SDG 7 – AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

UGM continues to lead Indonesia’s higher education sector in advancing clean energy innovation, energy-efficient buildings, and community-based renewable energy solutions. Through a combination of ambitious infrastructure upgrades, policy leadership, and partnerships with industry and local communities, UGM is accelerating the national transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Building a Campus Powered by Efficiency and Innovation

UGM’s approach to energy transformation begins at home. The university enforces a campus-wide Building Code that requires all new buildings and major renovations to follow strict energy-efficiency and green building standards.

Ten Learning Center buildings across multiple faculties have been certified by Greenship (GBCI) and EDGE (IFC World Bank) as green buildings, integrating features such as:

• Maximised natural lighting
• Energy-efficient LED systems
• Rooftop solar PV installations
• Improved insulation and ventilation design

“These standards are enforced from the planning stage through energy efficiency assessments by UGM’s Green Team.”

Source: Cedsgreeb

Among these, the Smart Green Learning Center (SGLC) stands out as UGM’s flagship energy-efficient building. Awarded Platinum Design Recognition by GBCI, SGLC exemplifies the university’s commitment to environmentally conscious infrastructure. Its large windows, abundant natural light, and rooftop solar panels significantly reduce electricity consumption.

Certifications span faculties including Law, Veterinary Science, Forestry, Agriculture, Engineering, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Vocational College.

Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings

UGM also upgrades older buildings to meet higher efficiency standards.

Rector Regulation No. 2/2022 mandates:

• A 10% reduction in electricity consumption (campuswide)
• A 0% increase for newly operational buildings
• Strict user guidelines to reduce air-conditioning, lighting, and equipment energy use

In 2024, UGM’s per-capita electricity use reached 237.24 kWh/person, earning the maximum score of 5 in UI GreenMetric due to its efficiency performance.

Growing the Renewable Energy Ecosystem

Renewable energy generation continues to expand across the UGM campus. In 2024, the university produced 1,468,015.4 kWh from solar PV, micro-hydro, biogas, and wind systems, equal to 7.34% of its total electricity consumption. This renewable contribution avoided an estimated 1,233.13 tonnes of CO₂—equivalent to planting more than 56,000 mature trees.

Solar power remains the largest contributor. UGM now operates 23 solar PV installations across its faculties, with some of the highest-performing systems located at the SGLC Building, the BA/BC FISIPOL Complex, and the R. Soegondo Building. Although renewable energy still represents a modest share of the university’s energy mix, UGM emphasizes that the greatest carbon reduction currently comes from the operation of its energy-efficient buildings, reflecting the importance of both energy production and energy demand management.

To enhance oversight, UGM employs a Real-time Energy Monitoring System integrated into the Building Management System (BMS). This platform provides building-level electricity data, helping identify waste patterns, peak usage periods, and opportunities for improvement.

Toward a Net-Zero Campus by 2050

UGM’s long-term climate strategy follows the GHG Protocol and commits the university to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This goal aligns with Indonesia’s Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution, which targets up to 43.2% emissions reduction with international support.

For Scope 1 emissions, UGM focuses heavily on sustainable mobility. The Trans Gadjah Mada electric bus, used by 47,499 passengers in 2024, forms the backbone of UGM’s low-emission transport system. Additional electric car shuttles and 52 electric motorcycles further reduce the dependence on fossil-fuel vehicles, supported by policies restricting private vehicle parking on campus. These efforts help reduce Scope 1 emissions, which currently amount to 1,491.52 tonnes of CO₂e per year.

Scope 2 emissions—those from purchased electricity—are reduced through a combination of green building operations, energy-efficient retrofits, and renewable energy expansion. In many faculties, energy savings are also reinforced through awareness campaigns and faculty-level conservation measures.

Empowering Communities Through Clean Energy

UGM’s clean energy leadership extends far beyond its campus borders. Through direct and indirect outreach programs, the university supports local institutions, rural communities, and regional stakeholders in adopting efficient and renewable energy practices.

One notable initiative is the “1000 Cahaya” Energy Audit Training, delivered by CedSGreeB in collaboration with Muhammadiyah’s Environmental Council. This program equips facility managers of Muhammadiyah institutions with essential skills in energy auditing and conservation.

Equally impactful is the Desa Energi Berdikari program in Tanjung Tourism Village, where UGM installed solar panels for lighting and water pumps, and a biogas digester that converts livestock waste into household cooking fuel. These interventions demonstrate how clean energy can improve everyday life while empowering communities to participate in Indonesia’s energy transition.

Supporting Clean Energy Policies in Indonesia

Source: Experts from UGM support IKN as a Smart City and Green City

UGM plays an active role in shaping both regional and national clean energy policy. Through the Net Zero Carbon Communities (NZCC) program, the Center for Energy Studies collaborates with international partners to design a low-carbon, smart-energy model for Makassar City. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and the National Science Foundation, this project integrates renewable energy systems into urban planning.

At the national level, UGM contributed significantly to the Roadmap for Green Building Implementation in Indonesia, launched by three key ministries at UGM’s GIK Building. This roadmap embeds energy efficiency into national building policy and provides a unified reference for future green construction.

UGM’s experts also support Indonesia’s clean hydrogen agenda. A major study conducted at PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy’s Ulubelu plant examined opportunities for geothermal-based green hydrogen production and delivered detailed policy recommendations on regulation, risk, and business models .

Driving Low-Carbon Innovation Through Start-ups

Beyond research and policy influence, UGM nurtures start-ups and innovators working on low-carbon solutions. Through student sociopreneur programs, ventures such as Stivalution (bio-pellet fuel), Kronikologi (organic waste processing using BSF larvae), and PLUMIX (chicken feather fertiliser) have grown from campus prototypes into functional environmental enterprises.

Nationally, the “Innocem” innovation by UGM students offers an eco-friendly cement alternative made from seashell waste, reducing carbon emissions from the construction industry. Meanwhile, at the community level, UGM’s SDG Seminar Series spotlights grassroots renewable energy initiatives, such as Sumba’s micro-hydro system that powers rural households.

UGM’s global collaboration with PT Gema Phala Ananta also advances decarbonisation through a carbon accounting and MRV platform designed to help industries measure and reduce emissions.

UGM has demonstrated that universities can play a transformative role in achieving SDG 7. Through green infrastructure, renewable energy systems, net-zero commitments, community empowerment, policy leadership, and start-up innovation, UGM is actively accelerating Indonesia’s clean energy transition. These efforts not only reduce the university’s own environmental footprint but also strengthen national capabilities in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future.