Korea University of Technology and Education Achieves Full Set of ESG International Standards Certifications

Simultaneous Acquisition of ISO Certifications in Environment, Energy, and Business Continuity
Setting a New Standard for ESG Management in Higher Education

Front View of the Industry-University Cooperation Building at Korea University of Technology and Education

Korea University of Technology and Education has institutionalized ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices across all aspects of university operations by consecutively obtaining international standard certifications in the fields of environment, energy, and crisis management.

The university announced on January 21 that it has recently acquired new certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for its Environmental Management System (ISO 14001), Energy Management System (ISO 50001), and Business Continuity Management System (ISO 22301).

Previously, Korea University of Technology and Education became the first university in Korea to obtain the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (ISO 45001) certification in 2021, followed by the Anti-Bribery Management System (ISO 37001) certification in 2022. With the recent expansion into environment, energy, and crisis management, the university has now established a comprehensive management system covering all areas of ESG in accordance with international standards.

Notably, the certifications for ISO 50001 (Energy Management) and ISO 22301 (Business Continuity) are the first of their kind among universities nationwide. As a public educational institution, the university has established an internationally recognized response system that enables systematic management of all processes related to energy usage and ensures the continuity and recovery of educational, research, and administrative functions even in crisis situations such as disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and system failures.

In the environmental sector, the university is operating an eco-friendly campus management system based on ISO 14001, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.

In the social sector, the university has linked ISO 45001 and ISO 22301 to simultaneously strengthen worker safety, protect learning rights, and enhance crisis response capabilities. In terms of governance, the university continues to pursue ethical management with transparency and accountability through ISO 37001.

Meanwhile, the laboratory affiliated with the Shared Equipment Center of the Industry-University Cooperation Foundation has been re-certified as an “Excellent Laboratory for Safety Management” by the Ministry of Science and ICT. The Thermal Property Analysis Lab, Surface Analysis Lab, and Organic Analysis Lab have all received step-by-step re-certifications since their initial recognition in 2020, officially acknowledging the university’s high standard of research safety management.

President Yoo Kil-sang stated, “These international standard certifications are significant in that they systematically embed ESG values across all areas of university operations. We will continue to enhance our crisis response and sustainable management by prioritizing environmental protection, a safe educational environment, and transparent ethical management.”