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August 17, 2025

Development of Smart and Green University Towards a Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Campus: Case Study at Universitas Sumatra Utara

FFFahmi FahmiUniversitas Sumatera Utara HAHermansyah AlamNorth Sumatra Islamic University

Key Points

USU implemented smart and green building concepts that significantly improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality, showcasing a model for sustainability.
Key initiatives include solar panels and smart electric vehicles, which enhance resource consumption and contribute to carbon footprint reduction.
This observational analysis highlights the role of regulatory challenges and financial disincentives as barriers to adopting sustainable practices in higher education.
Collaboration with international institutions aims to address knowledge gaps and share best practices among universities facing similar climatic challenges.

Abstract

Sustainable urban development is critically needed in tropical regions facing unique challenges, including extreme heat, high humidity, and intense rainfall. This study examines the implementation of smart and green building concepts at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Indonesia, as a case study to illustrate strategies for creating environmentally friendly campuses. USU has integrated digital technologies and sustainable design principles into its infrastructure, notably through smart buildings that employ IoT sensors and AI-based management systems. These technologies ensure efficient energy use, improved indoor air quality, and reduced resource consumption. Green building strategies, such as passive architectural design, natural ventilation, shaded courtyards, and renewable energy systems, are implemented to mitigate the impacts of tropical climate conditions. Key initiatives include the use of solar panels, wind turbines, biomass pyrolysis, and innovative transportation solutions, such assmart garbage electric vehicles (Smart GeV) and free campus bicycles.Additionally, USU's waste management strategy, highlighted by the establishment of the USU Circularity Centre (UCC), effectively promotes resource circularity by converting waste into compost and alternative fuels. Collaboration with international institutions has further enriched local expertise and facilitated the dissemination of best practices. However, the study identifies critical barriers hindering broader adoption, including fragmented governance, limited financial incentives, insufficient skilled human resources, and a lack of tailored climate-specific standards. Strategic recommendations to overcome these challenges involve improving regulatory coherence, enhancing financial support mechanisms, investing in capacity-building initiatives, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations. The study concludes that USU's experience provides a replicable model for other tropical universities, highlighting the pivotal role educational institutions can play as pioneers of urban sustainability and thereby contributing significantly to global environmental objectives.

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