On October 31st, 2024, UI GreenMetric continued its efforts to promote sustainable practices through an insightful Instagram Live discussion on the theme, “Fostering Awareness: Building an Engaged Academic Community in Higher Education Institutions.” The event featured esteemed speakers from Politeknik Pariwisata NHI Bandung, Universitas Negeri Manado, and UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur, as they explored effective strategies for fostering harmony within academic communities to support a sustainable future.
The discussion was rich with valuable insights, thanks to our expert speakers: Dr. Haryadi Darmawan, A Par., M.M., CPM (Asia), Vice Director III for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation at Politeknik Pariwisata NHI Bandung; Dr. Anderson Arnold Aloanis, M.Si., Lecturer at Universitas Negeri Manado; and Muhammad Faisal Fadhil, S.T., M.Sc., Lecturer and Ranking Team Member of UI GreenMetric at UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur. They shared their point of view on practical strategies to build an engaged academic community that is both aware of and involved in sustainability issues.
Dr. Haryadi Darmawan, A Par., M.M., CPM (Asia) emphasized the critical role of leadership in raising awareness of sustainability within academic communities. He highlighted the importance of leaders formulating concrete policies that encourage active participation in sustainability initiatives. Additionally, he stressed the need for universities to collaborate, exchanging data and experiences to strengthen their collective commitment to sustainability.
Dr. Anderson Arnold Aloanis, M.Si. shared the sustainable practices being implemented at Universitas Negeri Manado, focusing on the integration of sustainability into the curriculum, student activities, and campus communities. By incorporating project-based assignments centered on local sustainability issues, the university ensures that students are actively engaged in solving real-world challenges. Student-run initiatives also help raise awareness among peers and drive action.
Muhammad Faisal Fadhil, S.T., M.Sc. emphasized the importance of internal progress in creating a sustainable campus. He pointed out that the development of facilities that support sustainable practices is essential for achieving this goal. Furthermore, he highlighted the value of synergy between different segments of the academic community to foster a sustainable culture on campus. Through collaboration, universities can gain deeper insights into how to tackle sustainability challenges in a more comprehensive way.
The discussion reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among university leaders, faculty, staff, and students to raise awareness and involvement in sustainability efforts. Tangible policies and facilities that support sustainable practices are essential to create a lasting impact. Moreover, cross-university collaboration is vital, as it allows institutions to share valuable knowledge and strengthen their sustainability initiatives.
UI GreenMetric remains committed to raising awareness of sustainability through engaging and informative discussions with various experts. Don’t miss our upcoming Instagram Live sessions, follow our social media for more updates!
Written by Marsha Jasmine Kusuma
Editor: Riska Putri Hariyadi