Innovation Across Technology and Design Delivers Results for Industry and Local Communities

National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) is putting its expertise into practice to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All four of its submissions to the fifth Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards (TSAA) in 2026, organized by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), earned recognition, bringing home one silver and three bronze awards. The winning projects span energy conservation in high-tech industries, health and sustainable tourism on outlying islands, cultural preservation in historic districts, and forest sustainability education. Together, they demonstrate how Taipei Tech combines technological research and development, design innovation, and community engagement to translate academic expertise into tangible progress toward sustainability. Taipei Tech President Yi-Jun Jen was also invited to chair the judging panel for this year’s government category, contributing to the evaluation of sustainability initiatives and the exchange of practical experience.

Smart Technologies Advance Industrial Energy Conservation as Interdisciplinary Initiatives Reach Local Communities

“Smart Operations Management for High-Tech Facilities,” a project led by Assistant Professor Chi-Yun Liu of the Department of Civil Engineering, received a silver award in the SDG 7 category. The project integrates deep learning, life cycle assessment, and dynamic decision-making technologies to establish a smart management model for quantifiable, verifiable energy savings and carbon emissions reductions. It also develops mechanisms for energy consumption forecasting, early warning of equipment failures, supply chain risk analysis, and the circular use of building materials. Validated in real-world facility operations, the approach strengthens the high-tech sector’s capabilities in smart operations and sustainability governance.

“Sustainable Liuqiu: Shaping the Island’s Future,” a project led by Associate Professor Yu-Chi Lee of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, received a bronze award in the SDG 3 category. Based on Xiaoliuqiu (Liuqiu Island), the project brings together schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local businesses. It combines health promotion for older adults, health screenings, disease prevention, and education on low-carbon tourism to address the challenges of population aging and the island’s sustainable development needs, advancing both residents’ health and well-being and the community’s long-term sustainability.

Design Connects Cities and Forests, Bringing Sustainability Values to Life Through Innovation

“Taipei’s Memory Train: Dadaocheng,” a project led by Associate Professor Tung-Ming Lee of the Department of Industrial Design, received a bronze award in the SDG 11 category. The project applies design thinking to the historic Dadaocheng district, bringing together faculty, students, community organizations, local businesses, and alumni. Through field research, place-based courses, and generative AI-assisted design, it preserves cultural memory, reinterprets local heritage through digital media, and revitalizes spaces to make them more welcoming and inclusive.

“Inclusive Action for Forest Sustainability Awareness,” a project led by Associate Professor Ro-Han Chang of the Department of Industrial Design, received a bronze award in the SDG 12 category. Combining design expertise with forestry resources, the project incorporates topics such as forest ecosystem management, domestically produced timber, and responsible consumption into curricula, teaching aids, and instructional materials for elementary and junior high schools. Through classroom instruction, teacher training, exhibitions, and demonstrations, it strengthens education on forest conservation, carbon footprints, and responsible consumption.

Expanding Sustainability Efforts from Campus to Society

Taipei Tech stated that it remains guided by its core commitment to “innovating through technology and putting sustainability into practice,” encouraging faculty and students to connect research, teaching, and community engagement with real-world settings. This year’s award-winning projects span industry, health, cities, and education, demonstrating how interdisciplinary expertise in technology, engineering, and design can address a range of sustainability challenges. They also reflect the university’s multifaceted contributions to Taiwan’s sustainable development through talent development, applied expertise, and social engagement.

Looking ahead, Taipei Tech will continue to build on its strengths in technology and design, deepen interdisciplinary collaboration, and work with industry and local partners to apply innovative technologies and specialized knowledge in real-world settings. Upholding its pioneering spirit in technical and vocational education, the university will advance technological innovation and sustainability in practice, address environmental and societal needs, and continue to drive positive change for Taiwan’s sustainable development.