SUSTAINABILITY at UM (English Only)

About Us

Mission Statement

The University of Macau is committed to building a sustainable future through education, research, and community engagement. Our goal is to integrate sustainability into every aspect of campus life, from climate change and environment to promote the wellbeing of our staff and students, while leverages innovative technologies to address societal needs.

Core Values

  • ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

  • INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE RESEARCH

  • COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  • SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

  • EQUALITY AND INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

Corporate Publications

UMagazine 《澳大新語》

Autumn/Winter 2025 | Issue 32
2025年 秋/冬 | 第32期

In this issue of UMagazine, the Cover Story section focuses on the UM’s efforts and achievements in advancing sustainable development.

Here is the website of UMagazine for your reference: https://www.um.edu.mo/news/publications/umagazine/

Net-zero Commitment

In 2024, in alignment with the “Macao’s Long-Term Decarbonization Strategy” (published in December 2023), UM seeks to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2049. Additionally, UM places great emphasis on researching innovative technologies to advance ecological sustainability.

Features

Green Campus Design

The campus has the water recycling system, lake water purification system, rainwater harvesting system and solar power water heating system etc.
 
Ecological Buildings

Student Activity Centre (E31) is the first building in Macao S.A.R. to receive two highest-standard awards in the nation’s accreditation system

    • China’s Three-Star Green Building Design Label awarded by the China Green Building Council in 2015.
    • Three-Star Green Building Operation Label awarded by the China Green Building Council in 2018.
 
Environmental Management System Standard

All academic Units, academic support units and administrative units fulfills ISO 14001:2015 “Environmental Management System Standard”.

UM is committed in promoting sustainability through knowledge integration in all levels: from undergraduates through whole person education to postgraduates who seek to gain specific knowledge.

Courses & Programs on Environmental Sustainability
 
Research Centres and Research Groups on Environmental Sustainability
Key Research Areas under SDGs
Dimension Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Research Highlights

Environmental

 SDG13 Climate Action Carbon Neutrality Technologies
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation Improving Wastewater treatment efficiency
SDG 14 Life Below Water Maine pollution control and aquatic biodiversity conservation
Social SDG7 Affordable and Clean Energy New-energy battery technologies
SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing Chinese medicine-based drug research and development
SDG4 Quality Education Mental Health
Economic SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth Second Language Education
SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production Industry development and smart tourism
SDG9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Nano-engineered building materials

There are several students societies/clubs that are related to SDGs:

Apart from student societies, UM also put great efforts to support societal needs through community partnerships and engagements. Below are some examples of UM’s efforts in support of SDGs through community engagements:

Policies and Other Resources

Environmental Policy

University of Macau is committed to building a sustainable future through education, research, and community engagement. Our goal is to integrate sustainability into every aspect of campus life, from climate change and environment to promote the wellbeing of our staff and students, while leverages innovative technologies to address societal needs. Hence, UM has established and maintains a Quality and Environmental Management System complying with the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Moreover, we are committed to:

  1. Keep improve our service quality and environmental performance;
  2. Develop and improve UM’s campus environment for living, learning and working with guiding principles of customer-centred, user satisfaction and full staff commitment.
  3. Comply with all applicable local regulations and environmental requirements;
  4. Simplify administrative procedure where appropriate and give more autonomy and responsibility to different units within the University to optimise work efficiency and provide timely services to users;
  5. Prevent pollution, maximise energy efficiency, as well as to reduce the consumption of materials and other resources;
  6. Strengthen the environmental awareness of staff and students and incorporate environmental concepts in the design of buildings and facilities on the campus;
  7. Protect the natural and ecological environment of the campus;
  8. Encourage external providers and contractors to enhance their service quality and environmental performance;
  9. Be the pioneer of Macao S.A.R. to use recycled water for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation*.

*Remarks: Recycled water pipelines have been installed across the campus of the University of Macau. The recycled water supply system was officially commissioned on 1 March 2026. This sustainable water source is designated exclusively for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, supporting the university’s commitment to water conservation and environmental stewardship.

