Applying Sustainable Building Practices to Minimize Water Use at UMN

Smart fixtures for smarter water use at UMN (Doc. UMN)

Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) has implemented comprehensive green building standards campus-wide to promote water conservation, positioning itself as a model in sustainable resource management. This initiative adheres to Policy No. 7823 and aligns with guidelines set by the Green Building Council Indonesia as well as the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing Regulation No. 21 of 2021, reflecting UMN’s firm commitment to environmentally responsible practices benefiting both the campus and its surroundings. 

Garden with sprinkler & foot-pedal taps (UMN Doc.)

UMN’s outdoor spaces demonstrate a careful commitment to conserving water. The gardens are irrigated using sprinkler systems calibrated to deliver precise amounts of water, minimizing waste compared to conventional watering techniques.  

A notable feature of UMN’s efforts is the installation of water-efficient fixtures throughout the campus. Modern valve systems, including sensor-activated and foot-pedal taps, are designed to allow water to flow only, when necessary, significantly reducing wastage. Covering 53.47% of the campus area (approximately 53,202 m²), a Press to Flow water valve system is employed to regulate water usage effectively. Furthermore, all campus buildings are equipped with toilet flush systems that utilize just 3.6 liters per flush, resulting in substantial water savings. The use of these toilet flush systems is not only compliant with current regulations but is also considered exemplary. This is supported by the Green Building Guide e-book, which, based on applicable regulations, emphasizes the importance of implementing water efficiency measures. 

Water conservation initiatives at UMN (Doc. UMN)

Alongside other green initiatives, UMN champions rainwater conservation through rainwater harvesting. The university integrates multiple green building practices to minimize water use and promote sustainability. Rainwater is efficiently collected and directed into 80 infiltration wells spread across the campus, while hundreds of biopores help return rainwater to the soil. Additionally, the outdoor parking area is designed as a water absorption zone, enhancing natural groundwater recharge.

(Doc. UMN)

In addition to its strong performance in the UI GreenMetric 2024 rankings, where UMN placed 128th globally and was recognized as the top private university in the Jabodetabek area, the university is also preparing to participate in other sustainability-focused rankings. These efforts demonstrate UMN’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its sustainability practices and benchmarking its progress against international standards. 

(Doc. UMN)

As reported in Kompas, UMN has cultivated a green campus atmosphere by expanding open green spaces, enhancing energy and water efficiency, and promoting sustainable infrastructure. These efforts align with the university’s unique approach, where the Architecture and Technical Physics departments actively utilize campus buildings as a living lab. 

(UMN Doc., 2024)

This living lab concept at UMN has become a reference for other campuses. For example, Ahmad Dahlan University conducted a study visit to UMN to observe this innovative approach. During the visit, Niki explained that the Faculty of Technical Physics and the Faculty of Computer Engineering use the campus as a living lab, which is utilized not only by students but also by lecturers who analyze factors such as oxygen levels and more. 
 
These energy-efficient buildings serve as real-world laboratories where students can directly study and test energy-saving technologies. This hands-on approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge and conduct practical research on building energy efficiency, fostering innovation, and deeper understanding in sustainable building design. 

Kuliah di Jakarta untuk jurusan program studi Informatika| Sistem Informasi | Teknik Komputer | Teknik Elektro | Teknik Fisika | Akuntansi | Manajemen| Komunikasi Strategis | Jurnalistik | Desain Komunikasi Visual | Film dan Animasi | Arsitektur | D3 Perhotelan , di Universitas Multimedia Nusantara.