Exemplary green school model

After sustained efforts, the College of Machinery and Irrigation (located in Ho Nai ward, Dong Nai province) has been included in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2025, a prestigious international ranking that evaluates sustainable development and the construction of green educational institutions worldwide.

A view of the College of Machinery and Irrigation. Photo: Collaborator

Becoming a green vocational education institution enables students to gain access to knowledge and practical experiences related to sustainable development, while also enhancing their career opportunities through participation in environmental projects and the development of “green living” skills.

Efforts to build a “green vocational college”

The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings is a global initiative launched by the University of Indonesia in 2010. The ranking evaluates educational institutions based on their commitment and tangible actions in promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and the management and development of green campuses.

To be recognized and ranked as a vocational education institution under this framework, institutions must register for assessment and collect supporting evidence in accordance with six evaluation criteria. These include: setting and infrastructure, which covers the proportion of green open spaces, vegetation coverage, conservation areas, and environmentally friendly infrastructure; energy and climate change, encompassing energy consumption, the use of renewable energy, energy-saving programs, and greenhouse gas emission reduction; waste management, including waste reduction, recycling, reuse, and the treatment of organic, inorganic, and hazardous waste; water management, focusing on water conservation measures, water reuse, rainwater management, and wastewater treatment; transportation, which evaluates policies to reduce private vehicle use, as well as the promotion of public transport, bicycles, and pedestrian pathways; and education and research, comprising the number of courses and research activities related to sustainability, along with sustainability-related events and publications.

After preparing dossiers and supporting evidence for each criterion, the college conducted an internal review and submitted the documentation through the official UI GreenMetric World University Rankings website.

To reach these milestones, the College of Machinery and Irrigation began its journey toward building a green vocational education institution in 2017 through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Reform Program, with the aim of establishing a high-quality, green technical and vocational education and training center.

According to Le Minh Nguyet, Vice Principal of the College of Machinery and Irrigation, the institution encountered numerous challenges at the early stages of its “green vocational college” development journey. At that time, awareness among leaders, staff, lecturers, and students regarding the importance of “greening vocational college” remained limited. Changing mindsets and fostering a “green culture” among staff, teachers, and students required considerable time. “Investment in green-oriented infrastructure demands substantial financial resources. Moreover, there has been a shortage of experts with in-depth expertise in green transformation to provide consultation during implementation. In addition, difficulties arose in developing and applying legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure consistency throughout the implementation process within vocational education institutions,” Le Minh Nguyet shared.

With support from programs under the Vietnam–Federal Republic of Germany Development Cooperation framework for vocational training reform in Vietnam, the College of Machinery and Irrigation has strengthened its training capacity and infrastructure, developing into a high-quality, green vocational training center in line with the standards of the Federal Republic of Germany. At the same time, green modules have been integrated into training programs across various disciplines, including machinery, mechanical engineering, automotive technology, electrical and electronics engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning, and information technology.

Making greater contributions to the green transition

The adoption of green standards, regulations, technical norms, and modern eco-friendly practices has led to transformative changes at the College of Machinery and Irrigation. Notable improvements include a campus that is consistently green, clean, and aesthetically pleasing; workshops and classrooms that are orderly and well-organized according to the 5S standards (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, sustain), creating an optimal learning environment for students.

The college’s facilities have been upgraded and developed in a coordinated way. Faculty capacity has been consistently improved, with lecturers increasingly meeting international standards of excellence. At the same time, efficient use of electricity, water, and waste management has helped reduce resource waste, lower operating costs, and decrease yearly expenses by effectively managing utilities and waste.

With its inclusion in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, the College of Machinery and Irrigation has emerged as a model green school of the locality. This achievement opens up broader opportunities for the institution to strengthen linkages with businesses and the community in environmental initiatives, as well as to participate in the implementation of national programs on emission reduction and sustainable development.

The “greening of vocational education” has had a positive impact on both the training process and the quality of vocational education across multiple dimensions. Accordingly, the College of Machinery and Irrigation has developed two green occupations: Electronic and Building Energy Technology, and Mechanical Engineering, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology. Both programs are delivered in accordance with the standards of the Federal Republic of Germany, with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

“All training programs of the college have fully integrated modules on environmental protection as well as the efficient use of energy and resources,” said Le Minh Nguyet, Vice Principal of the College of Machinery and Irrigation.

According to Nguyet, the development of a green vocational education institution has raised students’ awareness of green transformation. In particular, for the two green occupations, students can study and research advanced materials and practice on modern equipment, thereby ensuring that their knowledge and skills fully meet labor market requirements.

Inclusion in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings holds significant meaning. It serves as a strong source of motivation for the college in its efforts to build a “green vocational college.” From a management and operational perspective, the standardization of data on electricity, water, waste, greenery, and transportation has helped reduce resource waste, optimize operating costs, and support the development of a structured roadmap for the green transition. The “green vocational college” brand also enables the institution to attract business partnerships to upgrade green infrastructure and to appeal to learners, parents, and partners through a clean, green, and modern learning environment.

Notably, a "green vocational college" provides students with an environment that is green, clean, and safe, enabling them to access knowledge and activities related to sustainable development. Additionally, it increases job opportunities through environmental projects and “green living” skills.

Recognition as a green vocational education institution serves as a driving force for the College of Machinery and Irrigation to continue its efforts and contribute further to the green transition. Accordingly, the college will continue to foster a culture of "green, clean, and resource-efficient" practices throughout the entire institution, while promoting innovation through green solutions to establish a stable, transparent, and long-term foundation for sustainable development.

By Hai Yen – Translated by Hong Van, Minho