EXPERTS

BINUS University has taken significant steps to extend its sustainability policies to outsourced suppliers and the broader supply chain, emphasizing environmental responsibility across all partnerships. The university has implemented the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle not only within its campus operations but also with external organizations and companies that collaborate with BINUS. For instance, BINUS encourages everyone on campus—including staff, students, guests, and lecturers—to adopt eco-friendly practices like using reusable water bottles and bags. To support proper waste management, the campus has also implemented a system where trash bins are clearly separated into organic and inorganic categories, streamlining waste processing for cleaning staff.

In its commitment to environmental sustainability, BINUS has integrated eco-conscious criteria into its procurement process. One of the primary requirements for potential suppliers is their active support for sustainable practices. This is explicitly outlined in the vendor guidelines (Page 5, Point 2.1.1, No. 11), where suppliers are expected to align with BINUS University’s green initiatives. Suppliers of equipment, stationery, and building contractors must demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, ensuring that their operations and products contribute to BINUS’s overall environmental goals.

This extended policy is a reflection of BINUS University’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting responsible consumption and production. By involving external partners in its sustainability efforts, BINUS is fostering a broader impact, ensuring that its influence on reducing environmental footprints goes beyond the campus and reaches into the entire supply chain.

BINUS University has implemented a comprehensive set of policies aimed at minimizing the use of disposable items, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. A significant part of this initiative is the transition to a paperless system, encouraging staff and students to reduce paper usage in daily operations. This shift not only decreases paper consumption but also reduces CO2 emissions, aligning with the university’s goal of minimizing its environmental impact. In support of this, BINUS promotes eco-friendly practices in its back office, such as double-sided printing, careful review of documents before printing, and relying on digital systems over hard copies. These initiatives reflect BINUS’s dedication to creating a sustainable campus and advancing the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This commitment is further reinforced by BINUS University’s Rector’s Decree No. 136A, which provides clear guidelines for resource management and waste disposal. According to Point P of the decree, the university follows the “reduce, reuse, recycle” (3R) principle to ensure efficient resource use and minimize waste. Additionally, Point S mandates the proper management of liquid and solid waste in line with government regulations, ensuring that BINUS complies with national environmental policies. These efforts highlight the university’s role in fostering sustainability both on campus and beyond, contributing to long-term environmental preservation.

Moreover, BINUS University actively promotes creative and sustainable practices through various campaigns and workshops. The School of Design has spearheaded the “From Waste to Fashion” campaign, turning discarded materials into wearable art, and has organized workshops like “New Way of Upcycling,” focusing on repurposing waste into useful items. The university has also taken practical steps to reduce single-use plastics by restricting the use of styrofoam utensils and encouraging alternatives, as well as replacing plastic bags with paper bags or reusable totes. These combined efforts showcase BINUS’s proactive approach to waste reduction and its leadership in promoting sustainable practices.

This commitment is reinforced by the Rector’s circular No. 1564A/REK/IX/2023, titled “Gerakan Ramah Lingkungan: Pengurangan Plastik Dan Barang Sekali Pakai,” which promotes minimizing single-use plastics on campus. The circular encourages staff, students, and faculty to adopt eco-friendly alternatives by using reusable containers, tumblers, and shopping bags, contributing to a reduction in disposable plastic use and plastic waste disposal.

BINUS University is committed to environmental sustainability through various policies aimed at minimizing plastic use on campus and in surrounding communities. The policy aimed at reducing plastic waste is outlined in the Rector’s circular No. 1564A/REK/IX/2023, titled “Gerakan Ramah Lingkungan: Pengurangan Plastik Dan Barang Sekali Pakai.” This initiative encourages the academic community to adopt sustainable practices, such as bringing their own reusable containers, including tumblers and shopping bags, to minimize reliance on single-use plastics.

One notable initiative is the handover of a Pyrolysis Waste Processing Machine from the Faculty of Engineering to the Environmental Community of RW 4, Meruya Selatan District. Led by Mrs. Religiana Hendarti and Mr. Tota Pirdo, and supported by Mrs. Retno Dewanti from BINUS’s Community Development Academic team, this machine converts plastic waste into liquid fuel through a combustion and condensation process. Originally developed as a final project in the Manufacturing Processes course, it exemplifies the university’s commitment to practical technology applications for community service, funded by an internal BINUS grant. There are plans to expand this technology across BINUS campuses and partner communities.

