On November 14, 2024, UI GreenMetric hosted an Instagram Live discussion to promote awareness and understanding of sustainability, particularly in university settings. The event, titled "Implementing Circular Economy: Strategies for Sustainable Growth of Universities," featured three distinguished speakers: Prof. Muhammad Handry Imansyah, MAM, Ph.D., Chair of the SDGs Center at Universitas Lambung Mangkurat; Prof. Dr. H. Fatah Sulaiman, S.T., M.T., Rector of Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa; and Dr. Abdurrahman, SKM, MM, a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Esa Unggul. The session was moderated by Sabrina Hikmah, Program Coordinator for Partnership and Communication at UI GreenMetric.The discussion provided valuable insights into how circular economy principles can transform universities into models of sustainability.
The circular economy presents a groundbreaking approach to sustainable development, focusing on the efficient use and reuse of resources. Unlike the traditional "take, make, dispose" model, the circular economy emphasizes reducing waste and maximizing the lifecycle of materials. Universities, as centers of education and innovation, play a pivotal role in adopting these practices to promote sustainable growth within their institutions and contribute to global sustainability goals. Through the speakers' contributions, it became evident that applying circular economy strategies in universities is both impactful and achievable.
At Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (Untirta), the circular economy is embodied in the "Healthy, Integrated, Smart, and Green" initiative. Prof. Dr. H. Fatah Sulaiman, S.T., M.T., explained that this program integrates campus zones with technology to significantly reduce carbon emissions and paper usage. For instance, rooftops are equipped with solar panels to generate renewable energy, and the university actively fosters a culture of eco-innovation and sustainability. However, Prof. Fatah acknowledged that transitioning to a sustainability-focused culture is not without challenges. Resistance often arises from senior faculty and staff who find new systems unfamiliar or inconvenient. To address this, Untirta integrates sustainability into its policies and collaborates with stakeholders to implement practical solutions. For example, smoking areas have been repurposed as green spaces, and a smart waste management system monitors and promptly addresses littering. These initiatives gradually influence campus behavior, making sustainable practices the norm.
Dr. Abdurrahman, SKM, MM, from Universitas Esa Unggul, highlighted the importance of efficiency, particularly for private universities that must carefully manage costs. At his institution, circular economy practices focus on operational cost savings through digital transformation. Paperless exams and e-learning platforms, for example, not only reduce paper use but also streamline administrative processes. Transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting has further enhanced sustainability while reducing energy costs by 8%. Most academic activities now rely on digital tools, which improve both efficiency and environmental performance. Despite the benefits, implementing circular economy practices often requires significant initial investment. Dr. Abdurrahman shared how this challenge can be mitigated through grants and partnerships. For instance, the university’s public health department secured grants to fund environmental programs such as air quality monitoring. Partnerships with industries have also been beneficial, providing resources like refill stations for drinking water and machines that convert plastic waste into redeemable points. These collaborative efforts demonstrate how financial and resource challenges can be overcome through innovative solutions.
At Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, digitalization has been a key element of its sustainability strategy. Prof. Muhammad Handry Imansyah, MAM, Ph.D., shared that even before the pandemic, the university had implemented internet-based learning and incentivized faculty members to adopt digital tools. These measures have minimized paper use by transitioning consultations and submissions to digital formats, significantly reducing costs and environmental impact. However, Prof. Handry emphasized that promoting sustainability requires more than just implementing systems; raising awareness among the campus community is equally important. Practices such as recycling and resource efficiency are sometimes misunderstood as mere cost-cutting measures, but universities must help their communities see the long-term benefits of sustainability. Actively involving students, staff, and faculty in these initiatives ensures their success and fosters a culture of environmental responsibility.
Universities are uniquely positioned to lead the adoption of circular economy principles. By focusing on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and digital transformation, they can contribute significantly to global sustainability goals while fostering sustainable growth within their own campuses. Through collaboration, strategic planning, and active community engagement, these institutions can overcome challenges and create lasting change. By embracing circular economy practices, universities not only set an example for others but also help build a healthier and more sustainable future.
Written by Salsabila D. Rahmiziri - Communication Intern
Editor: Riska P. Hariyadi
