Cultivate green-collar talents through practical methods NCUT team of teachers and students assists the sustainable transformation of the industry

       〔稿源：2023-11-15 / ESG TIMES〕

       What exactly does ESG (environmental, social, corporate governance) refer to? How do you conduct a carbon inventory? Is carbon optimization immediately required after the inventory? How do you write a sustainability report? In addition to the epidemic in recent years, nothing has troubled companies more than the issue of sustainable development.

       In terms of protecting the global environment, everyone knows the importance of ESG, but how do we actually put it into action? I believe that most people are still grappling with this. Even advanced countries such as Europe, the United States, and Japan have only recently reached a consensus on the world's first set of sustainable disclosure standards. No. S1 (General Provisions for the Disclosure of Sustainability-Related Financial Information) was finally born in June 2023, followed by S2 (climate-related disclosure).

       To address current challenges, universities are well-positioned to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their journey towards sustainability," stated NCUT President Chen, Wen-Yuan. He emphasized that universities boast faculty members specializing in ESG studies, along with students eager to gain practical experience and grow in this field. Moreover, universities possess the unique ability to swiftly mobilize resources from various sectors including industry, government, and academia. This capability enables them to effectively guide enterprises towards sustainable transformation, minimizing both time and costs.

       Taking NCUT as an example, in addition to establishing the "Carbon Neutral Center" and "Sustainable Development Center" since 2020, and providing comprehensive sustainability consultation and guidance services, the university has launched a program aimed at helping companies swiftly assess their current status through the "Quick Inventory Form" developed by Kuang. By completing this form, companies can gain clarity on the subsequent transformation process, including conducting a carbon inventory and identifying areas for carbon optimization.

       Having collected data from nearly a hundred cases, Principal Chen identified several common challenges that companies encounter during carbon inventory and optimization:

1. Communication Gap: Internal staff may possess varying levels of expertise, responsibilities, and experiences, leading to conflicts arising from different viewpoints.
2. Coordination Difficulty: Achieving information unity across different departments proves challenging, making subsequent cooperation efforts even more difficult.
3. Digital Transformation: ESG initiatives involve continuous and cyclical efforts. Without proper digital management, achieving sustainability goals can be daunting. Therefore, sustainable transformation often necessitates concurrent digital transformation efforts.
4. Talent Shortage: Currently, higher education institutions lack specialized departments focused on cultivating ESG green talents. Given the industry's significant demand, talent shortages are inevitable.

       Addressing these challenges is crucial for effective sustainability initiatives and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within organizations.

       To cultivate more green-collar talents capable of effectively assisting companies in submitting ESG sustainability reports, NCUT has expanded the service caseload of its two major centers. This initiative aims to provide students with increased opportunities to accompany teachers on practical engagements with companies. Additionally, funding subsidies are offered to support faculty members in attending practical courses to obtain relevant certifications such as carbon footprint accountants and gas accountants.

       "Currently, nearly 70 teachers have obtained certification. They serve as seed teachers nurturing sustainable talents," Principal Chen emphasized. The current tutoring capacity of the two centers is approximately 100 companies per year, with at least 2 individuals participating in each case. By involving students in these initiatives, NCUT aims to cultivate over 200 talents with carbon inventory capabilities annually, thereby contributing significantly to Taiwan's overall sustainable transformation efforts.

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