On the morning of February 1, 2026, at the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park, Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU) officially launched the Green Future @ NTTU project. The event marked a strategic milestone in the university’s dual-transition roadmap—integrating digital transformation with green transformation—towards achieving Net Zero and sustainable development in accordance with ESG standards (Environmental – Social – Governance).
When Education Becomes a “Green Resource” for the Net Zero Goal
As Net Zero becomes an inevitable requirement of global development, education is no longer confined to the transmission of knowledge. Instead, it is emerging as a strategic resource for the dual transition—where digital technologies are leveraged to promote green behaviors, measure environmental impacts, and disseminate ESG values within academic communities.
Rather than viewing Net Zero as a purely technical objective, NTTU identifies education as the foundation for cultivating a sustainable development mindset. In this approach, students are not only learners but also active participants in emission reduction activities, circular economy practices, and green innovation.
In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Hong, Vice President of Nguyen Tat Thanh University, emphasized:
“Modern education cannot be separated from environmental responsibility. By implementing the Green Future project at NTTU, each student is not merely a recipient of knowledge but must become a ‘green agent,’ directly participating in the creation of sustainable solutions through digital technologies aligned with ESG standards.”
Global Ecoschool: A Green Education Model Digitizing Behavior in Line with ESG Standards
A key highlight of the program was the kick-off ceremony of Green Future @ NTTU and the pilot implementation of the Global EcoSchool model. Through VNNetZero—a digital platform for green behavior tracking integrated with an automated reverse vending machine (RVM) system—NTTU is actively realizing its carbon neutrality goals while fostering a spirit of sustainable entrepreneurship among students and faculty.
This initiative represents a concrete step in the university’s dual-transition strategy, combining digital and green transformation to establish a circular economy model within the campus. Here, all ecological behaviors—from waste sorting and energy saving to community activities—are digitized, measured, and responded to in real time. This transparency not only enables personalized environmental education but also helps learners clearly recognize the positive impact of their actions on the environment.
The event also featured the signing of strategic cooperation agreements between NTTU and partner organizations such as VNU Greentech Spin-off and the Vietnam Waste Recycling Association. Practical data generated from the project will serve as a critical foundation for optimizing and scaling up the Global EcoSchool – VNNetZero model, contributing to ESG objectives and the Green Development Strategy of Ho Chi Minh City in the new phase.
Sharing further insights into this vision, Dr. Bui Thi Thanh Huong, Founder & CEO of VNU Greentech Spin-off (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), delivered an inspiring keynote titled:
“Activating Action for Net Zero: A Green Startup Journey from Education.”
According to her, Net Zero is not merely a challenge of emission reduction but a cultural and ethical journey. She emphasized that digital platforms are the “key” to transforming individual behaviors into collective value, thereby unlocking breakthrough opportunities in the circular economy and carbon markets—where students can confidently pursue entrepreneurship with a strong sense of responsibility.
Echoing this perspective, Mr. Hua Phu Doan, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Waste Recycling Association, stated that the journey toward Net Zero must begin by recognizing recycling as an integral part of a modern lifestyle. He highly appreciated NTTU’s model for effectively integrating environmental education with entrepreneurial practice, enabling students to become familiar with the green economy while still at university.
VNNetZero – Bridging Green Commitments with Concrete Action
Demonstrating the spirit of “actions matching commitments,” within the framework of the program, the automated bottle and can reverse vending machine system was officially put into operation in the lobby of Building N1, Nguyen Tat Thanh University (Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park campus). More than just a technological device, this system serves as a hands-on educational tool, allowing students to gain real-life experience and gradually develop waste sorting habits at the source.
Each bottle or can deposited into the machine no longer remains merely recyclable waste, but is transformed into a measurable “green contribution.” Through the VNNetZero platform, these small yet consistent actions are recorded and gradually converted into financial resources supporting tree planting, emission reduction, and specific environmental projects. In doing so, a sustainable circular loop is formed—from waste collection to the creation of green spaces—helping students clearly perceive the practical value of the circular economy and environmental responsibility in campus life.
Although the event has concluded, the Green Future journey at NTTU has only just officially begun, opening a new chapter for the digitalization of green education in Vietnam. More than a single program, it represents a strong commitment by NTTU to personalize ecological behavior and embed climate responsibility into the identity of each student. NTTU embraces the dual transition not as a trend, but as a long-term educational strategy. Today, every step taken by students under the roof of Nguyen Tat Thanh University becomes a footprint on the path toward Net Zero. Through the harmonious integration of Knowledge – Technology – Ecological Ethics, the university is nurturing a generation of “green citizens” equipped with competence, responsibility, and a global mindset.
Source: ntt.edu.vn