**Please refer to the following links for information:

Magazine Article/ Interview

The 170th issue of the Chinese magazine “Macau” has been released. (Only available in Chinese)

  • LAI Meng Kai, Director of Campus Management and Development at the University of Macau, provides a detailed introduction to the specific measures implemented by the Macao SAR government to promote recycled water. He analyzes the intelligent management of dual-pipe networks and the advanced purification techniques employed, demonstrating how Macao is breaking through water resource bottlenecks and implementing a water-saving and environmentally friendly philosophy of “turning waste into treasure.”
  • Please refer to the following link: https://www.macauzine.net/viewnews?itemid=3097

Carbon Emissions

The University of Macau’s total Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions after carbon removals from green energy and green area biological sink in 2025 is 59,952.49 tonnes CO2e, reduced slightly by 0.53% and 316.72 t tonnes CO2e compared to 2024, mainly due to the drops in Scope 1 emissions by 17.84%, even though Scope 2 increased due to the increase in student intake and larger occupancy in student accommodations. The carbon reduction aligns with our sustainable strategy where UM has been replacing campus fleet to electric vehicles when they are due for change. There are also the reductions in carbon dioxide equivalent in refrigerants and LPG used, aligning to our near zero target emissions commitment. Please click HERE for details. (INTERNAL USE ONLY)

Last updated 08/04/2026

The University of Macau (UM) is strongly committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all members of its community. We believe that diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enhances academic excellence, enriches campus life, and drives positive social impact. Our DEI policy is guided by the principles of fairness, respect, and equal opportunity, governing all aspects of university life—from learning and research to employment and community engagement.

Our Commitment

At UM, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student, faculty member, and staff member is treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other individual characteristic. We strive to create a campus culture where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to contribute fully.

The Committee on Gender Equity (CGE)

The Committee on Gender Equity (CGE) was established in March 2015 to oversee the University’s efforts to advance gender equity. Chaired by the Dean of Students, who reports directly to the Rector, the CGE is composed of representatives from academic staff, administrative staff, and the student body. The CGE plays a central role in promoting gender-related policies, reviewing practices, and addressing issues to ensure an equitable environment for all.

Key Elements of Our DEI Policy

  • Equal Opportunities: UM offers equal access to educational programs, activities, and employment opportunities. We are committed to maintaining a level playing field where merit and potential can flourish.
  • Zero Tolerance for Discrimination and Harassment: The University explicitly opposes all forms of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, and vilification. Our Guidelines for Handling Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying Cases establish clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing such behaviours, ensuring a responsive and confidential process for all parties.
  • Professional and Ethical Conduct: All staff and faculty are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, as outlined in the Guidelines on the Professional Conduct for the Academic Staff of the University of Macau and the Guidelines for Academic Staff in Residential Colleges. These guidelines reinforce our shared responsibility to serve students, colleagues, and society with honesty, fairness, and respect.
  • Support for Mothers and Families: UM recognizes the importance of supporting staff with family responsibilities. Female staff members are entitled to 90 days of maternity leave in accordance with the Rules of Personnel Affairs of UM (Article 3, Chapter 1). We also provide dedicated lactation rooms to support breastfeeding mothers, ensuring a comfortable and private space on campus.
  • Continuous Education and Awareness: Through training, guidelines, and policy updates, UM promotes ongoing awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Guidelines for Strengthening Ethical and Professional Conduct among Personnel in Higher Education Institutions guide our efforts to cultivate patriotism, dedication, honesty, justice, and responsibility among all staff and students.
  • Accessible Resources and Reporting Channels: UM provides accessible resources and clear reporting channels for those seeking advice or wishing to lodge a complaint related to discrimination, harassment, or inequity. Our Gender Equity Officer and Human Resources Section are ready to offer support and guidance as needed.

Promoting a Welcoming and Inclusive Campus

UM continually strives to nurture an open, welcoming, and inclusive campus community. We are committed to:

  • Encouraging the use of inclusive language and respectful communication.
  • Supporting the academic, professional, and personal development of all community members.
  • Regularly reviewing and enhancing policies to adapt to evolving needs and best practices.

