UNNES Provides 21 Drinking Water Refill Stations to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Waste
Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability by providing drinking water refill facilities across campus. With 21 refill stations available in various campus locations, the university encourages students, lecturers, staff, and visitors to bring reusable water bottles and reduce their dependence on single-use plastic bottles.
The initiative supports Rector’s Circular Letter No. B/28525/UN37/PA.00.00/2024 on the Reduction of Single-Use Plastic within UNNES. This policy calls on university work units, canteens, and vendors to minimize the use of disposable plastic products, including plastic bottles, food packaging, and shopping bags. Providing access to drinking water refill facilities is one practical measure that supports the policy’s implementation.
Drinking Water Facilities Across Campus
UNNES provides drinking water through different types of facilities, including water dispensers and water treatment systems using Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology. These facilities allow members of the academic community to refill their reusable bottles instead of purchasing packaged drinking water. By making drinking water more accessible, the university encourages environmentally responsible habits in daily campus activities.
One example can be found at the Faculty of Medicine (FK UNNES), which has introduced drinking water filtration facilities using Reverse Osmosis technology. According to the faculty’s official report, the facilities allow the academic community to refill personal bottles and support efforts to reduce single-use plastic consumption. The initiative forms part of the faculty’s broader commitment to efficient water management and the development of a greener campus environment.
The university has also developed water treatment innovations through its research and community service activities. In 2018, UNNES introduced an alkaline reverse osmosis water treatment prototype through a program managed by the Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M, now LPPM). This initiative demonstrates the university’s experience in developing water treatment technologies to support access to drinking water.
Supporting the Reduction of Plastic Waste
The provision of refill stations complements UNNES’s broader conservation policies by offering a reusable alternative to disposable plastic bottles. Rather than relying on bottled water for everyday activities, students and staff can bring their own tumblers and refill them at available facilities.
This approach also supports environmental education by encouraging the campus community to take part in reducing plastic waste through simple, repeated actions. Together with restrictions on single-use plastic products and efforts to promote responsible consumption, drinking water refill facilities help translate the university’s sustainability commitments into daily practices.
Through its policy framework and provision of drinking water facilities, UNNES demonstrates an institutional approach to minimizing plastic consumption. The availability of 21 refill stations represents a practical step toward reducing reliance on disposable packaging and strengthening a culture of sustainability across the university.