Sustainability Checklist for Greener Orientations across Campus!
What Does a Sustainable Orientation Look Like?
With over 50 orientation camps happening each summer, the impact on campus resources and waste can really add up. But what if every camp could be part of the solution — not just the problem? That’s where the NTUSU Sustainability Checklist comes in.
What we did
This year, NTUSU introduced a new sustainability checklist that every single one of NTU’s 54 orientation programmes had to complete — not once, but twice: Before camp: to pledge their sustainability practices After camp: to reflect on what they actually achieved Each orientation group also appointed a Sustainability Representative to lead the effort. This process helps us gather concrete data on which practices (e.g. reusables, reducing single-use items, energy-efficient setups) are easy wins — and where camps need more support in future.
Why It Matters
By standardising how we track sustainability across camps, we’re making sure it’s not just a buzzword — but something that’s practical, measurable, and real. This is the first time NTUSU has implemented a campus-wide sustainability accountability system for student-led events — and it’s only the beginning.
What We’ve Learned (So Far)
Some camps faced challenges with sourcing sustainable materials or balancing cost and convenience. But the checklist helped spark creative workarounds and meaningful conversations — and those lessons are invaluable for future batches. What’s Next? If you’re planning an event or involved in a student club, stay tuned — we’re working on adapting the checklist beyond orientations too. Together, let’s make sustainability second nature at NTU.