Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is steadfast in its commitment to being a green campus, setting a benchmark for environmentally responsible education and operations. Through its green campus initiatives, UGM emphasises the importance of environmental sustainability by integrating clean energy solutions and innovative carbon management strategies.
Carbon management and CO₂ emission reduction are at the core of UGM’s green campus agenda. As CO₂ is a major greenhouse gas driving global warming, reducing its emissions is essential for mitigating climate change. By adopting clean energy technologies, such as renewable energy systems and energy-efficient practices, UGM aims to lower its ecological footprint. These efforts not only curb greenhouse effects but also enhance air quality on campus, reducing harmful pollutants like particulate matter and fostering a healthier environment for students, staff, and the surrounding community.
The process of carbon management and emission reduction is implemented in several stages of the management process at UGM and is supported by all of UGM’s faculties, centre of studies, as well as students, staff, and faculty. The process includes:
Stage One: Assessment and Baseline Establishment
The Directorate of Assets conducts direct and indirect carbon audits to assess the current carbon footprint on campus and set an annual baseline for future reduction.
The Smart Building monitoring system at UGM (see https://smartbuilding.wg.ugm.ac.id) provides real-time data on energy supply and demand across faculties. By clicking one of the faculties listed on the website, one can see the energy supply and demand of each faculty building. The dashboard visually maps buildings, enabling easy identification of energy usage patterns. This tool supports energy efficiency initiatives by highlighting high-demand areas and guiding sustainable energy management efforts in line with UGM’s green campus goals. This data is made available to the public. Each building is labelled with its area and energy demand, with usage levels categorised by colour: green (<90%), yellow (90–95%), and red (>95%).
For instance, in the figure below, the DTMI and DTSL buildings in the Faculty of Engineering have energy demands of 7,436 kWh and 15,373 kWh, respectively, both marked in green, reflecting efficient energy usage. Meanwhile, DTNTF, with a demand of 13,415 kWh, also remains within acceptable levels. The monitoring system can be used to alert which buildings have high energy usage that must be controlled, such as the DTAP building that is in the red category, with a demand of 22,328 kWh.
Stage Two: Strategic Planning by Setting Reduction Targets
The university sets reduction targets to manage and reduce carbon emissions on campus. These are established science-based targets aligned with international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement, to actively contribute to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. UGM has already determined specific, measurable, and time-bound goals for reducing carbon emissions across UGM’s campus operations, which align with regional and global sustainability benchmarks.
These goals are outlined in Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 (p. 46), where the university commits to reducing carbon emissions from campus transportation. Using the 2021 baseline of 709.82 metric tons of CO₂, UGM aims to lower emissions to 689 metric tons by 2024. This target will decrease incrementally each year, with the ultimate goal of reducing emissions to 659 metric tons by the end of 2027.
Once reduction targets are set, the university then develops a carbon management plan. UGM has implemented a carbon management plan focusing on renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency in buildings, and sustainable commuting options, such as using electric vehicles on campus and renting campus bikes.
Stakeholder engagement is vital for emission reduction success. UGM involves its entire faculty, staff, and students in sustainability initiatives. However, these initiatives need even greater collaboration with national and local governments, with other institutions, with suppliers for green procurement, and engaging local communities to align with regional needs.
In one such case, UGM offers an Electric Bus Service, known as Trans Gadjah Mada, as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation offered within campus. Previously, UGM only used 2 electric buses, but the Indonesian Ministry of Investment in 2023 contributed 3 more buses to the fleet. With more buses in the fleet, the intervals between bus arrivals can be shortened, encouraging more people to use the bus. The electric bus can accommodate approximately 74.26% of the UGM population annually.
