "UI GreenMetric World University Rankings," NUK's global ranking has risen from 319th to 285th place, entering the top quarter. This reflects the university's commitment to incorporating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its core administrative governance, successfully practicing and promoting the concept of a green university.President Yueh-Tuan Chen of the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) stated that linking with society and industries, and responding to national policies, has always been the school's goal. In 2022, NUK took the lead in responding to the government's "Net Zero 2050" policy, declaring its commitment to the direction of becoming a "green university." In addition, the university has been actively installing public art to shape the cultural atmosphere on campus and promote environmental education. These efforts have contributed to the positive results in the "UI GreenMetric World University Rankings," and President Chen attributes this success to the collective efforts of all faculty, staff, and students. NUK will continue its endeavors in promoting environmental sustainability, education, and research.The "UI GreenMetric World University Rankings" is constructed based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, with evaluation categories encompassing "Setting and Infrastructure," "Energy and Climate Change," "Waste," "Water," "Transportation," and "Education and Research." The 2023 edition of this ranking was organized by Universitas Indonesia and was released last month on December 5th. A total of 1,183 universities from 84 countries participated in the competition, including 31 universities from Taiwan.The Office of General Affairs at the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) took the lead in participating in this ranking. Mr. Shih-Heng Tung, the Dean of General Affairs, pointed out that NUK has been actively applying for the ranking since 2022, and the university's performance has improved consistently. Moving from 319th place in 2022 to 285th place in 2023, significant improvements were observed in all six evaluation categories. This indicates the continuous refinement of the university's environmental strategies and practices.For example, in the "Setting and Infrastructure" category, the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) in Taiwan is ranked 8th among participating schools. This recognition is attributed to the university's commitment to environmental sustainability from its inception, marked by the signing of the "Talloires Declaration (June 5, 2004)," making it the first green university in Taiwan. The university's campus, formerly agricultural fields and fishponds acquired through land requisition by the Kaohsiung City Government, spans 82.5 hectares. After a series of environmental restoration efforts, the campus now boasts a forest and vegetation coverage of 51.64%.Furthermore, within the NUK campus, there are ecological ponds, East Lake, ecological water channels, and natural watercourse. In addition, there are 10 pieces of public art scattered throughout the campus, including installations like "Le Zai Yiqi (Have fun together)." The university has also integrated the surrounding 300 hectares into a university community, promoting environmental education and management under the concept of the "lung of the community." This approach not only attracts people for recreation but also facilitates outdoor education.In the "Transportation" category, the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) stands out, ranking 10th among participating schools in Taiwan. This recognition is attributed to several measures, such as controlling motorcycle access to the campus. All motorcycles of faculty, staff, and students, except for delivery and official vehicles, are required to be parked in designated areas. Additionally, NUK has collaborated with the Kaohsiung CityGovernment and YouBike, implementing 10 bike-sharing stations across the campus. This initiative facilitates easy movement for faculty, staff, students, and the public. Moreover, the university manages vehicle numbers through a campus entrance fee for cars, and it has planned five locations for "shared taxi" pick-up points, encouraging the use of public transportation and reducing reliance on private vehicles.#SDG4 #SDG6 #SDG7 #SDG9 #SDG11 #SDG12 #SDG13 @Department of General Affairs &Research
NUK integrates environmental education into self-directed learning through a game, "NUK Heroes: The Journey of Environmental Protection."
【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】2023-10-11 The era of self-directed learning has arrived! The National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) has teamed up with the gamified online learning platform PaGamO to announce the launch of an engaging game-based course titled "NUK Heroes: The Journey of Environmental Protection." This course creatively integrates environmental education into digital self-directed learning, inspiring students to actively participate in environment protection.The game will kick off on October 1st and run continuously until December 15th, offering a two-and-a-half-month super-powered adventure. The main focus of the course revolves around self-directed learning, allowing students at NUK to immerse themselves in a fun and meaningful learning experience.The NUK's "Higher Education Sprout Project" team collaborated with PaGamO to develop an engaging game-based course. The game offers diverse content, including five main themes, totaling 103 questions and 42 levels. Players will embark on an exciting adventure of environmental issues, accompanying characters Lai Pihou and Xiaoming as they enter virtual reality.In the game, players are required to collect stones to summon superheroes to change the global environment. Each level is designed to be challenging, requiring players to use their intelligence to solve various environmental issues such as climate change, energy crises, and ecological balance.Furthermore, the game emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning. Players will engage in independent thinking to find solutions to problems while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental protection and sustainable development. This serves to encourage students to comprehend how their actions can impact the future of the planet.The Center for Teaching and Learning Development, in collaboration with the gamified online learning platform PaGamO, integrates this into "The Goal of University Education" courses. The primary focus is on merging education with gamified learning, providing an engaging and varied learning experience. Through the game, students will understand environmental issues, thereby igniting their interest and capacity for solving these problems.NUK students participating in this game will have the chance to win awesome prizes, motivating them to actively engage in this adventure to save the Earth's environment.Let's join "NUK Heroes: The Journey of Environmental Protection" together and become the superheroes who change the world! This amazing course combines self-directed learning with environmental education, providing an engaging and fun learning experience. Join Professor Ke and face the challenges of the global environment together!#SDG4 #SDG7 #SDG13 #SDG15
