SDG 13 : CLIMATE ACTION
Low-carbon energy use
Universitas Terbuka (UT) is committed to supporting climate action through various policies and programs that help reduce the impact of climate change. As a distance learning-based university, UT utilizes technology to reduce the need for students, lecturers, and staff to travel, thereby reducing carbon emissions. The online learning system implemented by UT also minimizes the use of paper and energy usually used in face-to-face meetings, thus supporting a reduction in carbon footprint.
As is known, UT has a strong desire to participate in reducing global warming by developing the Open University, Green University (UTGU) program. One is arranging the UT head office, which provides pedestrian areas, parks, and blue and green open spaces. Various activities in the UT Go Green movement include reducing paper use (paperless), planting rare trees around the campus, making artificial lakes, developing eco-buildings, and waste management.
In addition, UT supports using green energy by implementing energy-saving technology on campus and switching to renewable energy sources. UT also reduces electricity usage, conserves water, and manages waste on campus to reduce carbon footprint.
Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to collaborate with various parties to support improving student service quality through partnership schemes. One of UT's partners facilitating banking services in the administrative process of paying student tuition fees is Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and other partner banks. Awareness of the importance of finding alternative sources of fuel, which has been a source of pollution for the community, continues to grow. One of the problems the global community is trying to solve together is the effort to reduce the greenhouse gas effect due to the spread of CO2 gas into the air, which pollutes the environment. BTN handed over non-fuel vehicles (BBM) as a symbol of BTN's support for UT in implementing a green environment through energy efficiency and carbon emissions using renewable energy.
Environmental education measures
a. Local education programs on climate
Universitas Terbuka is actively conducting community service programs that provide training and campaigns to raise environmental awareness, especially in rural areas. These programs include training on sustainable agricultural techniques, environmentally friendly waste management, and preserving forests and water resources.
b. Climate Action Plan
UT actively contributes to global climate action by building solid partnerships with key stakeholders. Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) underlines UT’s dedication to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Through collaboration with local governments and community groups, UT aims to develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that will include concrete steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change impacts. This action plan is expected to serve as a guide for UT in achieving sustainable development goals.
c. Inform and support government
Through concrete steps and participation in international forums, UT continues to support climate action and contribute to environmental sustainability for future generations. As part of this commitment, UT hosted the ASEAN Higher Education Conference (AHEC) 2023, especially the 7th Webinar Series with the theme "Climate Change Mitigation," held on July 19, 2023. This activity involved active participation from various stakeholders in the higher education sector, including university leaders, faculty members, students, policymakers, and industry leaders. This webinar is a strategic step for academics in developing studies with a new paradigm focused on sustainability and disaster resilience, especially to understand changes caused by natural and technological hazards.
d. Environmental education collaboration with NGO
UT is committed to contributing to efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. One of the strategic steps taken is through collaboration with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in environmental education. This partnership allows UT to expand its reach, access resources, and jointly develop innovative solutions to address the challenges of climate change. For example, UT organized the 6th International Seminar on Business, Economics, Social Science, and Technology (ISBEST) in September 2023. This seminar raised the theme "Supporting Indonesia's Green and Blue Economy," emphasizing the importance of sustainable development through using natural resources wisely and environmentally friendly.
Through concrete steps and participation in international forums, Universitas Terbuka continues to play a role in achieving SDG 13 and becoming an educational institution that supports climate action and contributes to environmental sustainability for future generations.