The University of Mataram (Unram) is demonstrating that true sustainability often means revitalizing the old alongside building the new. In a strategic move to reduce its environmental footprint and operational costs, Unram has embarked on an ambitious initiative to retrofit its existing building stock with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient technologies. This program goes beyond simple upgrades; it is a comprehensive re-engineering of the campus’s energy heartbeat, transforming dated structures into models of modern efficiency.

The cornerstone of this initiative is a multi-pronged approach targeting the largest consumers of energy. Across campus, aging air conditioning units are being systematically replaced with high-efficiency inverter models, while traditional fluorescent lighting is making way for intelligent LED systems. These new lights, often equipped with motion sensors, ensure power is not wasted in empty rooms. Furthermore, the university is tackling the tropical heat at its source by installing reflective, cool-roof coatings on buildings and retrofitting windows with solar-control film. This significantly reduces the “heat island” effect and lessens the burden on cooling systems.

The impact of this transformation is twofold. Environmentally, it dramatically slashes the university’s carbon emissions and electricity consumption, directly contributing to national and global climate goals. Financially, the substantial savings on utility bills free up crucial resources that can be redirected toward core academic and student support missions. By choosing to retrofit its existing infrastructure, Unram is making a powerful statement about resourcefulness and long-term responsibility. This initiative proves that a university’s commitment to a sustainable future is not just found in new construction, but in the wise and innovative stewardship of the buildings it already calls home.