Signing of the MoU between UGM and the Ministry of Investment
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/kementerian-investasi-ri-hibahkan-3-unit-bus-listrik-ke-ugm/
Stage Three: Emission Reduction Strategies
Energy Efficiency in Buildings
For years, UGM has implemented environmentally friendly construction practices and green behaviour to allow campus buildings to achieve higher energy efficiency. The university has already published guidelines for implementing electricity savings within UGM buildings. This includes optimising air conditioning systems, lighting systems, and supporting equipment. As an example, all students and staff are encouraged to turn off computers when leaving the workspace for more than 30 (thirty) minutes, turn off printers when not in use and only powering them on shortly before printing, operate audio-video equipment as needed and turn it off after use, etc.
UGM demands energy efficiency not only in the learning and teaching facilities but also in the university office buildings. This includes turning off the air conditioning (AC) when the room is not in use and adjusting the room temperature in accordance with Indonesian National Standards (SNI), which range between 24°C and 27°C. Though seemingly small and simple habits, this example of green behaviour can lead to higher energy efficiency.
Renewable Energy Adoption
Adopting renewable energy is a cornerstone of emission reduction strategies. Renewable energy reduces emissions by replacing fossil fuels, which are major sources of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂). At UGM, this approach reduces reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring that campus activities continue seamlessly.
As part of its efforts, UGM has collaborated with several industries, such as PT Pertamina (Persero), to install solar power plants (PLTS) in a number of buildings within the main campus area, showcasing a practical move toward reducing carbon emissions from buildings.
This attempt has produced more than a total of 320 MWh in 2023, equivalent to a carbon emission reduction of 285 tons CO2 or equivalent to having 11,401 adult trees planted. A detail of the solar power plants installed onto UGM buildings and the electricity produced is provided in the table below.
| Building Name/Faculty | Capacity (kWp) | Partnership |
|---|---|---|
| KLMB Building and Street of Geography (Faculty of Geography) | 25.5 | PT Pertamina (Persero) (Installation in 2022-2023) |
| BA Building (Faculty of Social and Political Science) | 82.5 | |
| BC Building (Faculty of Social and Political Science) | 45 | |
| IFFLC Building (Faculty of Forestry) | 40.5 | |
| JBIC Building (Faculty of Forestry) | 20.25 | |
| A-Building and LLC (Faculty of Law) | 45 | |
| R. Soegondo Building (Faculty of Cultural Science) | 67.5 | |
| Al Hayat Mosque (Faculty of Biology) | Faculty initiative (Installation in 2023) | |
| SGLC Building (Faculty of Engineering) | 64.4 | Faculty initiative |
| DTETI Building (Faculty of Engineering) | 2.68 | Faculty initiative |
| DTNTF Building (Faculty of Engineering) | 0.83 | Faculty initiative |
| Mosque of Engineering (Faculty of Engineering) | 0.83 | Faculty initiative (Installation in 2023) |
| Graduate School Building (Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing) | 30 | Faculty initiative |
| Faculty of Psychology | 50 | Faculty initiative |
| LC Building (Faculty of Economics and Business) | 20 | Faculty initiative |
| Center of Environmental Studies | 40 | Center of Environmental Studies initiative |
| Center of Energy Studies | 6 | Center of Energy Studies initiative |
| 2nd and 3rd Kinanti Residences | 5 | Kinanti Residences initiative |
| Bulaksumur Residences | 0.24 | Bulaksumur Residences initiative |
| East Circle PJU | 0.84 | University initiative |
| Kinanti Streetlight | 0.18 | Kinanti Residences initiative |
| Agrotechnology Innovation Center | 4 | Agrotechnology Innovation Center initiative |
Sustainable Commuting Options
Sustainable commuting is at the heart of creating a greener campus. By opting to use Zero-Emission Vehicles, campus bicycles, and regulating the number of personal vehicles on campus, UGM can lead the way in achieving a sustainable future.
To learn more about UGM’s sustainable commuting programs, click here.
Stage Four: Offsetting and Compensation
UGM harnesses as many as three main renewable energy sources—solar panels, biogas, and micro-hydro power—that significantly contribute to the university’s energy consumption and sustainability efforts. Solar panels generate approximately 1,098,515 kWh per year, biogas contributes 2,737.5 kWh per year, and micro-hydro adds 730 kWh per year. Combined, these renewable energy sources account for around 6.6% of UGM’s total energy needs.
