Low-Carbon Campus Transition

Cutting Emissions, Powering a Cleaner Tomorrow

UMS is accelerating its transition to a low-carbon campus through systematic upgrades in energy efficiency, clean energy deployment, and sustainable infrastructure. The university has implemented LED retrofitting across major academic and residential buildings, dramatically reducing electricity consumption while improving long-term operational efficiency. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time data insights, enabling better management of building performance and reducing unnecessary energy loss.

The campus is also adopting clean mobility solutions to cut emissions from transportation. Electric scooters, buggies, and bicycles offer greener travel alternatives, while improved pedestrian walkways and campus-wide transport planning support safe, low-emission mobility. New and retrofitted buildings are designed with green building features, including natural lighting, ventilation, and energy-saving materials, further strengthening the university’s carbon-reduction strategy.

Together, these efforts place UMS at the forefront of Malaysia’s low-carbon transition, reflecting its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to national climate goals.

Renewable Energy & Technology Innovation

Innovating Clean Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future

UMS’s dedication to renewable energy innovation is reflected in its ongoing development of solar and hybrid energy systems, especially for rural and remote communities. These initiatives provide cleaner, more reliable power sources while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Research teams are developing AI-driven models to optimise energy use within buildings and microgrids, ensuring maximum efficiency and long-term sustainability.

In addition to solar energy, UMS is exploring biomass, biofuel, and waste-to-energy technologies that support Malaysia’s green economy aspirations. Researchers are also advancing low-carbon innovations in aquaculture, agriculture, and marine science—fields critical to Sabah’s food security and economic development. These efforts contribute valuable solutions that blend clean technology with local community needs.

By integrating engineering, computing, science, and environmental research, UMS solidifies its position as a centre of renewable energy innovation and a driving force behind SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy).

Climate Adaptation for Coastal & Island Communities

Building Resilient Communities at the Frontlines of Climate Change

UMS plays a crucial role in supporting communities situated along Sabah’s vulnerable coastlines and islands, where rising sea levels, unpredictable weather patterns, and coastal erosion threaten livelihoods. Through mangrove restoration and blue carbon projects, the university helps create natural barriers that protect shorelines while sequestering carbon and sustaining marine life. These initiatives combine ecological restoration with climate mitigation, offering long-term protection to coastal regions.

The university also conducts community-based climate education, equipping residents with knowledge on disaster preparedness, sustainable fishing practices, and climate-resilient livelihoods. Water security initiatives—such as rainwater harvesting, filtration systems, and watershed rehabilitation—further strengthen resilience in areas affected by freshwater scarcity or contamination.

Through science, outreach, and community partnership, UMS ensures that vulnerable coastal populations are not left behind in the fight against climate change.

Marine & Terrestrial Ecosystem Protection

Restoring Nature, Protecting the Lifelines of Borneo

Healthy ecosystems are essential to climate stability, and UMS is deeply invested in conserving both terrestrial and marine environments. Coral nursery programmes, turtle hatcheries, and seagrass monitoring efforts help restore degraded marine habitats while supporting regional biodiversity. These activities also serve as platforms for student learning, research, and community participation.

On land, UMS protects forests and highland ecosystems through reforestation, biodiversity mapping, and climate research at the Mesilou Highland Living Lab. These efforts play a vital role in carbon storage, watershed protection, and the preservation of endemic species. Meanwhile, continuous campus greening and native tree planting contribute to urban biodiversity and provide natural cooling that reduces energy demand.

Through its integrated conservation efforts, UMS strengthens SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) while reinforcing the role of nature-based solutions in climate mitigation.

Research, Data & Policy Contributions

Science That Shapes Policy, Data That Drives Action

UMS drives evidence-based climate solutions through its multidisciplinary research spanning oceanography, hydrology, renewable energy, conservation biology, and environmental policy. The university’s climate modelling and vulnerability assessments provide critical insights for government agencies and local planners working to address regional climate risks.

These research findings influence policy development in areas such as water resource management, ecosystem restoration, and indigenous community resilience. Through Living Labs, UMS converts scientific discoveries into practical, community-ready solutions. The university also collaborates with global partners—including UNEP, SEARRP, WWF-Malaysia, CTI-CFF, and several international universities—to expand research capacity and accelerate knowledge transfer.

As a result, UMS is widely recognised as a knowledge hub shaping climate adaptation and sustainability policy in Borneo and beyond.

Climate Education & Campus Engagement

Educating Climate Leaders, Empowering Global Changemakers.

UMS embeds climate awareness and sustainability thinking across its academic and extracurricular landscape. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is integrated into numerous programmes, ensuring that students connect theory with practical climate solutions. Final Year Projects aligned with SDG and climate themes encourage innovation in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable technology.

Beyond academics, UMS engages students through Earth Day, Ocean Day, Climate Action Month, and SDG Week, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Student groups—including KESUWA, Sustainability Ambassadors, and the One Health Club—lead volunteer programmes, awareness campaigns, and community service projects that promote climate literacy and leadership.

By nurturing climate-conscious youth, UMS strengthens the next generation of environmental stewards and global changemakers.

Partnerships for Climate Action

Together for a Climate-Resilient Borneo

Collaborative action is central to UMS’s climate strategy. The university works closely with Sabah Parks, WWF-Malaysia, SEARRP, UNICEF, community organisations, and regional institutions to advance climate adaptation, conservation, and sustainability research. These partnerships enable shared expertise, expanded outreach, and stronger community impact.

Through ASEAN and global networks, UMS contributes to cross-border knowledge exchange and participates in international climate dialogues. Such collaborations amplify the university’s role in addressing global climate challenges and fostering regional resilience.

Together, these partnerships reinforce SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and strengthen the university’s position as a climate leader in Malaysia and the wider Borneo region.

UMS as a Climate-Resilient University

UMS’s climate action reflects a holistic strategy that integrates clean energy, conservation, research, community resilience, and education. By turning the campus into a living model of climate leadership and empowering communities across Sabah, UMS continues to advance its mission as “The Brain of Borneo”—a university committed to protecting the planet and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.