UBD Sustainability

UBD Sustainability

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Futuring Sustainability through Green Campus

At Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), we are committed to fostering a sustainable, eco-friendly campus in line with the Brunei Green Protocol. Our initiatives focus on reducing our carbon footprint through energy-efficient technologies, sustainable building practices, and the creation of green spaces that enhance biodiversity. In addition, we priorities the health and wellness of our campus community by promoting active lifestyles, and access to green areas for physical and mental well-being. These efforts reflect UBD’s dedication to environmental sustainability, support the holistic health of our students and staff, and contribute to global actions in addressing climate change, leading towards a greener and healthier future for all.

Energy Efficient Campus

UBD is making significant strides towards a more energy-efficient lighting in line with the Green mark Certification Guideline on Lighting Power Budget (LPB), we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also optimising energy consumption across the university. The shift to LED lighting, with its long lifespan, is helping to minimise the need of frequent replacements, reducing both maintenance requirement and waste. This initiative is designed to create a more sustainable campus while enhancing the overall campus experience – providing improved visual comfort and fostering a productive learning and working environment.

Green Spaces and landscaping

UBD boasts expansive green spaces that are thoughtfully designed to promote biodiversity and serve as thriving natural habitats for local flora and fauna. These areas create an ecosystem that support a wide variety of plant and animal species, some of which are native and unique to Brunei. By preserving and enhancing these green spaces, UBD not only enriches the natural landscape but also contributes to the conservation of local biodiversity.

UBD’s open and green spaces are accessible to the public, offering a welcome environment for outdoor activities, relaxation, and community engagement. Visitors are encourages to enjoy these spaces throughout the day, with the main security control post closing at 10 p.p. for security purposes. We kindly ask that all guests adhere to campus guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

At the heart of the UBD campus lies the UBD Botanical Research Centre (BRC), covering a 6-hectareares of rate tropical lowland heath forest, locally known as “Kerangas Forest.” This unique ecosystem supports high conservation value species, including Agathis boreneensis (Tulong) and Gymnostoma nobile, which are key indicators of undisturbed Kerangas forests. Recognised as the first botanic garden in Brunei Darussalam, the UBD BRC focuses on research, education and the conservation Brunei’s hyperdiverse flora.

Government and non-government agencies regularly engage experts from the UBD Botanical Research Centre (BRC) to provide professional expertise on plant relocation and conservation efforts, supporting broader initiatives to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable ecosystems.

Home to over 500 species of tropical plants, many native to Brunei and Borneo, the centre operates under the management of the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) and is a member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)

Visitors interested in exploring the UBD BRC are requested to contact the centre in advance. Guided tours are available by appointment for a nominal fee, offering an enriching experience to learn about Brunei’s native flora and the university’s conservation initiatives.

For more information:

Responsible Waste Handling

The UBD Recycling Initiative aims to promote sustainability on campus by making recycling convenient and accessible for the university community. Recycling bins are strategically placed across campus for the collection of paper, plastic, and other recyclable materials, encouraging students, staff and faculty to dispose of waste responsibly. These efforts help reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills while promoting the reuse of valuable resources. 

In July 2022, UBD launched the Paper Recycling Project to further promote and facilitate paper recycling within the university. To date, the project has successfully collected over 11 tons of printed waste for recycling across two cycles, with plans to continue expanding this initiative as part of our broader environmental sustainability goals. 

Building on these efforts, UBD introduced RAKSA, our green mascot and the face for the Recycling and Composting Awareness Campaign, launched during Freshers Week 2025. RAKSA represents our shared commitment to sustainability and inspires the community to embrace responsible waste sorting, from recycling paper and plastics to composting food waste, helping us maintain a cleaner, greener campus. 

As part of this campaign, short and engaging videos are released every Monday at 3pm, offering practical tips on how to recycle and compost effectively. By combining our established recycling established recycling programmes with RAKSA’s vibrant outreach, UBD continues to lead the way in reducing landfill waste, promoting resource recovery, and fostering a campus culture of environmental responsibility. 

Sustainable Transportation

As part of out green campus initiative, UBD is enhancing sustainability by introducing sustainable transportation options. These include electric shuttle, dedicated bike paths as well as shuttle van services, promoting cleaner, greener mobility across the campus.

  • Electric Shuttle

UBD has introduced an electric shuttle as part of its continued commitment ro reducing its carbon footprint, made possible the generous donation of UBD alumni. This initiative marks a significant step toward promoting sustainability on campus. Looking ahead, UBD plans to procure additional electric shuttles in the future, further supporting its commitment to environmental responsibility and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for a greener, more sustainable campus.

  • Biking/Walking Paths

UBD offers biking and walking paths across campus, proving a sage and eco-friendly way for students, staff, and visitors to navigate the university while promoting physical activity and sustainable

UBD Shuttle can service is an important step in the university’s ongoing efforts to improve campus facilities and enhance convenience for the UBD community. This initiative not only supports the well-being and experience of students, staff, and visitors, but also plays a significant role in promoting sustainability. By offering a reliable transportation option, the shittle service reduces the need for individual car use, helping to reduce traffic and lower carbon emissions across the campus.

