logo
About UMS Sustainability
UMS Sustainability Framework and Policy
Sustainability Governance
UMS & the United Nations SDGs
UMS in Global Sustainability Networks

UMS

shape
image
image

30+

Years of Service

since 1994

imageYour First Step Toward Building a Greener, Smarter, and More Responsible UMS.

UMS Sustainability Starter Kits



The UMS Sustainability Starter Kits provide a practical, easy-to-use set of tools, guides, templates, and checklists designed to help faculties, departments, research centres, student bodies, and individuals take meaningful action towards sustainability. Whether you are planning an event, running a programme, guiding research, or improving daily operations, these Starter Kits offer clear steps to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) principles into your work.

This resource empowers the UMS community to take collective responsibility, aligning with the university’s identity as The Brain of Borneo and its commitment to the EcoCampus framework, SDG-ESG Cluster, and UMS Sustainability & Climate Action Policy.







1. What Are the UMS Sustainability Starter Kits?


The Starter Kits are curated guides that help the UMS community adopt sustainable practices in daily operations, teaching, learning, research, events, and community projects. They translate sustainability principles into clear, actionable steps—making it easier for everyone to participate in UMS’s sustainability journey.



2. Who Are the Starter Kits For?


The Starter Kits are designed for:
  1. Academic staff and programme coordinators
  2. Researchers and postgraduate students
  3. Administrative departments and campus operations teams
  4. Student clubs, societies, & volunteers
  5. Living Lab project teams
  6. Event organisers and outreach coordinators
  7. Community partners and external collaborators
Every member of UMS—staff or student—can use these kits to make their activities more responsible and impactful.



3. Green Event Kit

Plan. Implement. Inspire.
The Green Event Kit serves as a practical guide for organisers to plan and execute environmentally responsible events that minimise waste, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen sustainability awareness across the campus community. It provides a comprehensive planning checklist, detailed guidelines for waste-free catering, green procurement, and the use of eco-friendly materials, as well as strategies for designing plastic-free, paperless, and low-carbon programmes. The kit also includes recommendations for managing venues efficiently through energy-saving practices, along with templates for sustainability reporting and post-event impact statements. Fully aligned with UMS EcoCampus principles and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production, this kit ensures that every UMS event — from large conferences to student-led activities — becomes a benchmark for sustainable event management and continuous environmental improvement.

Green Event Kit – Contents

1. Green Event Planning Checklist

A step-by-step planning guide to ensure your event integrates sustainability from the beginning:

  • Define the event’s sustainability goals (waste reduction, carbon footprint, inclusivity).
  • Identify relevant UMS sustainability policies (EcoCampus, Green Procurement, Waste Management).
  • Select partners, vendors, and suppliers who comply with green standards.
  • Plan for paperless registration, QR-based check-ins and e-certificates.
  • Choose low-carbon mobility options (shuttle bus, walking routes, bicycle access).
  • Incorporate sustainability messages in event promotion materials.
  • Ensure accessibility and inclusivity (PWD-friendly routes, gender-sensitive facilities).

2. Sustainable Venue Selection Guide

Guidelines to help organisers choose a venue that supports low-impact, efficient event operations:

  • Select venues with natural lighting, ventilation, and energy-efficient lighting.
  • Prioritise venues equipped with recycling bins and water refill stations.
  • Ensure venue proximity to public transport or shuttle bus routes.
  • Verify availability of PA systems with low energy consumption.
  • Check for digital infrastructure to support paperless operations.
  • Choose venues that practice green cleaning and maintenance procedures.

3. Paperless & Low-Waste Event SOP

Procedures to minimise paper use and overall waste generation:

  • Digital-only invitations, programmes, and brochures.
  • Online or QR-based registration and attendance tracking.
  • E-certificates instead of printed certificates.
  • Avoid single-use promotional materials (banners, buntings, posters).
  • Provide digital display screens or projectors instead of printed signage.
  • Use reusable event materials (lanyards, name tags, directional signs).
  • Implement “bring your own bottle” (BYOB) or provide refillable containers.

4. Green Catering Guidelines

Best practices for sustainable food and beverage arrangements:

  • Prioritise local, seasonal, and plant-forward menu options.
  • Reduce meat-based dishes to lower carbon footprint.
  • Avoid bottled water; use water dispensers with reusable cups.
  • Choose caterers who use biodegradable or reusable food containers.
  • Ensure all food packaging is compostable or recyclable.
  • Minimise food waste through pre-order systems or portion control.
  • Donate clean surplus food (in alignment with Food Safety SOPs).

5. Plastic-Free Event Toolkit

Tools and strategies to eliminate single-use plastic from events:

  • Ban single-use plastic bottles, straws, cups, and bags.
  • Provide water refill stations and encourage BYOB.
  • Use biodegradable or compostable tableware.
  • Replace plastic giveaways with sustainable items (seed paper, cloth bags).
  • Provide clear guidelines to all vendors and participants.
  • Include “Plastic-Free Commitment” forms for suppliers.
  • Use digital packaging or eco-friendly alternatives for door gifts.

6. Sustainable Decoration & Materials Guide

Recommendations for eco-friendly décor and event materials:

  • Use natural materials (fabric, bamboo, wood) instead of plastic décor.
  • Reuse decorations from previous events.
  • Rent instead of purchase one-time items.
  • Avoid balloon arches, Styrofoam boards, and PVC backdrops.
  • Encourage green centrepieces (potted plants, recyclable materials).
  • Use modular signage that can be updated instead of reprinted.
  • Ensure all décor aligns with UMS waste management requirements.

7. Energy-Efficient Event Management Tips

Practical steps to reduce energy usage before, during, and after the event:

  • Maximise natural daylight and ventilation.
  • Use energy-efficient LED lighting.
  • Turn off equipment when not in use (projectors, air-conditioners).
  • Moderate air-conditioning to 24–26°C during the event.
  • Use rechargeable batteries for microphones and devices.
  • Schedule shorter sessions to reduce overall energy consumption.
  • Conduct energy-use monitoring for large events.

8. Waste Sorting & Recycling Station Setup Guide

A practical guide to designing and managing zero-waste stations:

  • Identify waste types expected during the event (paper, plastic, food waste).
  • Provide labelled recycling bins with UMS-compliant colour codes.
  • Place bins at strategic high-traffic locations.
  • Assign volunteers or “Green Marshals” to monitor stations.
  • Provide clear signage in Bahasa Malaysia and English.
  • Implement food waste segregation (compostable vs non-compostable).
  • Report waste generation metrics for sustainability reporting.

9. Sustainable Procurement Checklist

Checklist for choosing eco-friendly suppliers, materials, and services:

  • Supplier uses certified eco‐products (MSC, FSC, biodegradable).
  • Preference for reusable, durable, and long-life products.
  • Avoidance of single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials.
  • Local vendors preferred to reduce carbon footprint.
  • Bulk purchasing to minimise packaging waste.
  • Ethical sourcing (no forced labour, fair wages, inclusive workforce).
  • Procurement aligns with UMS Green Procurement Policy (GCP).

10. Post-Event Sustainability Reporting Template

A template to evaluate the event’s environmental and social performance:

  • Event details and sustainability objectives.
  • Number of participants and carbon footprint overview.
  • Waste generated (kg), segregated (kg), and recycled (kg).
  • Water and electricity usage (estimated or measured).
  • Catering sustainability performance (waste, packaging type).
  • Supplier compliance with sustainability requirements.
  • Participant feedback on green practices.
  • Achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
  • Summary of SDG contributions (e.g., SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 3, SDG 17).