On May 8–10, 2025, the 8th UI GreenMetric National Workshop for Universities in Colombia was held at Universidad de Santander (UDES) in Bucaramanga, bringing together sustainability leaders, educators, and university officials to strengthen higher education’s role in advancing sustainability. Organized in collaboration with the UI GreenMetric National Coordinator in Colombia, Prof. Jaime Romero of El Bosque University, and supported by UDES Vice Rector Dr. César Serrano, the workshop reflected a growing momentum across Colombian universities to institutionalize sustainability and foster collaborative innovation. The event began with a series of welcoming segments, including a performance by the UDES Philharmonic Orchestra and several institutional video presentations that showcased the university’s green initiatives. Dr. Fernando Vargas Mendoza, President of the Board of Trustees at UDES, opened the event by highlighting the role of higher education institutions in leading environmental transformation. This was followed by keynote remarks from UI GreenMetric representatives. Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, emphasized how the rankings have motivated universities worldwide to integrate sustainability more deeply into their planning and operations. Prof. Nyoman Suwartha, Vice Chair, elaborated on how the framework supports continuous improvement through measurable indicators. Prof. Jaime Romero, in his role as National Coordinator, reaffirmed Colombia’s strong and growing commitment to the GreenMetric network. Patricia Plata also provided reflections on the importance of institutional support in advancing these efforts. At this momentous event, UI GreenMetric also extended an invitation for collaboration to two universities from Colombia, welcoming them to join the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network. This partnership was symbolically formalized through the signing of a membership declaration. The two universities are: 1. Universidad de Tunja,and 2. Escuela Tecnológica Instituto Técnico Central (ETITC) Throughout the three-day workshop, participants explored key themes aligned with the six UI GreenMetric indicators: Setting & Infrastructure, Energy & Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education & Research. Presentations ranged from sustainable mobility strategies and circular economy practices to energy efficiency, water innovation, and academic initiatives that promote environmental awareness. Institutions such as Universidad de La Salle, Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD), Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Universidad El Bosque, and others contributed valuable insights, demonstrating how sustainability efforts are being translated into tangible outcomes across Colombian campuses. UDES, as the host, showcased its own work in hydrogen innovation, eco-campus design, and carbon neutrality certification—reaffirming its role as a leader in sustainable university development. The workshop also included poster sessions, networking opportunities, and a well-being activity that reflected a holistic approach to sustainability, blending academic engagement with health and nature. One of the highlights of the event was the eco-tour to Los Santos and Chicamocha Canyon. Participants visited local ecological and cultural sites, concluding the workshop with a deeper connection to the natural landscapes that sustainability efforts aim to protect. The workshop demonstrated how Colombian universities are not only aligning with global sustainability goals but actively contributing to their advancement through knowledge sharing and partnership. It also reaffirmed UI GreenMetric’s ongoing role as a facilitator of international collaboration, supporting institutions around the world in building more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient campuses. Looking ahead, the momentum will continue as Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira has been announced as the next host of the UI GreenMetric National Workshop in Colombia. Building on the successes of previous workshops, the university is committed to further advancing the implementation of sustainable operations in higher education. Guided by the six UI GreenMetric criteria—Setting & Infrastructure, Energy & Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education & Research—Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and measurable progress toward greener, more resilient campuses across the region.. Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist of UI GreenMetric Galleries

On April 29–30, 2025, the UI GreenMetric Türkiye Workshop was held at the Ground Floor Meeting Room of the Rectorate Building in Burdur, Türkiye. Hosted by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, the event brought together representatives from universities across Türkiye who are united by a strong commitment to sustainability and building more resilient, environmentally conscious campuses. In 2024, Türkiye has demonstrated outstanding leadership in higher education sustainability, with 120 Turkish universities now participating in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Türkiye now stands among the most engaged countries worldwide in the UI GreenMetric network, reflecting its strong, collaborative commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education. The workshop opened with a series of impactful remarks from distinguished sustainability leaders. Prof. Dr. Oğuz Gürsoy, Vice Rector of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, welcomed the participants and emphasized the vital role universities play in fostering environmental responsibility. He was followed by Prof. Dr. Ir. Tommy Ilyas, M.Eng, Expert Member of the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, who highlighted the global mission and progress of the UI GreenMetric network. The final keynote of the opening was delivered by Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Yıldırım, Professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University and UI GreenMetric Türkiye National Coordinator, who shared Türkiye’s remarkable progress and roadmap within the global sustainability framework. The workshop continued with four sessions, each focused on advancing the implementation of UI GreenMetric indicators in campus operations. These sessions provided an opportunity for shared learning and practical dialogue among sustainability practitioners in Turkish higher education. The first session covered national and global strategies for sustainability. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Yıldırım provided updates on the UI GreenMetric framework and gave a briefing on the development of the Turkish National Network. His presentation was followed by an introduction to UI GreenMetric and the UI GWURN (GreenMetric World University Ranking Network) by Prof. Ir. Gunawan Tjahjono, M.Arch., Ph.D. The session concluded with a symbolic moment—the UI GreenMetric Network Membership Declaration Signing Ceremony—further reinforcing Türkiye’s commitment to collaborative sustainability efforts. Eight universities signed the declaration, opening new opportunities for enhanced collaboration in higher education under the UI GreenMetric frameworks. The universities are: 1. Siirt University 2. Pamukkale University 3. Isparta University of Applied Sciences 4. Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University 5. Bingöl University 6. Amasya University 7. Konya Technical University 8. Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University In the second session, which focused on managing setting and infrastructure, energy, climate change, and waste, attendees heard from Prof. Dr. Halime Ömür Paksoy, who presented Çukurova University’s best practices in campus sustainability. Asst. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Özkan also shared a compelling case study of İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University’s transformation, titled “From Industrial Memory to a Resilient Future.” The third session explored how campuses can effectively manage water, transportation, and sustainability in education and research. Research Asst. Dr. Tuğçe Kalkan shared real-life examples of water efficiency practices on university campuses. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümit Güneş presented on developing sustainable transportation systems, while Asst. Prof. Dr. Kübra Ertan emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into both education and research. Adding a hands-on dimension to the workshop, participants also took part in a Campus Tour hosted by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University. The tour offered a closer look at the university’s sustainability practices in action—from green infrastructure and energy systems to waste management and eco-conscious campus planning. It allowed attendees to see firsthand how sustainability principles are being implemented at the institutional level. Over the course of two days, the UI GreenMetric Türkiye Workshop served not just as a platform for academic exchange but also as a symbol of Türkiye’s growing leadership in sustainability. The event reflected a shared passion and responsibility among Turkish universities to act collectively for a better future. The conversation around implementing sustainability as a foundational principle of universities will continue to take place, with Yildiz Technical University playing a pivotal role in hosting next year’s event. UI GreenMetric invites even more institutions to join this global initiative. Together, we can take meaningful steps that turn ideas into action—and create a greener, more resilient academic world. Written by Riska Putri Hariyadi - Communication Specialist of UI GreenMetric Galleries  

On Friday, April 25th, UI GreenMetric celebrated the spirit of Kartini—Indonesia’s pioneering advocate for women’s rights—by holding a special Instagram Live Discussion titled “Jejak Kartini Masa Kini: Kepemimpinan Perempuan di Dunia yang Berkelanjutan.” This event honored Kartini’s enduring legacy by amplifying the voices of modern-day Indonesian women who are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future through education, advocacy, and innovation. Moderated by Sabrina Hikmah, Coordinator of Program, Communication, and Partnership at UI GreenMetric, the session brought together three remarkable speakers: Prof. Dr. Sumarmi, M.Pd, Professor of Environmental Geography and Head of UM Green Campus; Dr. Susi Agustina Wilujeng, S.T., M.T., Head of the Environmental Engineering Department at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) and member of ITS’s PPKS Task Force; and Ranitya Nurlita, an environmental consultant and Managing Director of WasteHub.id. The discussion centered on the evolving role of women in sustainability leadership, focusing on progress, persistent challenges, and the untapped potential of young women across sectors. All speakers acknowledged that while gender inclusion in sustainability has improved, significant work remains to ensure lasting structural change. Prof. Sumarmi shared that women’s innate strengths—such as humanism, empathy, and collaboration—are key assets in shaping future educators and building inclusive academic environments. She shared, “Our university is centered around education where students are positioned as future educators. The quality of women, which includes a nurturing sense of humanism and collaboration, can bridge the future generation toward a more just and sustainability-focused future.” This is reflected in various programs she leads that extend beyond the campus and engage society at large—such as Saber Pungli Kota Malang, Sahabat Mata Air, and climate change mitigation programs that involve communities outside the university. Ranitya Nurlita built on this perspective by highlighting the role of empathy and multitasking—qualities often associated with women—in designing effective environmental interventions. Using the example of domestic waste management, she stressed that policies need to reflect real-world struggles faced by women in their everyday lives. By acknowledging and integrating women’s experiences, solutions are appropriately targeted instead of being approached in a generalized manner. Dr. Susi Agustina Wilujeng offered an institutional view, illustrating how UI GreenMetric has supported universities like ITS in identifying areas for improvement. She noted that UI GreenMetric’s indicators provide a helpful framework for internal evaluation and strategic planning in sustainability. She further explained how ITS integrates social justice into its sustainability agenda, particularly through its Gender VOCAL Point initiative—an internal program ensuring that both women and men have equal access to leadership roles and decision-making opportunities. This reflects the university’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, showing how institutional structures can be designed to support equity and sustainability together. As the discussion progressed, more ways for women to engage in sustainability became evident. Representing an NGO perspective, Ranitya shared how her organization WasteHub.id actively creates pathways for women to pursue green careers. She runs a WhatsApp community that circulates updates on green jobs, workshops, and professional development opportunities. For those looking to explore this path, she invited the audience to visit bit.ly/JoinGreenJobs. Throughout the event, what emerged was a clear and consistent message: women are already playing a central role in sustainability, but their leadership must continue to be recognized, supported, and expanded. Each speaker embodied the enduring spirit of Kartini—not only by advocating for gender equality but also by demonstrating that a sustainable future is best built through empathy, collaboration, and a sustained collective effort. UI GreenMetric remains committed to fostering ongoing dialogue and enriching discussions around sustainability, particularly within the context of higher education. Written by Riska Putri Hariyadi – Communication Specialist