UTB’s infrastructures have been developed in phases and comprised of older and newer buildings, with future infrastructure expansion in the coming years.

Energy Efficiency Building

In its effort to improve energy efficiency and minimise its carbon footprint from electricity consumption, the University has phased-in energy efficient equipment in its refurbishment projects. General lighting is provided with both T8 fluorescent lighting and compact fluorescent lighting, with LED lights being increasingly used to replace these where suitable. The hot and humid climate necessitates the inevitable use of air-conditioning for optimum thermal comfort indoors. Energy efficiency is achieved by careful design, specification and operation of the cooling equipment The University has phased out the use of central air-conditioning with water-cooled chillers in Phase 1 and Phase 2 premises and provide comfort cooling in favour of local split type air-conditioning system. This has allowed better zonal control by occupants and minimize unnecessary space cooling, minimize water consumption by cooling towers, reduce energy consumption and reduce maintenance costs. Meanwhile, the Phase 3 complex which was completed in 2013 is equipped with VRV multi split type air conditioning system that are more energy efficient than the conventional type and provides more flexible occupant control. 

A major contributor to UTB’s carbon emissions is electricity consumption, classified under Scope 2 emissions. Between July 2021 and June 2024, the university recorded a 17.1% reduction in Scope 2 carbon emissions, declining from 170 tCO₂e to 141 tCO₂e.

This downward trajectory demonstrates a consistent year-on-year decline in emissions (from 170 tCO₂e to 146 tCO₂e, and further to 141 tCO₂e), reflecting UTB’s continued efforts to enhance energy efficiency, optimise electricity use across its operations, and potentially benefit from a cleaner national electricity grid.

The sustained decrease in emissions underscores UTB’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and its strategic approach to lowering its institutional carbon footprint through effective energy management initiatives.

UTB aims to target net-zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 by at least 2050. This aligns with global climate action goals and Brunei Darussalam’s national commitments under the Brunei National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP). UTB has publicly committed to reaching net-zero since 2023.

Towards this, some of the strategies covered are areas pertaining to electric vehicles, renewable energy, power management, waste management, climate resilience and adaptation, as well as, awareness and education.

Phase 4 complex School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics

School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (Phase 4 complex) is currently undergoing construction that is set to be ready by Q1 2025. This building has also been designed to have green building features including building form and orientation that minimise solar heat gain, energy efficient LED and demand-controlled lighting, water-saving sanitary fittings and use of energy efficient VRF and inverter system for air-conditioning. Accordingly, this is in compliance with the Ministry of Development's Green Building Policy.