Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) at Universitas Brawijaya (UB) celebrated its 28th Anniversary (Dies Natalis). The event was marked by the inauguration of a renewable energy-based vertical garden and a fun walk to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Dean of FTP UB, Prof. Yusuf Hendrawan, STP, MAppLife Sc, PhD, revealed that this vertical garden is the first of its kind on the UB campus.
The 28th Dies Natalis serves as a tangible manifestation of FTP UB’s commitment to supporting the Green Campus program and transitioning toward a sustainable campus.
“This vertical garden not only beautifies the environment but also serves as an environmental education medium. It will soon be equipped with solar panels to integrate renewable energy use and reduce carbon footprint,” Yusuf stated enthusiastically on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Pioneering Eco-Innovation
He explained that FTP UB aims to position itself as a pioneering faculty in implementing the Eco-Green Campus concept at Universitas Brawijaya.
This commitment is also demonstrated by reducing single-use plastic, with all event participants required to bring their own tumblers.
“Today’s event features no bottled drinking water. This is part of our efforts to build a culture of environmental friendliness and sustainability,” he added.
In addition to inaugurating the vertical garden, FTP UB provided a designated smoking area and special waste bins for bottles.
“The Green Campus commitment does not stop here. Moving forward, all buildings within the FTP UB area will be designed in accordance with the Eco-Green Campus concept,” he affirmed.
Prof. Yusuf further noted that FTP UB operates a Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bioenergy and Biorefinery to manage organic and non-organic waste, collaborating with industry partners for its operations.
“In total, four phases of environmentally friendly programs were inaugurated alongside the Fun Walk activity. The Fun Walk itself was participated in by approximately 400 attendees, including lecturers, education staff, students, alumni, industry partners, and sponsors,” he explained.
Prof. Sri Suhartini, STP, MEnvMgt, PhD, Head of UB’s Green Campus Technical Implementation Unit (UPT), stated that FTP UB is the first faculty to implement the Smart Green Campus program.
She described it as a positive breakthrough that other faculties should follow.
“This vertical garden will be integrated with IoT technology, enabling measured and efficient irrigation systems, supported by solar panels for energy savings,” explained Prof. Neneng, as she is affectionately known.
According to her, the program is part of the Smart Green Campus indicators, covering biodiversity, water conservation, and energy minimization. She hopes that FTP UB’s initiative in launching a renewable energy-based vertical garden will inspire other faculties to follow suit.
Alumni Donate Avocado, Mango & Cacao Seedlings
Prof. Neneng added that alumni also contributed by donating 180 plant seedlings to UB’s UPT Green Campus.
These seedlings include avocado, mango, and cacao.
“They will later be planted across various UB areas, including UB Forest and several other UB campuses. However, for the UB Jakarta campus, tree planting is not feasible in the near future,” she said.
The series of events for FTP UB’s 28th Dies Natalis will continue with various traditional competitions to strengthen bonds among the academic community. The peak event is scheduled for next Tuesday with an Open Senate Meeting themed ‘FTP SOLID: Reconnect, Collaborate and Contribution’. (bas/rhd)
