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SDG 7 : Affordable and Clean Energy

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
7.2 University Measures for Affordable and Clean Energy
7.2.1 - Does your university have a policy to ensure all renovations or new constructions are designed for energy efficiency and include low-carbon energy features? Policy Creation Year: 2009 Policy Review Year: 2023 National Formosa University (NFU) has a formal policy framework to ensure that all renovations or new construction projects adhere to energy efficiency standards and integrate low-carbon energy features. This policy system is centered on the "NFU Environmental Protection Policy," established in 2009, which aims to promote energy conservation, asset care, and waste reduction through education, training, and awareness. The policy was reviewed in 2023, when the university signed its Net-Zero Carbon Emission Declaration, integrating net-zero goals into its development plan. These goals explicitly include green building design, establishing energy management systems, installing solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment, and replacing energy-efficient equipment.
Regarding the incorporation of low-carbon energy features, NFU actively installs solar PV generation facilities. As of 2024, the total installed capacity of solar energy equipment reached 531.7 kWp (31.74 kWp at the main campus and 499.96 kWp at the dormitory area). The electricity generated is used for self-consumption or external sales.
For energy efficiency in renovation projects, the results are significant: in 2024, 1,481 LED lighting fixtures were replaced in ordinary classrooms and public spaces across the First to Fourth Academic Buildings, projected to save approximately 30,374.4 kWh of electricity annually. Furthermore, to replace old air conditioning units (in use for over 10 years), 253 air conditioning units were replaced in 2024, with a total subsidy of NT$6,084,938. A similar replacement subsidy program is planned to continue in 2025.
In the planning for the new High-Speed Rail (HSR) Campus, multiple sustainability features were incorporated in line with Environmental Impact Assessment commitments: a sewage treatment and reuse system is planned, where treated water will be used for landscape irrigation, road cleaning, and toilet flushing; a rainwater storage and reuse system is set up, with a long-term collection volume expected to reach approximately 30.2 CMD (cubic meters per day) in the International Industry-Academia Collaboration Zone and teaching areas; and a commitment was made not to extract groundwater during the construction and operation phases, ensuring high standards for water resource management and energy efficiency in new buildings.
7.2.3 - Does your university have a process for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions? National Formosa University has established a formal and systematic process for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The "NFU Campus Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Voluntary Reduction Promotion Committee Establishment Guidelines" were revised in 2022. This committee is responsible for planning the inventory, reduction efforts, and budgeting for third-party verification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In terms of the measurement process, NFU adheres to the international standard ISO 14064-1:2018 and the domestic CNS 14064-1:2021 standard, continuously conducting GHG inventories. The emission level from 2022 (10,458.5273 metric tons $\text{CO}_2\text{e}$) is set as the baseline year. According to the latest inventory results, the University's total GHG emissions in 2024 were 13,385.4292 metric tons $\text{CO}_2\text{e}$. Scope 2 emissions (purchased electricity) is identified as the largest single source, accounting for 5,782.5018 metric tons $\text{CO}_2\text{e}$, which is approximately 43.20% of the total emissions.
For the management process, NFU officially signed the "2048 Net-Zero Carbon Emission Declaration" on April 22, 2024, and released the "NFU Campus Net-Zero Emission Roadmap and Action Plan (2023–2030)". This plan sets specific reduction targets: a 15% reduction in Phase I (2028), a 50% reduction in Phase II (2034), and ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2048. Reduction progress is tracked and assessed through the "2024 Sustainability Report". The GHG inventory has undergone third-party verification, with the 2023 statement receiving an assurance opinion at a reasonable level. All relevant policies, reduction targets, and inventory results are publicly disclosed on the University's official sustainability website under the "Climate Action and Carbon Inventory" section.
