SDG 13 In Number
Total energy used (GJ)
19,141
Total energy used from low-carbon sources (GJ)
9,413
13.4.1 Commitment To Carbon Neutral University
Universitas Sebelas Maret’s Commitment to Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) has strengthened its institutional commitment to climate action by setting 2040 as its target year for achieving carbon neutrality. This commitment covers Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and Scope 3 (partial indirect emissions), following the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol classification framework. Through its Green Campus program, UNS integrates greenhouse gas (GHG) emission monitoring and reduction into university policies, campus operations, infrastructure development, and academic activities.
This commitment supports the university’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and aligns with Indonesia’s broader climate agenda, including its target to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2060. By setting an earlier institutional target, UNS aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient university.
UNS’s Strategies and Actions Toward Carbon Neutrality
1. Institutional Commitment and Greenhouse Gas Emission Monitoring
UNS’s commitment to carbon neutrality is supported by an institutional approach to measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol. The university monitors emissions from campus operations, including direct emissions from fuel consumption (Scope 1), indirect emissions from purchased electricity (Scope 2), and selected indirect sources such as transportation and waste management (Scope 3, partial).
Emission monitoring provides a basis for evaluating the university’s carbon footprint and identifying opportunities for further reductions. Of the total 20,148 GJ of energy consumed, 9,308 GJ came from low-carbon energy sources, representing approximately 46% of total energy use. This figure shows UNS’s progress in reducing its dependence on conventional energy sources and strengthening its transition toward a lower-carbon campus.
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2. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Development
To support its carbon neutrality target, UNS implements energy-efficiency measures and expands renewable energy use across campus facilities. These initiatives include energy-efficient electrical equipment, solar photovoltaic systems, microhydropower, biogas, solar-powered street lighting, and building energy management systems. These measures help reduce electricity-related emissions and improve the efficiency of campus operations.
UNS also supports research and technological development related to the clean energy transition. Examples include developing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), which can generate electricity under low-light conditions, and energy storage research conducted by the Lithium Battery Center of Excellence (PUI Baterai Lithium). These initiatives connect the university’s operational commitment to carbon neutrality with its contributions to climate-related research and innovation.
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3. Emission-Free Day and Low-Carbon Campus Transportation
UNS promotes low-carbon mobility through its Emission-Free Day policy, which has been implemented as part of the university’s Green Campus initiative. During this program, access for conventional motorized vehicles is restricted within the main campus area. Members of the academic community are encouraged to walk, cycle, use electric vehicles, or take university-provided public transportation.
The program is supported by campus buses and electric vehicles, including electric golf carts for internal mobility. By reducing fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, this initiative lowers transportation-related emissions and encourages students, lecturers, and staff to adopt more sustainable mobility practices. It also demonstrates how institutional climate commitments can be translated into practical actions involving the entire university community.
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4. Green Buildings and Sustainable Campus Infrastructure
UNS incorporates environmental considerations into campus infrastructure development as part of its long-term strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The university promotes green building concepts, energy-efficient facilities, and cleaner technologies to improve resource efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of campus operations.
Other supporting initiatives include developing centralized parking areas to limit private vehicle movements in the main campus area, providing lithium battery charging facilities, and maintaining green open spaces. Together, these measures support a more sustainable campus environment and contribute to the university’s broader efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
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Conclusion
Through its target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, UNS demonstrates a clear institutional commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 (partial), in accordance with the GHG Protocol. This commitment is supported by measurable energy monitoring, renewable energy development, energy efficiency measures, low-carbon transportation, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-related research.
By integrating these actions into campus management and academic activities, UNS is accelerating its transition toward a low-carbon university while contributing directly to SDG 13 (Climate Action). The 2040 target reflects the university’s intention to take an active institutional role in addressing climate change and advancing a more sustainable future.