About Goals
This program is part of Universitas Sumatera Utara’s (USU) commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is based on the initiative to encourage responsible consumption and production patterns in Indonesia. In an era of globalization and rapid economic growth, unsustainable consumption patterns have caused negative impacts on the environment and natural resources. This program aims to promote sustainable lifestyles and advocate for environmentally friendly production practices in Indonesia. USU actively educates students, staff, and the public on the importance of responsible consumption, efficient waste management, and the application of green technologies in production. Through collaborations with external partners, USU also strives to develop innovations and solutions that support sustainable consumption and production across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and tourism.
Universitas Sumatera Utara's Action to the SDGs
Operational Measures
Ethical Sourcing Policy
USU has a formal policy on ethical sourcing of food and supplies, reflecting its commitment to sustainability, health, and social responsibility. This policy is outlined in the Rector’s Circular Number 15129/UN5.1.R/KPM/2022, guiding food procurement and vendor operations across all campus outlets. Vendors must comply with strict standards emphasizing locally sourced, healthy, and environmentally friendly ingredients, while reducing single-use plastics and adopting compostable/recyclable materials. The policy is monitored by the USU Healthy Campus Team, ensuring compliance through periodic evaluations and support for local suppliers. These practices promote ethical supply chains and community welfare, strengthening USU’s holistic ethical procurement framework.
Policy Waste Disposal - Hazardous Materials
USU has established a formal management system for hazardous and toxic waste (B3), ensuring safe and legally compliant handling across all facilities (hospitals, labs, research centers). The system is mandated by Rector’s Regulation No. 3/2019 and Rector’s Circular No. 1/2023, enforcing strict procedures for segregation, storage, and disposal per national standards. USU partners with PT Sumatra Deli Lestari Indah for B3 collection/treatment and maintains Material Safety Data Sheets. Additionally, USU collaborates internationally with Earthwise Consulting Japan on a circular economy initiative converting plastic waste into fuel. These actions demonstrate USU’s commitment to environmental protection, innovation, and carbon neutrality by 2029.
Policy Waste Disposal - Landfill Policy
USU has established a comprehensive waste disposal and monitoring policy that measures the amount of waste sent to landfills versus the volume recycled or composted. This is embedded within Rector’s Regulation No.3/2019 on Green Campus Implementation, which tracks waste generation and diversion performance. USU quantifies waste by category (plastic, paper, glass, metal, organic) and reports detailed metrics via periodic audits. Data indicate that over 0.42 tons of inorganic waste are generated daily, with significant portions diverted from landfill through recycling and upcycling technologies. These include pyrolysis systems (converting plastic into fuel) and Black Soldier Fly processing for organic waste decomposition. USU employs segregated waste bins and conducts regular evaluations to monitor contamination, ensuring progress toward zero-waste and circular economy goals.
Policy for Minimisation of Plastic Use
USU has formalized comprehensive policies to minimize plastic use, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability under Rector’s Regulation No. 3 of 2019 on Green Campus Implementation (Chapter III, Article 7, Paragraph 6). The policy prohibits the use of single-use plastics (bottles, packaging) within campus operations and events, promoting the transition toward reusable, recyclable, and compostable materials. In 2023, this regulation was strengthened through an official circular mandating the elimination of single-use plastic from daily activities and procurement. Implementation includes installing segregated waste bins, adopting plastic-to-fuel pyrolysis technology in partnership with Earthwise Consulting Japan, and continuous awareness campaigns. These efforts align with USU’s Zero Plastic Waste Roadmap 2030, which aims to phase out plastic consumption and embed a culture of sustainability and circular innovation.
Policy for Minimisation of Disposable Items
USU has institutionalized policies to minimize the use of disposable items, aligning with its Green Campus framework and sustainability roadmap. This is anchored in Rector’s Regulation No. 3 of 2019 (Chapter III, Article7), which mandates the reduction/elimination of single-use plastics, paper-based disposables, and other non-biodegradable materials across all activities. Circular Letter No. 1 of 2023 reinforces responsible procurement. Implementation includes the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) policy, segregated waste bins, and upcycling technologies like pyrolysis machines converting plastic waste into fuel. Awareness campaigns and vendor compliance programs promote reusable/compostable alternatives. These actions contribute to USU’s Zero Waste Initiative, targeting the elimination of disposable waste by 2030, fostering a circular, low-carbon campus culture.
Disposable Policy: Extensions to Services
USU extends its sustainability and ethical procurement policies to all outsourced services and supply chain partners, embedding environmental and social responsibility. The procurement system uses sustainability-based criteria, prioritizing suppliers of eco-labeled, energy-efficient, and recyclable products, while discouraging single-use items. Contracts explicitly require external vendors (catering, maintenance, construction) to adopt environmentally friendly practices, including using compostable/reusable materials and adhering to zero waste standards under the Green Campus framework. USU conducts capacity building and certification programs for suppliers and staff . These initiatives ensure all procurement contributes to USU’s goals of ethical, low-carbon, and resource-efficient operations by 2030.
