Approach to environmental sustainability and green campus at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia: a review

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a complex and rapidly evolving challenge faced by urban environments. University campuses are susceptible to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from energy use, particularly due to vehicular movement, solid waste generation and disposal, and electricity generation. The impact of GHG emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) on climate change, mainly global warming, which has emerged a contemporary concern. The recent increase in the number of proposals for regulatory legislations on emission control indicates the need for a clear methodology to address GHG emissions, as well as their environmental impacts. This paper deals with CO2 emission arising from energy used and solid waste within the campus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru. The objective of this study is only the environmental aspect, related to carbon emission from energy used in the study area under review. This emission sources on UTM campus include, transportation, electricity and waste generation. This work reviews the application of compliance plans and approaches for the monitoring and control of environmentally sustainable parameters and categories. The performance of each model which reflects the sustainability achievement goals was determined. Constraints to the practice of sustainability concepts are identified and measures to improve sustainability levels are suggested. It is concluded that by following the standard set by Universitas Indonesia (UI) ranking, sustainability coupled with, enabling environment will be enhanced for universities’ dweller.