7.2.4 - Does your university have an energy efficiency program to reduce overall energy consumption? National Formosa University actively promotes energy efficiency programs to reduce overall energy consumption, which is a key component of its "Green Campus" and "Net-Zero Carbon Emission" strategies. In 2024, the University's total electricity consumption was 13,920,696 kWh. Measures taken to reduce this consumption include: 💡 Lighting System Replacement: In 2024, 1,481 LED lamps were replaced in teaching buildings and public spaces on the First Campus, costing NT$1,585,890. This replacement is estimated to save approximately 30% of total energy consumption annually. 💡 Air Conditioning and Infrastructure: An old air conditioner replacement project was executed, replacing 130 air conditioning units with a total expenditure of NT$6,084,938. Furthermore, replacing old units with cabinet-type precision air conditioners is expected to increase cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Power management improvements, such as consolidating transformer capacity in the Third Dormitory, are projected to save 5% of electricity consumption. 💡 Smart Management: Smart electricity meters and power management systems have been installed in teaching buildings to monitor monthly electricity usage effectively and implement timed on/off mechanisms. Operational measures also include setting air conditioner temperatures between 26-28 degrees Celsius and implementing scheduled shutdowns to manage usage. NFU's goal is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2048 through the continuous implementation of these energy-saving measures.
7.2.6 - Does your university have a policy explicitly divesting from high-carbon energy industries (specifically coal and oil)? National Formosa University does not hold investments in high-carbon energy industries (specifically coal and oil). However, NFU demonstrates active commitment to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through education, research, and campus operations:
  • Academic Output: 125 related courses, 17 research projects, 28 journal papers, and 37 conference papers were produced related to SDG 7.
  • Renewable Energy Generation: In 2024, total renewable energy generation reached 1.43 million kWh. External sales of this power amounted to approximately 1,439,469 kWh (810,021 kWh from the main campus and 629,448 kWh from the dormitory area).
  • Energy Efficiency: 1,481 energy-saving LED tubes were replaced in 2024.

7.3 Energy Use Intensity
7.3.1 - Total energy use (GJ): 50,114.51 GJ
7.3.2 - University floor space (m²): 190,450 m²

7.4 Energy and the Community 7.4.1 - Does your university offer courses to the local community to educate on the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy? National Formosa University offers free courses and services to the community to educate on the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy. This commitment is formally supported by the "NFU Social Responsibility Practice Program Promotion Guidelines," which encourages faculty and students to use their professional expertise to serve the community and support local development.
The core program is the "Waterjing Village Smart Carbon Reduction and Water Conservation Program (Three Lives in One)" USR project. This project addresses community energy and environmental needs by implementing:
  1. Smart Technology Courses and Low-Carbon Marine Education related to a low-carbon smart aquaculture monitoring system.
  2. Green Agriculture Courses related to a water resource circulation monitoring subsystem, aimed at improving aquaculture efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing water resource management. The project's activity reports are publicly disclosed on the NFU USR website.
Furthermore, the Department of Agricultural Technology executed the "Green Energy and Local Sustainability Program for Coastal Communities in Yunlin" Enterprise Industry-Academia Project (Project No. 113-AF-088), with a total funding of NT$1,500,000, running from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. This project directly links clean energy with community sustainability. NFU also coordinates professional and student volunteer teams to assist community households with energy-saving diagnostics and consultations.
7.4.3 - Does your university provide direct services (e.g., energy efficiency audits, workshops, clean energy investment advice) to local industry to improve energy efficiency and promote clean energy? National Formosa University actively provides direct services to local industries to improve energy efficiency and promote clean energy. Services include energy efficiency audits, technical workshops/training, and clean energy technology R&D and application advice. These services are provided through both fee-based (industry-academia collaboration projects) and non-profit organization collaborations.
Quantified data for 2024 shows that NFU executed at least 30 projects related to energy efficiency, clean energy, or low-carbon transition. The funding for these projects varied, from a minimum of NT$20,000 to a maximum of NT$1,500,000:
  • Energy Efficiency Audits/Diagnostics: At least 1 on-site energy-saving diagnostic service for small and medium energy users (Project No. 113-AZ-12) and 1 energy efficiency evaluation for hospital chillers and heat pump systems (Project No. 113-AF-119) were executed.