Minimisation Policies Extended to Suppliers
USU fully extends its sustainability and ethical procurement policies to outsourced suppliers and contractors (equipment, stationery, construction, service contracts), aligning with its Green Campus framework. This commitment is formalized through the Rector’s Circular of 2023 and Rector’s Regulation No. 3 of 2019 on Green Campus Implementation, which mandate environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and transparent standards. Additionally, Rector’s Regulation No. 1 of 2018 enforces ethical, competitive, and performance-based supplier selection. The Bureau of Asset and Business Management monitors compliance, ensuring third-party suppliers implement green materials, reduced packaging, and waste minimization. Vendors must adhere to zero-waste principles, including using recyclable/reusable materials in construction/operations. By extending these principles to the supply chain, USU demonstrates leadership in sustainable infrastructure and procurement governance.
Proportion of Recycled Waste
Waste Tracking
USU systematically measures/monitors waste generated and recycled across all units under Rector’s Regulation No. 3 of 2019 (Green Campus policy). USU tracks organic/inorganic waste daily using digital monitoring. Organic waste 164,36kg/day from buildings/canteen is partially reused for composting (Compost House/Tubs). Inorganic waste is sorted at source and processed via partnerships (KEPUL ID Indonesia, Waste Bank in Medan Selayang). USU measures/reports hazardous waste, including 3,38 tons/month (labs) and 2 tons/month (hospitals), managed by certified processors. Advanced technologies like pyrolysis and Black Soldier Fly bioconversion reduce landfill dependency. Regular audits and transparent reports reinforce USU’s accountable, data-driven, and circular waste management system.
Amount of Waste Generated
651mt
Amount of Waste Recycled
326mt
Amount of Waste Sent to Landfill
325mt
Publication of Sustainability Report
Publication of Sustainability Report
Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) publishes an annual sustainability report to communicate its ongoing progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). Led by a dedicated SDG team, USU promotes these goals through research, educational initiatives, and community engagement eff orts. Each year, the sustainability report highlights achievements, challenges, and ongoing strategies in line with these objectives.
SDGs Articles
Activities
PRIORITY STATEMENTS
Indonesia membutuhkan Anda, para akademisi yang berkomitmen untuk membawa perubahan nyata. Kami mengundang Anda untuk berbagi penelitian, inovasi, dan ide-ide brilian Anda guna melawan kemiskinan, meningkatkan kesejahteraan sumber daya manusia (SDM) dalam negeri, dan menyukseskan masa depan Republik Indonesia.
Infographic
Research and Publications
Recent progress in ultra-low formaldehyde emitting adhesive systems and formaldehyde scavengers in wood-based panels: a review
Kristak L., Antov P., Bekhta P., Lubis M.A.R., Iswanto A.H., Reh R., Sedliacik J., Savov V., Taghiyari H.R., Papadopoulos A.N., Pizzi A., Hejna A.
Evaluation of Plant Growth and Potential of Carbon Storage in the Restored Mangrove of an Abandoned Pond in Lubuk Kertang, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Amelia R., Basyuni M., Alfinsyahri A., Sulistiyono N., Slamet B., Bimantara Y., Harahap S.S.H., Harahap M., Harahap I.M., Al Mustaniroh S.S., Sasmito S.D., Arifanti V.B.
Optimal Participation of the Renewable Energy in Microgrids with Load Management Strategy
Candra O., Chammam A., Rahardja U., Ramirez-Coronel A.A., Al-Jaleel A.A., Al-Kharsan I.H., Muda I., Derakhshani G.B., Rezai M.M.
Assessing the carrying capacity of mangroves as raw materials for culinary products: Case study in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Purwoko A., Susilowati A., Situmorang A.I.
Regeneration of spent bleaching earth using microwave assisted extraction method with hexane as solvent for the bleaching of crude palm oil
Nugraha, Iriany, Misran E.
An Application of Machine Learning to Estimate and Evaluate the Energy Consumption in an Office Room
Liu K.-S., Muda I., Lin M.-H., Dwijendra N.K.A., Caballero G.C., Alviz-Meza A., Cárdenas-Escrocia Y.
Mapping community participation in the food estate program of Ria-riavillage, Pollung district, Humbang Hasundutan regency, NorthSumatra province
Syahputra O.K.H., Siburian J.D.P., Anggraini N.
Life cycle assessment of shallot farming in Food Estate Hutajulu, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Sigalingging R., Simanihuruk J., Vinolina N.S., Harahap L.A., Sigalingging C.
Early detection of local inbred of rice from Aceh to drought stressusing PEG 6000
Nazirah L., Satriawan H., Fuady Z., Vinolina N.S.
Reverse Supply Chain and Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Management Utilizing Location-Routing Model
Efendi S., Chen T.C., Widjaja G., Hansen H., Bakhvalov S.Y., Gerasimova Y.R., Abilmazhinov Y., Anichkina O., Rahman F.F.
Co-composting cow manure, rice straw with marine organic waste: Characterization of compost quality
Hidayat B., Sebayang N.U.W., Jamilah, Akbar A.M.
