IGEE Proceedings

Articles

Student Involvement in SDG Projects: Seven Years of Yonsei University’s Social Engagement Fund (2018–2025): Sarah Soyeon Oh, In Han Song, Shinki An; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(3):178-183. Published online October 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.023

107 View
5 Download

Abstract PDF: Abstract
Background
The Institute for Global Engagement & Empowerment (IGEE) at Yonsei University established the Social Engagement Fund (SEF) in 2018 to align with institutional commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines how IGEE's student-led projects as part of Yonsei University's SEF program have expanded SDG coverage over the past seven years and identifies factors contributing to improved integration across multiple goals.
Methods
We analyzed all 49 SEF projects implemented between 2018 and 2025, coding each project for SDG alignment and tracking coverage patterns over time. Annual SDG engagement was measured using two indicators: (1) the total number of SDGs addressed per year and (2) the average number of SDGs addressed per project.
Results
The number of SEF projects increased steadily from 5 in 2018 to 12 in 2025, reflecting growing student participation and institutional support. Over the same period, annual SDG coverage expanded from 9 total SDG mentions in 2018 to 59 in 2025, demonstrating a marked diversification of focus areas. The average number of SDGs addressed per project rose from 1.8 in the early years (2018–2021) to 4.9 in 2025, peaking at 8.3 in 2022. Early projects primarily centered on institutional and educational goals such as SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), while later years showed stronger engagement with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Some goals—including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water)—remained relatively underrepresented.
Conclusions
Student engagement initiatives like SEF can significantly broaden and deepen SDG coverage through structured mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and targeted project funding. By enabling applied, student-driven practice, IGEE’s SEF model demonstrates how universities can translate institutional SDG commitments into measurable and expanding impact across a wide range of sustainability goals.; Summary

The Current Status and Future of Yonsei University's Transition to a Carbon-Neutral Campus: Focused on Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas(GHG) Emission Characteristics: Haeyeong Choi; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(1):31-42. Published online February 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.009

797 View
37 Download

Abstract PDF: Abstract
This study presents the current status of Yonsei University’s efforts toward carbon neutrality, with a focus on energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission characteristics. Based on these findings, the study proposes directions and solutions for transitioning to a carbon-neutral campus from three perspectives: energy-saving strategies, changes in governence , educational and academic accessibility. Among them, the first one is the main focus of this study. On November 27, 2024, Yonsei University participated in the 'Joint Declaration Ceremony of Four Universities for the Sustainable Campus Initiative', held in Global Green Growth Institute(GGGI). In declaration, Yonsei University committed to the fulfillment of its environmental and social responsibilities and laying a foundation for addressing global challenges with Seoul National University, Korea University, and Postech. Analyzation was conducted from various perspectives: energy consumption, GHG emission, the correlations between the two, energy usage patterns by building types, and change in the pattern of energy usage over a year and a month. The following briefly presents three scenarios from different perspectives. Firstly, Buildings - especially STEM and research centers - and energy fixing facilities should be strictly managed to reduce energy. Plus, assessing energy consumption during non-peak hours, such as late at night and on weekends, is also needed to determine if it aligns with actual activities. Installing more energy-efficient heating/cooling systems. Secondly, enhancing governance structure dealing with this issue is suggested as the solutions. It can be efficiently conduced by leveraging its existing systems in a way to collaborate and discuss together. And they should annually publish carbon-neutral scenarios, ESG reports, and current status of renewable energy. They also should improve the transparancy and accuracy of publicly available energy-related information. Third, the study suggests increasing financial support for students and researchers in environmental-related departments. In addition, fostering interest among the broader Yonsei community and establishing a symbolic Carbon Neutrality Center are also proposed.; Summary

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search