  • Low-Carbon Transition and Auditing: NFU provided low-carbonization and carbon inventory services for over 14 companies. Examples include diagnostic analysis reports for the metal-mechanical industry (Project No. 113-AZ-91) and carbon inventory consulting for multiple machinery and metal manufacturing businesses (Projects 113-AZ-14 to 113-AZ-21, etc.).
  • Clean Energy Technology: NFU continuously provides professional training through at least 5 Solar PV System Installation Technician training programs (e.g., Projects 113-AF-183, 113-AF-032, etc.). Research projects included commissioned contracts for the application of aluminum battery energy storage systems (NT$500,000) and supercapacitor energy storage systems (NT$120,000) for elevator energy saving.
All relevant industry-academia project information, including budgets, is publicly accessible via the official website of the Office of Industry-Academia Collaboration.
7.4.4 - Does your university provide information and support to government for clean energy and energy efficiency technology policy making? National Formosa University actively provides information and support to the government for clean energy and energy efficiency technology policy making. The University encourages faculty involvement through policies such as the "Incentive Guidelines for Faculty Participation in Government Affairs and Social Services".
NFU directly supports policy making through commissioned research or collaboration with government-affiliated institutions. Quantified evidence from late 2023 onwards shows execution of at least 24 highly relevant industry-academia projects that provide critical data and technical solutions to policy makers. These projects cover:
  • Energy Efficiency Evaluation: Providing on-site energy-saving diagnostic services for small and medium energy users (113-AZ-12).
  • Low-Carbon Transition: Providing carbon inventory consulting for over ten manufacturing enterprises (e.g., 113-AZ-14 to 113-AZ-38), directly feeding into government policies on industrial low-carbon transition. These policy-oriented studies, often commissioned by foundations or centers, provide scientific basis and practical experience for government agencies to formulate regional or national-level policies on energy efficiency and industrial low-carbon transition.
7.4.5 - Does your university provide assistance to nurture and support new ventures in the low-carbon economy/technology? National Formosa University (NFU) provides comprehensive assistance to nurture and support new ventures in the low-carbon economy/technology through the Innovation Incubation Center (NFU ICC). The ICC offers "smart and low-carbon upgrade services," including customized technical consulting to help businesses implement carbon inventory and carbon footprint management mechanisms and develop/adopt low-carbon manufacturing processes (e.g., providing whole-plant GHG emission data).
Quantified Support and Outcomes (2024):
  • Startups Nurtured: The ICC provided consulting to a total of 43 resident companies.
  • Financial Linkage: The ICC actively linked startups with four major investment funds.
  • Collaboration Value: The ICC facilitated NT$112.43 million in industry-academia collaboration, NT$70.91 million in foundation-supported collaboration, and NT$17.82 million in technology transfer.
  • Direct Low-Carbon Projects: NFU departments executed projects directly supporting low-carbon startups:
    • Energy Storage Systems: Projects included a NT$550,000 collaboration on an intelligent computation and automated scheduling energy storage system, a NT$500,000 contract on aluminum battery energy storage application for elevator energy saving, and a NT$120,000 contract on supercapacitor energy storage for elevator energy saving.
    • Low-Carbon Transition: NFU departments executed at least 11 carbon inventory consulting service projects for metal products and machine tool manufacturers, with most projects funded by foundations at NT$200,000 per case.
A specific success story is Hao-Chun Technology Co., Ltd., which received NFU ICC support. The ICC assisted the company in passing the 2025 Startup Empowerment Program, which included translating NFU's academic research on non-circular bicycle chainrings into an innovative product that improves riding efficiency by nearly 30%. The company secured NT$60 million in investment for entering the Central Taiwan Science Park.

7.5 Low-Carbon Energy Use
7.5.1 - Total energy use (GJ): 50,114.51 GJ
7.5.2 - Total use from low-carbon sources (GJ): 159.28 GJ