Another practice of UGM’s carbon offsetting is the management of several forest areas spread out in its Main Campus in Bulaksumur, in PIAT Berbah and Mangunan, and in Wanagama Eco-Edu Forest, totalling 7,898,492.02 m² of forest area. Therefore, around 34.45% of the UGM campus area is covered by forest vegetation. The main campus features three key forest areas: the Arboretum of the Faculty of Biology, the Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry, and the forest on the west side of Grha Sabha Pramana. The Arboretum of Biology houses a diverse collection of plants from across Indonesia, including 91 species of trees such as meranti (Shorea zeylanica, S. japonica), nagasari (Mesua ferrea), sterkulia (Sterculia foetida), and the yellow-flowering kapok pad (Salamalia malabarica), alongside various palm species. The forest has become a living environment for species of animals as well, such as snakes, dogs, cats, and mice.
UGM Forest area (Arboretum of Biology, Faculty of Biology, UGM main campus)
Stage Five: Monitoring and Reporting
A Campus Management System, which includes Continuous Energy Monitoring, is currently being developed. The system has been running since early 2022 in the Faculty of Engineering. A report regarding the use of UGM Smart Building Monitoring System for energy use tracking and also the self-audit reporting using UGM’s standardised SOP can be found here (see section on Electrical Systems).
Stage Six: Policy and Advocacy
Policy and advocacy play a pivotal role in driving carbon reduction on campus, shaping frameworks and initiatives that encourage green behaviour sustainable practices. By implementing effective policies and fostering a culture of environmental awareness, UGM can call for collective action to reduce carbon emissions.
Firstly, UGM has set policies so that all renovations and constructions to its buildings adhere to energy efficiency standards. According to Rector’s Regulation Number 157 Year 2020 and the Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027, UGM mandates that all campus buildings meet standards to achieve higher energy efficiency.
The Board of Trustees Regulation Number 1 Year 2021 further stresses UGM’s commitment to providing infrastructure that is smart, healthy, comfortable, safe, and sustainable. This includes the development of a green campus with minimal carbon emissions, achieved through programs such as zero-waste initiatives, recycling, reuse, the use of renewable energy, and the promotion of environmentally friendly behaviours.
UGM also has published Circular Letter Number 16839/UN1.P/HK.02/2024 which outlines the guidelines and commitments to foster environmentally responsible behaviour within the university community, with a specific emphasis on carbon management and the adoption of clean energy solutions. It aims to promote sustainable practices among students, faculty, and staff as part of the institution’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower its ecological footprint, and contribute to global environmental sustainability.
Since policies and their implementation cannot succeed without the cooperation of the entire campus community, UGM consistently advocates to support carbon management and the adoption of clean energy solutions. By promoting green behaviour on campus, green building management, and increasing sustainable practices among students, faculty, and staff, UGM can reach a higher energy efficiency, thus reducing the amount of carbon emissions and lower the ecological footprint.
Stage Seven: Review and Adaptation
Universitas Gadjah Mada integrates carbon management into its Sustainable Campus Award program, which includes an annual review of the effectiveness of its carbon management plan. This review informs adjustments to strategies and the setting of new carbon reduction targets. These targets are implemented through Faculty, School, and University Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), focusing on fostering a Green Mindset. The KPIs are measured by improvements in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and the provision of disability-friendly facilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability and inclusivity.
References:
- Universitas Gadjah Mada Strategic Plan 2022-2027
- Pertamina Inaugurates Solar Power Plant (PLTS) Assistance for UGM
- UGM supports carbon emission reduction
- Detail of the solar power plants at UGM
- Undertake Actions to Promote More Sustainable Commuting
- UGM Smart Building Monitoring System
- Asset and Environmental Management Procedures
- Rector’s Regulation Number 157 Year 2020
- Board of Trustees Regulation Number 1 Year 2021
- Socialization of green behaviour on campus
- Green building management
- Circular Letter Number 16839/UN1.P/HK.02/2024