In addition, the university has implemented the “BINUS ASYIK TANPA PLASTIK” (BINUS is Fun Without Plastic) policy, which encourages students and staff to eliminate single-use plastics in favor of reusable alternatives. To support this initiative, designated bins for plastic waste are provided, regular educational campaigns are conducted, and sustainability programs such as “Be-Green” are organized. As a result, BINUS has significantly reduced plastic waste, with a decline of more than 10 kg per month for the last 5 years.

These actions reflect BINUS University’s comprehensive approach to tackling plastic pollution, aligned with global sustainability efforts. By combining innovative technology like the Pyrolysis machine with strong campus policies and community engagement, BINUS sets a clear example of environmental stewardship. Additionally, this commitment is reinforced by the circular letter regarding the “Environmental Movement: Reduction of Plastic and Single-Use Items,” which underscores the university’s dedication to fostering a plastic-free environment.

BINUS University is committed to responsible waste disposal and has implemented a comprehensive policy to measure the amount of waste sent to landfills and recycled. This policy is part of its larger sustainability effort, which includes tracking and managing waste streams to ensure that as much material as possible is diverted from landfills. Organic waste, such as food scraps, is composted and used to nourish the plants in campus gardens, while water waste is treated and repurposed for plant irrigation. Inorganic and plastic waste is collected and sorted by the cleaning staff, ensuring proper recycling processes are followed.

To further minimize non-organic waste, BINUS University has introduced several policies aimed at reducing single-use items. For example, the university encourages students and staff to use reusable tumblers and glasses, rewarding those who follow these guidelines. The use of styrofoam has been restricted, and plastic bags are being phased out in favor of more sustainable alternatives like paper bags or tote bags. These initiatives not only reduce waste but also promote a culture of sustainability among the university community.

BINUS University also runs innovative programs like the “Be-Green” E-Recycling initiative, which encourages proper disposal of plastic waste by offering rewards for recycling efforts. The university’s School of Design has been actively involved in promoting sustainability through creative campaigns, such as “From Waste to Fashion,” and workshops like “New Way of Upcycling.” These programs highlight the university’s ongoing efforts to reduce waste, promote recycling, and educate the community about the importance of sustainability in everyday practices.

The policy on waste management also detailed in the Rector’s circular No. 1660a/REK/IX/2023 titled “Pengelolaan Sampah dan Limbah Berbahaya.”

BINUS University is deeply committed to sustainable waste disposal practices as part of its dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Guided by Rector’s Decree No. 0136A (Part II, Points P, S, T), the university applies the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling to all resource usage, including waste disposal and wastewater management. A key example is the reuse of treated wastewater from campus buildings for watering plants, which reduces reliance on fresh water and promotes water conservation. The university’s policy on hazardous waste management aligns with government regulations, ensuring that both liquid and solid waste are managed in accordance with legal standards to minimize environmental harm. This includes various initiatives aimed at environmental preservation, such as preventing pollution of water, air, and soil, as outlined in Point T. In support of these policies, BINUS has implemented several water conservation strategies, including regular plumbing maintenance, promoting water-saving habits, and utilizing treated wastewater for garden irrigation and toilet flushing. These efforts not only conserve water but also contribute to the university’s broader goal of creating a cleaner, healthier environment. The policy on hazardous materials management, detailed in the Rector’s circular No. 1660A/REK/IX/2023 titled “Pengelolaan Sampah dan Limbah Berbahaya,” ensures that hazardous materials are separated from regular waste and managed through designated processes, compliant with national regulations, and handled by authorized vendors specializing in hazardous waste disposal. Through these comprehensive waste management practices, BINUS University upholds its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.

BINUS University is committed to promoting ethical sourcing practices, particularly in food and supplies across campus. In alignment with Rector’s Decree No. 0136A (Part II, Point R), the university ensures that food served in campus canteens is healthy, safe, and clean, sourced from trusted suppliers who meet strict criteria. This policy guarantees that students, faculty, and staff have access to nutritious and hygienic food options, promoting overall well-being while supporting ethical practices in food sourcing.

Additionally, BINUS prioritizes local sellers as vendors for food and supplies, as highlighted in the vendor guidelines (Page 5, Point 2.1.1, No. 12). This focus on local suppliers not only encourages the growth of local businesses but also contributes to the community’s economic development. By supporting local sellers, BINUS fosters a sustainable supply chain that minimizes environmental impact and enhances social responsibility.

Through these initiatives, BINUS University demonstrates its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. The university’s policy not only ensures high-quality food and supplies for its community but also aligns with broader sustainability goals by promoting local business empowerment and ethical resource management.