The 2026 Sustainable Campus Energy-Saving Challenge at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) was jointly organized by the Center for Sustainable Development and Social Practice, the Office of General Affairs, and the Center for Teaching Excellence. Centered on campus energy use, energy conservation and carbon reduction, and sustainable governance, the competition encouraged students to examine real campus environments and everyday energy-use scenarios, identify challenges and opportunities for improvement in energy management, and develop innovative, feasible, and sustainable energy-saving solutions. Through this process, students transformed sustainability concepts into concrete actions that can be implemented on campus.
The innovative proposals submitted by participating teams addressed a wide range of areas, including standby power management, air-conditioning energy efficiency, equipment maintenance, smart energy management, artificial intelligence applications, and the integration of renewable energy. Starting with existing campus facilities, energy-use behaviors, and spatial management, students developed strategies to address issues such as continued energy consumption during non-use periods, air-conditioning efficiency, lighting use, and energy allocation.
Through energy audits and electricity-use measurements, the teams identified potential sources of energy waste across the campus. They then combined timed controls, equipment management, and adjustments to user behavior to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. These approaches aim to improve energy efficiency without requiring major changes to existing equipment or established patterns of use.
Some of the innovative proposals further incorporated smart technologies such as Edge AI, human-flow detection, and dynamic energy control. By monitoring how spaces are being used in real time, these systems can adjust the operation of lighting, air-conditioning, fans, and other equipment, thereby reducing unnecessary electricity consumption in low-occupancy spaces.
At the same time, the proposals incorporated information security and personal privacy considerations into their designs. The teams emphasized the importance of balancing technological applications with user rights and campus governance requirements when advancing smart energy management. Other proposals explored the use of renewable-energy technologies, such as solar-powered energy-storage streetlights, to apply clean energy in campus public spaces and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.
The competition focused not only on the energy-saving benefits of individual devices but also on developing a systematic approach to campus energy conservation across multiple dimensions, including energy auditing, equipment management, behavioral change, smart technologies, and renewable-energy applications.
Through problem-oriented innovation proposals, the competition encouraged students to collectively examine patterns of campus energy use and elevate energy conservation and carbon reduction from individual actions to a broader aspect of campus governance. By translating ideas into practical action, the initiative aims to accumulate long-term sustainability benefits for the university.
Following evaluation by a panel of experts, four teams advanced to the final round. At the final competition and award ceremony held on September 16, 2026, awards were presented to the first-, second-, and third-place teams, as well as one team receiving an Honorable Mention.
By combining competition with practical implementation, YunTech hopes to continue stimulating students’ innovative thinking and capacity for action on energy-related issues. Promising energy-saving proposals will also serve as important references for future campus energy management and sustainable governance, helping transform innovative ideas developed through the competition into practical applications.
Through these efforts, YunTech aims to advance its campus development toward a smarter, lower-carbon, more energy-efficient, and more sustainable future.
Faculty members and students pose for a group photo at the award ceremony.
Director Lu Li-Shu of the Center for Sustainable Development and Social Practice delivers remarks at the event.
An international student from YunTech presents a smart equipment energy-saving proposal.
A participating team presents a proposal emphasizing that campus energy conservation requires a fundamental shift in how we think about and use electricity.
Judges provide feedback on the participants’ energy-saving proposals.
Organizing Unit: Research Center for Sustainable Development and Social Practice
Director: Lu Li-Shu
Contact Person: Huang Pei-Chun
Tel: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 2484
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