Health and Wellness

UBD is committed to promoting health and wellness among its campus community by offering a variety of recreational sports and a fully equipped fitness center. These facilities encourage regular exercise and provide spaces for leisure, helping individuals maintain a healthy, active lifestyle while effectively managing stress.

In addition to access to sports and fitness facilities, UBD supports the well-being of its members through a smoke-free campus, ensuring a clean and healthy environment. The university also offers health and medical services, along with mental health support, to ensure that students and staff have access to the care they need to thrive both physically and mentally. Through these initiatives, UBD fosters a balanced and supportive environment where individuals can prioritise their overall well-being.

Access to Sports and Fitness Facilities

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is dedicated to promoting good health and wellbeing by providing extensive sports facilities that encourage physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle for students, staff, and the broader community. The UBD Sports Complex offers: 

Outdoor Facilities: 

  • Swimming Pool 
  • Football Field 
  • Track and Field 
  • Futsal Courts
  • Basketball Court
  • Netball Court 

 

  • Volleyball Courts
  • Tennis Court & Half Court
  • Sepak Takraw Court 
  • Rugby Field 
  • Hockey Field 

Indoor Sports Hall: 

  • Gym 
  • Futsal Court
  • Basketball Court
  • Netball Court 

 

  • Badminton Court 
  • Squash Court
  • Volleyball Court
  • Dodgeball Court

UBD also welcome members of the public to use these facilities. Registration with the sports facilities management is required, and usage fees apply. Additionally, UBD campus features pedestrian footpaths and open spaces that are freely accessible to the public for jogging, running, and brisk walking, supporting community health and well-being. 

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) upholds a smoke-free campus in accordance with the Tobacco Order 2005, which aligns with Wawasan Brunei 2035’s vision for a healthier, more sustainable nation and supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. The Tobacco Order 2005 strictly prohibits smoking and vaping in public spaces, government premises, and designated areas, including educational institutions. It also bans the import, sale, or distribution of tobacco products within the country.

To reinforce this commitment, UBD has installed clear signage across the campus to raise awareness of the health benefits of a smoke-free environment. There are no designated smoking areas within the campus premises, ensuring a completely smoke-free zone.

Smoking violations can be reported to the Office of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE), which is responsible for enforcing the smoke-free policy and ensuring a healthy campus environment.

At our university, we prioritise our students’ physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being to support their overall growth and achievement throughout their academic journey. For non-urgent health concerns, such as a cold, flu, or general health advice, students are encouraged to visit the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Health Centre, conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from campus.

For more extensive healthcare needs, the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS), situated approximately 20 minutes away, provides a comprehensive range of services, including reproductive healthcare.

For those preferring private healthcare services, the Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) offers a variety of paid medical services and is located about 11 minutes from campus.

For additional information on available health services and support, please get in touch with the Student Affairs Section (SAS), your primary resource for enhancing student well-being.

At Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), we believe that mental well-being and accessible support are essential for the happiness, productivity, and success of our entire community. CDLearN’s services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our students, promoting early detection of mental health concerns, offering disability-related facilities and resources, and fostering an inclusive environment for all.

Through the Counselling and Diverse Learning Needs (CDLearN) Unit, UBD is dedicated to promoting mental health and providing tailored resources for students, including individuals with disabilities. Our team of professional counsellors offers a safe, confidential space where individuals can discuss challenges, explore personal difficulties, and receive support for specific needs. Each counsellor operates within a strong mentoring and supervision framework, adhering to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. For staff in need of counselling services, CDLearN can provide guidance on accessing support offered by the Counselling Services Division (Bahagian Perkhidmatan Kaunseling).

 

Support for Students with Disabilities

For students with disabilities, CDLearN provides additional resources and accommodations to ensure equitable access to academic and campus life. Our team works closely with students and faculty members to create personalized support plans and coordinate necessary adjustments, so that every individual has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Additional Support Services

  • Hope Line (145): A national helpline offering emotional and psychological support.
  • Ambulance (991): For urgent medical assistance in emergencies.

In addition to on-campus support, CDLearN can connect individuals with mental health and disability services offered by the Ministry of Health, as well as recommend registered private providers for those seeking external assistance (note that fees may apply).

For More Information

Visit the Counselling and Diverse Learning Needs (CDLearN) Unit and  Public Service Department Counselling Services – JPA for additional resources.

How to Make an Appointment?

To arrange a counselling session or discuss disability accommodations, please email us at counselling.hep@ubd.edu.bn or office.cdlearn@ubd.edu.bn, respectively. Our team will respond promptly to confirm your appointment and provide further details.

Inclusive Campus Design

UBD strives to ensure that all students and staff, regardless of abilities, have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment, where every individual can fully participate in university life. To support this vision, we have implemented essential accessible facilities such as ramps. handrails, and lifts, ensuring that the campus is easily navigable for individuals with diverse mobility needs. Additionally, we are actively working on initiatives like the installations of designated parking spaces around campus, which will further enhance accessibility for all. These efforts are a reflection of UBD’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive, and equitable environment, where everyone can thrive and succeed, no matter their abilities.