Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung-ryul) Climate Change Response Project Team (Director Kang Yoon-hee, Department of Russian and Eurasian Studies) announced on Wednesday, April 16, that its environmental club “Net Zero” will promote the sharing economy by sharing umbrellas on campus. In addition, the club plans to conduct a survey on environmental awareness to raise awareness of environmental protection and the sharing economy among users.

This initiative aligns with the current trend of adopting an economic model that promotes the efficient use of resources and environmental protection by sharing goods and services. It focuses on umbrellas, which are commonly needed but often left behind or lost due to unexpected weather changes. The umbrellas to be shared will be designed based on students' preferences.

Students will conduct sharing activities centered around the Kookmin University campus to enable students and faculty members to easily use umbrellas when needed and return them conscientiously, thereby fostering a sustainable sharing culture. Through this initiative, the university aims to achieve the following objectives: △adaptation to climate change and enhancement of student convenience △establishment of a sustainable consumption culture through the activation of the sharing economy △practical implementation of environmental protection and resource conservation △construction of a sustainable campus and related research.

Additionally, to ensure students can move around comfortably despite unpredictable weather changes, the program will promote shared umbrella use to reduce unnecessary consumption and spread a culture of resource circulation. This initiative will also serve as a model for climate change adaptation through the sharing economy, with findings reflected in the National University Sustainability Report.

After use, umbrellas can be returned to any umbrella stand, as there are no restrictions on where they can be returned. Thanks to this self-regulated and simple usage system, both students and faculty members are expected to use the service without any hassle. Umbrella stands are permanently installed in 10 buildings across the campus, including Bukak Hall, Science Hall, Business Administration Hall, Gyeongseong Hall, Seonggok Library, Engineering Hall, Future Hall, Arts Hall, Sculpture Hall, and Law Hall. Each umbrella stand is equipped with a QR code containing project information and location details.

Users can voluntarily participate in a simple survey via the QR code, and the survey results will be used as data for the 2025 academic year sustainability report. Participants will also have the chance to win souvenirs through a lottery. We look forward to the active participation of many users to ensure smooth operation and the creation of a sustainable campus culture.

Bae Eun-kyung (Korean History, 22), president of the Net Zero Club, said, “We hope that the club will carry out smooth and continuous activities and operate smoothly within Kookmin University. We ask for your continued interest in the Net Zero Club's umbrella sharing economy activities.”

Meanwhile, the Net Zero Club is a climate and environmental academic club under the National University Climate Change Response Project Team, focusing on ESG, sustainability, carbon neutrality, and climate change. Last year, after analyzing sustainability reports from various companies, the club compiled and presented National University's sustainability report. Based on its participation in various domestic and international ESG and carbon neutrality-related events and forums, the club conducted climate and environment-related campaigns and diverse on-campus activities.