Dr. Ir. Murtanti Jani Rahayu, S.T., M.T., Head of the Green Campus and SDGs Subdirectorate at UNS, explained that the Emission-Free Day has been implemented at UNS since July 2020. This initiative is rooted in Rector’s Regulation Number 827A/UN27/KP/2013 concerning Guidelines for Environmentally Friendly Campus Management at Universitas Sebelas Maret. It also aligns with global challenges encouraging the UNS to participate in campaigns aimed at reducing fossil fuel usage.

“Emission-Free Day at UNS is a positive response to the Zero Emissions Day (Zeday) campaign, a global movement aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” Dr. Murtanti stated on Friday (3/1/2025).

Speaking to uns.ac.id, she elaborated that the goal of Emission-Free Day is to provide a “day of rest” as part of efforts to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. It also aims to raise awareness about the limited availability of non-renewable resources and to encourage changes in daily habits.

The UNS Green Campus initiative invites its academic community to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors across all aspects of campus life. Key principles include promoting eco-friendly transportation and addressing climate change.

“The implementation of Emission-Free Day supports the broader goals of the Green Campus initiative, particularly in promoting environmentally friendly transportation. It also aims to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change by fostering a healthier and greener microclimate,” she added.

According to Circular Letter Number 44/UN27/SE/2020 on the Implementation of Emission-Free Day at UNS, several regulations govern this activity. All campus mobility activities must utilize emission-free transportation, walking, or public transportation provided by the university.

The program runs from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Various transportation units provided by UNS will be available for use by the academic community within the campus. Exceptions are made for emergencies such as accidents, medical needs, fires, and other urgent situations.

For those who must use non-emission-free private vehicles, designated parking areas are available at specific locations, including the parking areas of LPPM/LPPMP, SPMB and BAPSI, the lake canteen, the stadium, the Graduate School, the front of Nurul Huda Mosque, the Faculty of Law (FH) Building I, the west side of the Campus Church, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), and Javanology.

Through Emission-Free Day, UNS reaffirms its commitment to contributing to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. The initiative reflects the university’s vision of fostering a greener, cleaner, and healthier campus environment.

Humas UNS

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The program was officially launched on Friday (10/4/2024) with the symbolic handover of biopore pipes by the Dean of FMIPA UNS, Dr. Desi Suci Handayani, S.Si., M.Si., in the parking lot of the Soetomo Darsowiratmo Building. These pipes were then entrusted to the FMIPA Green Campus Team, who began creating 100 biopore points across the faculty’s 21.000-square-meter campus, including paved and green areas.

The biopore holes serve two primary locations within FMIPA UNS. First, in paved areas, the holes enhance water absorption during heavy rainfall, helping prevent local flooding and improving groundwater replenishment. In green spaces, biopores act as organic waste processing units for composting. Leaf litter and plant remnants are placed in these holes to decompose faster, enriching the soil with humus and improving overall soil quality in FMIPA’s green spaces.

The program culminated with UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si. attending a family gathering event celebrating FMIPA’s 28th Dies Natalis on Saturday (10/5/2024), where he completed the 100th biopore hole. His presence underscored the university’s support for FMIPA and other faculties in advancing eco-friendly initiatives.

In his remarks, Prof. Hartono praised FMIPA’s consistent support for the Green Campus movement. “Through this biopore installation program, FMIPA has demonstrated a solid commitment to environmental preservation by managing rainwater responsibly and optimizing organic waste processing for a healthier campus environment,” he said.

This biopore program is just one of many initiatives led by FMIPA UNS in environmental advocacy. In addition to enhancing rainwater absorption and soil quality, the program promotes effective organic waste management. By producing natural compost from organic waste, FMIPA not only maintains campus cleanliness but also contributes to the growth of greenery on campus.

Biopores also aid in water conservation, especially in urban areas prone to waterlogging. Given the loss of natural absorption areas due to urban development, biopore initiatives represent an effective way for campuses to enhance soil water absorption capacity and maintain ecosystem balance.

With the completion of 100 biopore installations, FMIPA hopes this initiative will inspire other UNS faculties to adopt similar measures. These small steps play an important role in creating a greener, more sustainable campus environment.

FMIPA UNS plans to monitor the biopore program’s progress and sustain its benefits. They also aim to involve students in managing and maintaining the biopores, providing them with hands-on environmental conservation experience beyond theoretical learning. The program demonstrates UNS’s commitment, through FMIPA, to ecological innovation, which is aligned with the university’s vision of excelling in education, research, and community service in ecological preservation.

With the installation of 100 biopore holes, FMIPA UNS takes a significant step towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly campus, making a meaningful contribution to environmental balance amid global climate change.

HUMAS UNS

Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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