UGM Publication of SDG 7 reports

“POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN CAMPUS INFRASTRUCTURE”

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is committed to achieving energy efficiency and sustainability in its campus infrastructure. UGM’s regulations for renovations and building standards aim to achieve higher energy efficiency, mandating adherence to SNI standards for electrical systems and promoting energy-efficient practices for lighting, air conditioning, and equipment. The university’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 emphasizes the development of a healthy, safe, environmentally friendly, culturally rich, and socially responsible campus, with a focus on green buildings and energy efficiency. The Board of Trustees Regulation Number 1 Year 2021 further emphasizes UGM’s commitment to providing smart, healthy, comfortable, safe, and sustainable infrastructure, promoting a green campus with minimal carbon emissions.

“UPGRADING BUILDINGS FOR HIGHER ENERGY EFFICIENCY”

UGM has strategic plans to upgrade existing buildings to achieve higher energy efficiency. The university’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 prioritizes a greener, more sustainable campus, with a focus on energy efficiency certifications for campus buildings. The designated Person-in-Charge (PIC) for each faculty building is responsible for monitoring energy consumption and participating in training sessions conducted by the Green Campus Team. UGM’s Sustainable Campus Awards encourage faculties to implement environmentally friendly construction practices and promote green behavior. The Faculty of Animal Science’s Animal Science Learning Center (ASLC) has incorporated green building principles, achieving approximately 30% energy savings through the use of natural daylight.

Rector’s Regulation Number 2 Year 2022 mandates a 20% reduction in electricity consumption compared to the average usage over the six months preceding the regulation’s enactment. The regulation outlines guidelines for implementing electricity savings within UGM buildings, including optimizing air conditioning systems, lighting systems, and supporting equipment. Students and staff are encouraged to turn off computers when leaving the workspace for more than 30 minutes, turn off printers when not in use, and operate audio-video equipment only when needed. The regulation also emphasizes the importance of turning off air conditioning when rooms are not in use and adjusting room temperatures to Indonesian National Standards (SNI) between 24°C and 27°C.

“ADVANCING CARBON MANAGEMENT AND CLEAN ENERGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS”

UGM’s commitment to being a green campus includes integrating clean energy solutions and innovative carbon management strategies. The university’s carbon management plan focuses on renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency in buildings, and sustainable commuting options. UGM has implemented a multi-stage approach to carbon management and emission reduction:

• Assessment and Baseline Establishment: The Directorate of Assets conducts carbon audits to assess the current carbon footprint on campus and set an annual baseline for future reduction. The Smart Building monitoring system provides real-time data on energy supply and demand across faculties, highlighting high-demand areas and guiding sustainable energy management efforts.
• Strategic Planning by Setting Reduction Targets: UGM has set science-based reduction targets aligned with international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement, to actively contribute to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The university’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 outlines specific goals for reducing carbon emissions from campus transportation.
• Emission Reduction Strategies: UGM has implemented strategies including energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable commuting options. The university has collaborated with industries, such as PT Pertamina (Persero), to install solar power plants (PLTS) on campus. UGM also offers an Electric Bus Service, known as Trans Gadjah Mada, as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
• Offsetting and Compensation: UGM harnesses renewable energy sources—solar panels, biogas, and micro-hydro power—that contribute to the university’s energy consumption and sustainability efforts. The university also manages several forest areas, which contribute to carbon offsetting.
• Monitoring and Reporting: A Campus Management System, which includes Continuous Energy Monitoring, is currently being developed.
• Policy and Advocacy: UGM has set policies to ensure that all renovations and constructions adhere to energy efficiency standards. The Board of Trustees Regulation Number 1 Year 2021 emphasizes the development of a green campus with minimal carbon emissions. UGM has also published a Circular Letter outlining guidelines and commitments to foster environmentally responsible behavior within the university community.
• Review and Adaptation: UGM 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.

