Semarang, September 2024 — Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to lead the way in environmental sustainability with a clear and comprehensive policy on waste disposal, including the management of hazardous materials. These practices are guided by Rector’s Regulation Number 127 of 2024 on Green Campus Guidelines, which outlines the university’s strategy for waste reduction, recycling, and environmental safety.
Integrated Waste Treatment Facility (TPST)
UNNES Integrated Waste Management Facility
Source: UNNES’ Documentation
A cornerstone of UNNES’s waste management approach is the Integrated Waste Treatment Facility (TPST), located in Sekaran Village, Gunungpati. This facility, managed by the university’s Conservation Sub-Directorate, processes approximately 15 tons of waste daily using advanced, eco-friendly techniques. These include:
- Maggot cultivation: converting organic waste into high-protein animal feed,
- Eco-enzyme production: creating natural cleaning agents from organic waste,
- Biopore systems: enhancing soil permeability and waste decomposition.
The facility’s goal is to achieve zero waste, producing minimal residue and eliminating the need for final disposal in landfills. Organic waste is transformed into compost, which is either used on campus grounds or sold, further supporting sustainable agriculture and campus greening efforts.
Safe Disposal of Hazardous Waste
UNNES Integrated Waste Management Facility
Source: UNNES’ Documentation
UNNES strictly adheres to safety protocols for managing hazardous waste. These materials are handled in accordance with environmental safety standards, ensuring they do not pose a threat to the local ecosystem or public health. By following Rector’s Regulation Number 127 of 2024, UNNES ensures that all types of waste, whether hazardous, non-hazardous, or recyclable, are disposed of safely, thereby contributing to the university’s broader environmental sustainability goals.
Community Engagement and Preventive Measures
UNNES Collaborates with Sekaran Subdistrict to Raise Public Awareness about Waste Management
Source: UNNES’ Documentation
UNNES goes beyond waste management by engaging with local communities in environmental education. In collaboration with Sekaran Village, UNNES raises awareness of the importance of waste management and sustainability through programs such as the National Waste Awareness Day and community-driven clean-up campaigns along riverbanks. These initiatives help maintain a clean and healthy environment for both the campus and the surrounding area.
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
UNNES’s efforts in waste management directly align with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Through its integrated waste management practices, including recycling, composting, and eco-friendly waste treatment, UNNES minimizes its environmental impact and fosters a circular economy on campus.
The university’s commitment to environmental sustainability reflects its identity as a Conservation University and demonstrates its role as a model for other institutions in sustainable campus management.
