Library economic sustainability

Consumption reduction

The library conserves energy by limiting its opening hours. The third and fourth floors, along with the Central Plant building that controls the air conditioning and lighting, close before 4:30 PM when most students depart by bus. The second floor remains open until 11 PM for students needing a quiet study space. On Saturdays, the library operates from 9 AM to 6 PM, and it is closed on Sundays, though the self-service book return station remains available 24/7.

Furthermore, the library minimizes air conditioning energy consumption using an air handling unit (AHU) managed from the Central Plant. This system filters out dust and bacteria while adjusting temperatures based on current indoor and outdoor conditions. It effectively conserves energy by adapting to outside temperatures and recycling air circulation.

The lighting system in public areas is also automated with sensors and controlled by the building management system (BMS). To optimize electricity usage for a campus of over 2,000 students, the lights are centrally controlled by a server to automatically turn on or off according to the operating hours of each specific location. Lastly, providing access to over 1,2 million eBooks significantly reduces the need to purchase physical books, thereby effectively lowering the library’s carbon footprint.

Library new economy

Since relocating to the new campus in July 2022, the VGU library has embraced a sharing economy by equipping itself with advanced technologies like self-checkout machines and smart lockers. The automated book return and sorting system saves staff time, with assistance available via guide boards and the One Stop Service desk. Smart lockers allow students to borrow keys and return them at the end of the day, ensuring the lockers are shared efficiently among all users.

Additionally, the library offers 15 bookable groupwork rooms for two-hour sessions, fully equipped with LCD TVs and whiteboards. For those without personal laptops, a shared computer hub with natural light features 36 all-in-one HP computers, alongside 24 additional computers in other learning rooms. These services are entirely free and strictly follow the principles of a sharing economy.

Environmental Management

VGU Library integrates environmental responsibility into its daily operations, services, and community engagement. Through communication campaigns, educational activities, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, the Library raises environmental awareness and encourages students, staff, and the wider community to adopt more sustainable practices.

Our environmental efforts focus on responsible resource use, waste reduction, reuse and recycling, waste sorting, and community donation activities. Guided by the Six Green Policies, we promote practical actions such as collecting recyclable materials and used batteries, encouraging book and clothing donations, reducing single-use plastics, and sharing knowledge about environmental sustainability.

Beyond environmental protection, we also value social inclusion by providing accessible facilities, supporting inclusive learning opportunities, and encouraging community participation. Through these interconnected efforts, VGU Library aims to foster a responsible and sustainable culture that creates a positive impact both within and beyond the university.

Application of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Gender Equality (SDG 5): The library provides services to all users without discrimination and strongly supports female students and staff in engineering programs. Additionally, the library director participated in an inspiring book project aimed at promoting women’s leadership and reducing gender inequality in higher education.

Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): The campus is equipped with a Karofi water filtering system and operates a wastewater treatment plant that reuses water for flushing toilets and irrigating plants. The library also actively promotes faculty research and publications on water treatment and reuse technologies.

Reduced Inequality (SDG 10): The university ensures equal opportunities by offering scholarships for low-income students and providing a foundation year program to level the academic playing field. The library guarantees free access to all databases for everyone and frequently organizes donation events to support remote and disadvantaged communities.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): The library preserves art and heritage through exhibition spaces (such as the Vietnamese-German Corner), historical photo displays, and by archiving the university’s grey literature. The campus also supports affordable shared housing, eco-friendly commuting options, and community-engaging cultural events and book fairs.

Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The library maintains strong internal collaborations (with the Labor Union and GREEN Inspiration group) and has established partnerships with nine German university libraries, local institutions (VNU HCMC, Fulbright), and Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. These partnerships focus on sharing open-access resources, professional exchange, and co-developing sustainable green library models.