Useful Links

Last updated 01/01/2026

The University of Macau (UM) is committed to embedding sustainable investment practices into its research and innovation initiatives. This policy ensures that UM’s resources and efforts contribute to long-term socio-economic and environmental sustainability while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. The following principles guide UM’s approach to sustainable investment through its key centres and initiatives:

Centres with Strategic Investments

  1. Institute of Collaborative Innovation (ICI)
    UM prioritizes sustainable investment in interdisciplinary research through the Institute of Collaborative Innovation (ICI), which houses centres such as the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Centre for Artificial Intelligence, and Centre for Data Science. These centres are designed to align with UM’s broader strategy of fostering innovation, promoting sustainable technological advancements, and enhancing industry-academia collaboration to achieve long-term societal impact.
  2. Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    UM’s policy supports sustainable entrepreneurship through the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which incubates science and innovation enterprises. By fostering the development of start-ups in emerging industries, the centre promotes sustainable business practices, encourages innovation, and supports ventures that contribute to Macao’s economic diversification and sustainable growth.
  3. Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute (ZUMRI)
    UM is dedicated to sustainable regional cooperation through ZUMRI, located in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The institute focuses on research areas such as advanced materials, smart city technologies, and biomedical sciences, which are key to addressing global challenges, reducing environmental impact, and driving sustainable development. ZUMRI also ensures that investments are aligned with national and regional priorities for economic and environmental sustainability.
  4. UMTEC Limited
    UMTEC Limited, a public capital enterprise owned by UM, plays a strategic role in the commercialization of research and innovation. UM’s policy mandates that UMTEC foster sustainable investment by promoting research achievements, facilitating industry collaborations, and contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy in Macao and the Greater Bay Area.

Guiding Principles for Sustainable Investment

  1. Industry-Academia Collaboration
    UM actively promotes collaboration between academia and industry to integrate research into practical applications. By prioritizing partnerships in fields such as health, modern finance, high technology, and cultural industries, UM ensures that its investments in research lead to economic diversification and sustainable development.
  2. Focus on Sustainable Technologies
    UM’s research strategy emphasizes investment in areas critical to sustainability, such as advanced materials, smart city technologies, and biomedical sciences. This focus reflects UM’s commitment to developing solutions that reduce environmental impact, improve societal well-being, and contribute to global sustainability goals.
  3. Support for Start-Ups and Entrepreneurship
    UM supports sustainable entrepreneurship through policies that encourage the incubation of science and innovation enterprises. By fostering start-ups that align with Macao’s economic diversification strategy, UM ensures that investments in new ventures contribute to long-term sustainable growth and innovation.

Through these policies, UM reaffirms its dedication to sustainable investment practices that prioritize innovation, economic diversification, and environmental stewardship, ensuring meaningful contributions to Macao, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.

Policy on Sustainable Investment Strategy (IP)

The University of Macau (UM) is committed to implementing a sustainable investment strategy that aligns with its mission to foster socio-economic development and public welfare. This policy ensures that all intellectual property (IP), technology, and knowledge created or owned by UM are managed and commercialized responsibly, with a focus on long-term sustainability. Revenues generated from such activities are reinvested into research, innovation, and knowledge transfer initiatives to maintain a cycle of continuous development. The University prioritizes non-profit-driven knowledge and technology transfer, while also supporting start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures that align with its sustainability goals. This systematic approach reflects UM’s dedication to responsible resource management, social impact, and environmental stewardship.

Green Procurement Policy

Environmental protection is included in one of the criteria during tender evaluation. Moreover, contractors/suppliers are required to fulfill the Quality and Environmental Policy of ISO 14001 standard.

*Please refer to the following links for information: https://pct.admo.um.edu.mo/for-suppliers/environmental-protection/

Last updated 01/01/2026

Internal Guidelines for Personal Integrity Conduct (內部廉潔守則)

  • Guidelines on the Acceptance of Advantages (收受利益處理指引)
  • Guidelines for Management and Department Heads on Handling Advantages Received (領導、主管人員對收受利益處理指引)
  • Conflict of Interest (利益衝突)
  • Part-time Employment (兼職)
  • Avoidance System (迴避制度)
  • Obligation of Confidentiality (保密義務)
  • Use of UM Property and Resources (學校資產及資源的使用)

Please refer to “Internal Guidelines for Personal Integrity Conduct” for more details. The related declarations appended to the Guidelines can be downloaded in the ADMO website. Link

*Please refer to the following links for information: https://hrs.admo.um.edu.mo/compliance-and-ethics/

Protections and assuring confidentiality of whistleblowers under “The Personnel Statute of the University of Macau –SECTION II “Rights and Obligations”, Article 11 – Rights of Personnel and Article 12 – Obligations of Personnel” and “Regulations of the Personnel Affairs of UM – Chapter 10”. (INTRANET ONLY)

*Please refer to the following links for information: https://www.um.edu.mo/about-um/personnel-statute-regulations/

Last updated 01/03/2026