As one of Indonesia’s leading institutions of higher education, UGM is committed to playing an active role in preserving Earth by providing dedicated training on environmental aspects of sustainability. Crucial for human resource development, we aim to equip our faculty, staff, and future graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex environmental challenges.
Online Training Course on Environmental Sustainability
UGM provides an Introduction to Sustainability on the online UGM MOOC platform for all students and staff. The course introduces materials and basic concepts of sustainability and the importance of applying environmental, social, and economic principles in personal and organizational life. Several materials focus on environmental aspects of sustainability, such as Introduction to Sustainability, Challenges and Urgency of Sustainability, and Leadership for Sustainability. The materials can be accessed in the following link: MOOC – Introduction to Sustainability
Training for UGM’s Faculty and Staff:
Training on Green Building Practices
UGM has achieved Green Building certifications for multiple new campus structures, such as the Integrated Forest Farming Learning Center (IFFLC), the Animal Science Learning Center (ASLC), and the Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC). These certifications, awarded by the EDGE IFC World Bank, recognize the university’s dedication to sustainable building practices that prioritize environmental conservation and biodiversity. Though already equipped with environmentally-friendly systems and technologies, such as energy-efficient lighting and AC, these buildings cannot operate without green behavior. Twice a year, the Directorate of Assets holds a training and monitoring program for the staff to ensure these buildings are operated as they must.
Socialization on IoT Scale for Campus Waste
In 2026, UGM launched an IoT waste monitoring system via digital scales placed in all 20 faculties and schools. Staff in charge of the faculty’s waste also attended socializations on how to operate the new system, in order to compile accurate data of university waste.
Training on Staff Adaptation to Climate and Environmental Challenges
The university’s Directorate of Human Resources conducts annual basic training for new staff, followed by an assessment at the end of the program. Renowned experts deliver sessions on topics designed to inspire and guide future staff members, including “Why Become a UGM Education Personnel?”, “Actualizing UGM Values at Work”, and “Becoming an Employee with Character and Inspiring Change.” Importantly, the training also emphasizes staff adaptation to climate and environmental challenges. The issue of climate change has become a global concern for all stakeholders: governments, international institutions, the business sector, and civil society.
Capacity Building Training for Community Service Field Supervisors
All faculty are encouraged to become field supervisors in the university’s community service program. Since the community service locations are spread throughout 34 provinces in mostly rural and remote areas, field supervisors must take capacity building training. The training is conducted to prepare the field supervisors for their time in the program and involves training on HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment). HSE is a system of practices, policies, and regulations designed to minimize hazards, prevent accidents and injuries, and promote sustainable practices. This system serves to safeguard both individuals and the environment. At the end of the program, the field supervisors will receive certificates.
Energy Audit Training
In addition, the Directorate of Asset UGM organises Energy Audit Training for campus building managers. Energy audit training is important to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, lower carbon emissions, and support sustainability goals by ensuring that staff can identify, monitor, and implement practical energy conservation measures. The materials on Energy Audit Training can be accessed here: Material 1 and Material 2.
Source: Directorate of Asset UGM organises Energy Audit Training
Hazardous Waste Management Training
UGM has its very own Academic Hospital (RSA UGM) which has aligned its hazardous waste management practices with the provisions of Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number P.56/Menlhk-Setjen/2015. This regulation outlines technical procedures and requirements for managing hazardous and toxic waste (B3) in healthcare facilities, with Article 38 highlighting the importance of training for personnel involved.
The hospital regularly provides dedicated training for staff involved in hazardous waste management (Personnel Training), ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle hazardous waste safely and effectively. Furthermore, personnel who have completed training are required to obtain certification in accordance with standards set by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Certification). To maintain excellence and compliance, RSA UGM also keeps staff updated on the latest regulations and technologies through advanced training programs and workshops (Knowledge Updates).
Training for Students:
Source: PIONIR
Freshman year students at UGM are mandated to participate in the campus orientation program, PIONIR. Students received orientation materials that emphasized the values of leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and intellectual and emotional intelligence to face global challenges. Most importantly, the program highlighted environmental awareness and zero waste principles, encouraging students to adopt sustainable habits from their first day on campus. They were taught to bring their own water bottles and lunch boxes, avoid single-use plastics, and actively participate in waste sorting and recycling initiatives. This education aims to shape students into environmentally conscious individuals and agents of change within the university community and beyond.
Online Training Course on Environmental Sustainability
UGM provides an Introduction to Sustainability on the online UGM MOOC platform for all students and staff. The course introduces materials and basic concepts of sustainability and the importance of applying environmental, social, and economic principles in personal and organizational life. Several materials focus on environmental aspects of sustainability, such as Introduction to Sustainability, Challenges and Urgency of Sustainability, and Leadership for Sustainability. The materials can be accessed in the following link: MOOC – Introduction to Sustainability
Sources:
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- PIONIR for training on learning activities and orientation for New Students
- MOOC – Introduction to Sustainability
- Capacity building training
- The Directorate of Asset UGM organised Energy Audit Training
- Energy Audit Training (1).pdf
- Energy Audit Training (2).pdf
- Waste management in UGM’s Academic Hospital RSA