“ENERGY-EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT FOR REDUCING OVERALL UNIVERSITY ENERGY CONSUMPTION”

UGM has pledged to use energy-efficient equipment for all buildings and facilities on campus. The university has implemented a program to use new electrical equipment in UGM buildings, particularly the use and maintenance of lighting and air conditioning equipment in a more energy efficient manner. Rector’s Regulation Number 2 Year 2022 mandates the use of energy-efficient appliances and effective lighting management. In 2023, UGM undertook significant upgrades by replacing and adding energy-efficient air conditioning units and lighting fixtures.

“ENERGY MONITORING SYSTEMS”

UGM employs three methods for recording electricity consumption: the conventional approach, the university’s Smart Building monitoring system, and the Building Energy Monitoring System (BEMS). The BEMS automated systems are integrated into a centralized dashboard, enabling precise tracking of energy consumption at various levels. The Smart Building monitoring system provides real-time data on energy supply and demand across faculties, highlighting high-demand areas and guiding sustainable energy management efforts.

“PROMOTING A LOW-CARBON CAMPUS: UGM’S DIVESTMENT POLICY”

UGM is committed to divesting from carbon-intensive energy industries in order to promote a sustainable lifestyle on campus. This commitment is reflected in the university’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027, which includes a target to reduce the number of carbon-emitting vehicles on campus. UGM’s procurement process prioritizes sustainability aspects, choosing products made by local producers using environmentally friendly materials and preserving natural resources.

“UGM CHAMPIONS ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CLEAN ENERGY THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, EXPERT GUIDANCE, AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES”

UGM’s commitment to clean energy extends beyond campus, with the university engaging in various discussions, seminars, and events with stakeholders to advance renewable energy initiatives. UGM has established key agreements with public and private stakeholders, including PT Pertamina (Persero), to promote renewable energy development and sustainability. The university’s Center for Energy Studies focuses on research areas concerning renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy policies. UGM also collaborates with international institutions, such as the University of Groningen, to explore hydrogen’s potential in Indonesia’s energy transition.

UGM’s Student Community Service – Community Empowerment Learning (SCS-CEL) programme or KKN-PPM UGM has deployed student groups to educate local communities about renewable and clean energy. UGM Student Energy Council (DEM UGM) launched Sekolah Energi (The Energy School) to engage children in learning about renewable energy. UGM experts advise government institutions on green building practices and energy efficiency. UGM offers the ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management and a summer course on the role of hydrogen in energy transition.

“COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TOWARD LOW-CARBON CITIES AND CLEAN ENERGY IN INDONESIA”

UGM has partnered with the Government of Makassar City, South Sulawesi, to develop low-carbon city policies. This partnership highlights the urgency of addressing rising global temperatures exacerbated by carbon emissions. UGM and the Government of Makassar City are also part of the Centre for Development of Sustainable Region (CDSR) consortium, which is implementing a renewable energy utilization program in Makassar City. This collaboration aligns with Indonesia’s broader commitment to renewable energy development as outlined in Indonesia’s National Energy Plan (RUEN). UGM has also contributed to the refinement of the Renewable Energy and New Energy Bill (RUU EBET), which seeks to address fossil fuel dependency and accelerate clean energy adoption.

“SUPPORTING LOW-CARBON STARTUPS: UGM’S ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY”

UGM provides assistance for start-ups on low-carbon economy and technology through programs within the Directorate of Business Development. The Innovative Academy Hub UGM provides mentoring, networking, facilities, and grants to support the incubative process of startups. The Directorate of Student Affairs UGM also organizes grants for startup initiation. UGM has collaborated with Bank Indonesia and the government of Gunungkidul Regency to launch Serikat Surya Handayani, which supports small business and start-ups in renewable energy.

Through its comprehensive initiatives, UGM demonstrates its commitment to achieving SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The university’s innovative approaches to energy management, combined with its educational outreach and community engagement, illustrate its dedication to promoting sustainable energy practices and ensuring equitable access to clean energy for all.