Promoting Conscious Water Usage on Campus

 

SDG 6.5.6 

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University, widely recognized as a #CampuswithAConscience, is deeply committed to integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into its daily operations. As part of this commitment, the University actively promotes conscious water usage across campus, embedding sustainability into both infrastructure and community practices. Through strategic initiatives, educational programs, and environmentally responsible design, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University fosters a culture of water conservation, encouraging the campus community to understand and adopt sustainable water management practices. 

 

All-year-round practice

Committed to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University launched the #TheLastStraw campaign in 2018 as part of its broader sustainability efforts. This initiative continues to be actively practiced today by the entire campus community, including students, staff, and visitors. As part of this commitment, the university has discontinued the sale of drinking water in single-use plastic bottles and cups across campus—including in student canteens and vending machines.

To support this transition and ensure access to clean drinking water, free water refilling stations have been installed throughout the campus. This effort not only reduces plastic waste that can harm water ecosystems but also encourages a culture of conscious water usage. By shifting away from disposable packaging and promoting refillable alternatives, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University reinforces its role as a #CampuswithAConscience, leading by example in sustainable water management and responsible consumption.  

plastic campaign

 

To further incorporate commitment to SDGs, the installation and promotion of efficient water fixtures serve as a cornerstone in encouraging conscious water usage to the campus community. By integrating sustainable technologies such as low-flow faucets, sensor-activated taps, and water-efficient toilets, the campaign aims to reduce water waste while fostering long-term awareness among students, staff, and visitors. This ongoing effort not only supports the university’s environmental goals but also cultivates a culture of responsibility and mindfulness in everyday water use. 

Self closing taps
Self-closing taps minimise water wastage by ensuring that water only flows when required. 
Sensor taps are also installed on all toilet sinks
Sensor taps are also installed on all toilet sinks, only allowing water to flow when hands are nearby.
Sensor flush system are installed in all toilets.
Sensor flush systems for toilets, providing controlled flushing that optimizes water use. 
Low flow bidet with aerated head.
Low-flow bidet with aerated head that maintain functionality while significantly lowering water usage.

 

Awareness campaign

In support of the year-round water conservation campaign, reminder notices have been strategically placed on every toilet wall across campus to reinforce the message of mindful water usage. These visual prompts complement the installed water-efficient fixtures by encouraging users to actively participate in reducing water consumption during their daily routines. The combination of practical tools and consistent awareness efforts aims to cultivate a lasting culture of sustainability and personal responsibility among all campus occupants. 

save_water_toilet1

 

As part of the annual SDG Exhibition organized by the Tun Hussein Onn ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Library, the 2024 edition featured a special showcase by the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development, open to both the campus community and the public. The exhibition aimed to highlight the Center’s milestones, ongoing initiatives, and impactful research aligned with the UN SDGs.  

One of the key highlights was their work on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, a research project on Monitoring Biodiversity of Plants and Algae in and around ºìÐÓÊÓƵ South Quay (SSQ) Lake. This initiative underscores the critical link between biodiversity and water quality, demonstrating how the health of aquatic ecosystems directly influences the availability and safety of water for daily use. By preserving the natural balance of lakes and oceans, we help maintain cleaner water sources, reduce the need for intensive water treatment, and ensure long-term sustainability. Through this research, the community gains valuable insight into how everyday water usage—whether through consumption, sanitation, or recreation—is deeply connected to the ecological integrity of nearby water bodies.