Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has strengthened its position as one of Indonesia’s most sustainability-focused universities after improving its global standing in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. The institution retained fifth place nationally while moving up from 37th to 32nd globally, underscoring its ongoing efforts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The award was presented to Prof. Dr. Amin Retnoningsih, M.Si., Head of the UNNES Conservation Subdirectorate, during the UI GreenMetric National Ranking Award Ceremony on December 17, 2024, at Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata in Bandung. The recognition highlights the university’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable academic development.
“This achievement is not the result of one individual’s effort, but a reflection of the collective hard work of the entire UNNES academic community,” said Prof. Amin. “We truly appreciate the dedication and commitment from all parties that enabled UNNES to remain in the national Top 5 and move up to 32nd globally. This embodies the spirit of our conservation campus.”
Prof. Amin added that UNNES will continue to enhance its conservation programs and innovation efforts to support a greener and more sustainable future, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Rector Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., said the improvement in the global ranking reflects growing international recognition of the university’s sustainability initiatives. “Our rise in the global ranking shows that UNNES’s sustainability initiatives are gaining international recognition. We will continue to drive forward green innovations to build a more sustainable future,” he said.
The UI GreenMetric ranking assesses universities based on three main pillars: environment, economy, and socio-culture. Key indicators include setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste management, water usage, transportation, and education and research. The 2024 evaluation period ran from May through October.
As part of its vision to become a world-class university rooted in conservation-based education, UNNES continues to integrate sustainability into its teaching, research, and community outreach. The university said the latest achievement serves as motivation to further develop eco-conscious programs that contribute to a more sustainable global society.
