As an institution of higher education, UGM has the capabilities to research future-strategies to reach net-zero and pioneer sustainable practices. UGM aims to reach its net-zero targets by 2050. This involves reducing its campus building footprint and transitioning to renewable energy sources. 

Universitas Gadjah Mada is committed to its role as a leading sustainable university in Indonesia. Work has already begun to reach zero-emission by 2050 through carbon reduction targets that cover Scope 1 & 2 emissions. 

Student-led societies are at the heart of our university’s sustainability movement. The societies cultivate awareness and responsibility among students, and help bridge the gap between campus policies and student action. By empowering our students to take ownership of issues pertaining to SDGs, UGM can become a stronger catalyst for sustainable development, both locally and globally.

As part of its commitment to long-term sustainability, UGM has established a sustainable investment policy that prioritizes financial independence, environmental responsibility, and efficient resource management. This policy ensures that university investments and business developments support sustainability goals while maintaining economic resilience.

UGM’s sustainable procurement policy ensures that all goods and services acquired by the university support environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The university system involves selecting products that are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, ethically produced, and sourced from responsible suppliers. This policy is essential to reduce environmental impact, promote ethical labor practices, and align university operations with sustainability goals. 

To ensure that students and staff not only understand but also apply sustainability principles, UGM has assessment tools for measuring sustainability literacy and knowledge. Such tools help evaluate awareness, track progress, and guide continuous improvement, empowering academic communities to become active contributors to sustainable development.

UGM’s current emission calculations account for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Specifically, Scope 1 includes emissions from university-owned vehicles and employee mobility and travel. Meanwhile, Scope 2 covers emissions from electricity consumption, including both coal-based and renewable energy sources. The university has incorporated a strategy for reaching zero-emissions in Rector's Decree Number 911 Year 2018 through the transportation master plan guidelines. This integrated approach allows UGM to transparently measure and manage its environmental impact in alignment with recognized global standards.

The University has made several efforts as a form of commitment that seeks to reduce organised crime. This has been regulated in the Rector's Regulation Number 21 Year 2021 (Article 10). One of the ways to regulate bribery and corruption is for academic staff to refuse gifts in any form related to work beyond what has been determined based on applicable regulations and/or contracts that have been agreed upon in advance.

The UGM Board of Trustees (Majelis Wali Amanat or MWA) is the highest governing body in the university.  As regulated in the Board of Trustees Regulation Number 4 Year 2014  Article 41, the members of MWA consist of the Minister, the Sultan of Yogyakarta, the Rector, representatives of the general public, and members of the university, including students, faculty, and staff.