Revisiting Fuel Subsidies in Indonesia using K-Means, PAM, and CLARA
Prasetyo F.A., Caraka R.E., Kim Y., Goldameir N.E., Sulistyowati, Tyasti A.E., Gio P.U., Anggoro F., Ramadhani M., Pardamean B.
ASSESSING THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL, FEASIBILITY AND VISITOR ASSESSMENT IN THE SIPINSUR GEOSITE NATURAL TOURISM AREA, TOBA CALDERA GLOBAL GEOPARK, INDONESIA
Purwoko A., Zaitunah A., Samsura D.A.A., Sibarani R., Muda I., Faustina C.
ALGORITHM FORWARD CHAINING AND BACKWARD CHAINING FOR DIAGNOSING DIABETES MELLITUS
Handrizal, Hayatunnufus, Fandi M.
MANGROVE FRUIT RIPENESS CLASSIFICATION USING DEEP CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK
Faza S., Fadillah Rahmat R., Husna M., Anugrahwaty R., Padly Sembiring A., Permadi Ahmad R., Onrizal
Quality Assessment on Honey Produced from Six Months Old Acacia crassicarpa
Suhesti E., Zalizar L., Triwanto J., Ervayendri E., Hendroko Setyobudi R., Tri Waskitho N., Tarik Ibrahim J., Maftuchah M., Hadinoto H., Vinceviča-Gaile Z., Tonda R., Anggara A., Hartono R., Utami Lestari S., Agung Pakarti T.
The Taste of Arabica Coffee in Several Altitude and Shading Condition
Saurnida Asiana Siahaan A., Masrul Harahap E., Hanum C., Karim A., Vinceviča-Gaile Z.
The effect of 3% passion fruit purple variant (Passiflora edulis Sims var. Edulis) seed extract cream on facial skin aging
Muslim M., Jusuf N.K., Putra I.B.
Antifungal Potential of Cell-Free Supernatant Produced by Keratinolytic Fungi against Ganoderma boninense
Mamangkey J., Huda M.K., Aritonang R.
The Similarity of Barnyardgrass Weed in Lowland Rice Fields Based on Seed Characteristics
Alridiwirsah, Basyuni M., Tampubolon K., Mustamu N.E.
Pine resin utilization as a binding agent for densification of coconut shells and rice husks at various pressures
Setiawan A., Khairil K., Nurjannah S., Nurmalita N., Fona Z.
Enhancing the properties of industrial waste nanocellulose bioaerogels using turmeric nano particles
Abdul Khalil H.P.S., Yahya E.B., Tajarudin H.A., Surya I., Muhammad S., Fazita M.R.N.
Adhesion and Cohesion Strength of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin Mixed with Different Types and Levels of Catalyst for Wood Composites
Fitrianum F., Lubis M.A.R., Hadi Y.S., Sari R.K., Maulana M.I., Kristak L., Iswanto A.H., Mardawati E., Reh R., Sedliacik J.
Cohesion and Adhesion Performance of Tannin-Glyoxal Adhesives at Different Formulations and Hardener Types for Bonding Particleboard Made of Areca (Areca catechu) Leaf Sheath
Anggini A.W., Lubis M.A.R., Sari R.K., Papadopoulos A.N., Antov P., Iswanto A.H., Lee S.H., Mardawati E., Kristak L., Juliana I.
The Cluster of Local Maize Accessions Based on Seed Characteristics from North Sumatra
Mustamu N.E., Tampubolon K., Alridiwirsah, Basyuni M.
Transparent distribution system design of halal beef supply chain
Hidayati J., Vamelia R., Hammami J., Endri E.
Research article role of potassium source from eco enzyme on growth and production of shallot (Allium ascalonicum l.) varieties
Hasanah Y., Ginting J., Syahputra A.S.
Modeling and computational simulation for supersonic flutter prediction of polymer/GNP/fiber laminated composite joined conical-conical shells
Nasution M.K.M., Syah R., Ramdan D., Afshari H., Amirabadi H., Selim M.M., Khan A., Lutfor Rahman M., Sani Sarjadi M., Su C.-H.
Synthesis and Characterization of Phosphoric Silica Catalyst from Bamboo Leaves for Production of Triacetin
Manurung R., Anggreawan M.D., Siregar A.G.A.
Cytochrome c Expression by Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) on Cervical Cancer Histology
Simanullang R.H., Situmorang P.C., Herlina M., Noradina, Silalahi B.
Suppression of Wnt Expression by Increasing PI3K in Rats Cervical Carcinoma by Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium)
Ilyas S., Simanullang R.H., Hutahaean S., Rosidah R., Situmorang P.C.
Effectiveness of Coleus Amboinicus Consumption Interventions in Increasing Breast Milk Production and Improving Maternal Health Status During COVID 19 Pandemic
Nasution S.S., Eliana R., Aizar E., Pramita R.
Effect of Andaliman (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium) Fruit Extract on Anticancer Activity of HEPG2 Liver Cancer Cell Lines
Tala Z.Z., Siregar G.A.
Akreditasi Fasilkom-TI
