Imagine a campus where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a way of life — where students spearhead projects that inspire real change and eco-conscious practices take root at every corner. This vision is a reality at NUS, thanks to the passionate efforts of NUS SAVE (Students' Association for Visions of the Earth).
The student group tackles environmental challenges through innovative projects and collaborations. Guided by the vision of establishing NUS as a leader in youth sustainability efforts, NUS SAVE promotes eco-friendly practices and supports green ideas across campus.
Year 3 College of Design and Engineering student, Mohamed Bilal S/O Saibudeen, Vice President (Creative) of NUS SAVE, lends his insights into their impactful work and vision for a greener campus.
NUS SAVE organises events such as plant-based cooking workshops to help students learn about sustainability in a fun and engaging way.
OSA: What inspired you to be involved in sustainability efforts?
Bilal: I’ve always had the desire to make a difference in the community is my driving force. I’m inspired by the idea that even small changes in our behaviour and infrastructure can create significant positive impact.
OSA: What makes NUS SAVE a driving force behind sustainability efforts at NUS?
Bilal: NUS SAVE’s mission is to create accessible, visible, and attractive eco-friendly choices for the campus while driving purposeful structural change to address the climate crisis. Through four specialised cells — Green Audit, Green Materials, Green Canteens, and Biodiversity — we address sustainability comprehensively, from event ESG (environmental, social, and governance) compliance to biodiversity conservation. These efforts enable students to engage with and contribute to impactful environmental solutions.
NUS SAVE actively supports Singapore green initiatives such as Clean & Green Singapore Day 2024. NUS SAVE Co-President, Gracia Goh (first from right), was a speaker at its panel discussion.
OSA: What sets NUS SAVE apart from other green groups in NUS?
Bilal: Our distinctive edge lies in its holistic and action-oriented approach to sustainability. We tackle various environmental challenges, encompassing waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, and ESG compliance. Collaboration across our four specialised cells allow our members to gain exposure to diverse aspects of sustainability, from sustainability reporting processes to creative projects like upcycling and edible gardens, fostering interdisciplinary learning and community spirit. Additionally, NUS SAVE actively supports the NUS community in turning green ideas into impactful initiatives, ensuring they are not just conceptual but actionable through our Sustainability Fund (SusFund).
NUS SAVE held a Human Library Energy & Sustainability Careers event for students interested to explore opportunities in related fields.
OSA: What is a recent collaboration where NUS SAVE helped integrate sustainability into a campus event?
Bilal: We collaborated with NUSSU RAG Day 2024, a team that has shown exceptional dedication to sustainability. Their ability to balance tradition, creativity, and environmental responsibility has been inspiring, and they stand out as an exemplary model for sustainable practices in community events. Working alongside them, NUS SAVE provided recommendations on material sourcing, management, and disposal. We also reviewed the judging component attributed to sustainability to help ensure that sustainability remained a priority throughout the event.
For its role in integrating sustainability efforts and working closely with NUS SAVE, NUSSU Rag Day 2024 received the new Eco Champions Recognition at the NUS Achievement Awards 2024.
OSA: What can we expect from NUS SAVE in 2025?
Bilal: We’re excited to launch the Green Bazaar X NUS Marketplace Garage Sale, a large-scale celebration of sustainable living. This UTown event will feature eco-friendly products, pre-loved items, and platforms for student-run green businesses.
Additionally, the City in a Snapshot X Ecoclick competition in partnership with NTU Earthlink will combine creativity and environmental appreciation through nature photography. Both events aim to inspire collective action and foster greater environmental awareness on campus and beyond.
OSA: How can an NUS student join NUS SAVE or its activities?
Bilal: NUS students can join us through these channels which provide details about upcoming events, sign-up opportunities, and insights into sustainability initiatives.
- LinkedIn: NUS SAVE (Students' Association for Visions of the Earth)
- Instagram, Telegram, TikTok: @nussave
- Email: nussavesg@gmail.com
NUS SAVE is just one of many student groups driving sustainability at NUS. In 2024, the university introduced the NUS Eco Champions Recognition award at the NUS Achievement Awards to honour student groups like SunNUS, NUSSU Rag Day, and Tembusu College for their outstanding efforts in integrating eco-conscious practices.
Click to watch how these groups are shaping a greener campus.
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