UI GreenMetric and UIN Sunan Kalijaga Strengthen Ecotheology for Sustainable Campuses, Inviting Universities to Participate in the 2026 Sustainable University Rankings
Yogyakarta, April 29, 2026 — UI GreenMetric Sustainable University Rankings has reaffirmed its support for the implementation of ecotheology as a strategic approach to realizing sustainable campuses. This spirit aligns with UI GreenMetric’s core vision, “Advancing Sustainability for Earth,” which encourages higher education institutions worldwide to treat sustainability not merely as a technical policy, but as a fundamental value, culture, and moral responsibility of the institution.
In the momentum of the UI GreenMetric Sustainable University Rankings 2026 Workshop, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta served as an exceptional co-organizer and a vital catalyst in strengthening ecotheology within the university environment. This collaboration stands as a concrete example of how Islamic values, academic excellence, and sustainability can move hand-in-hand in a unified movement for campus transformation.
In his opening remarks, the Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, emphasized that ecotheology is a theological commitment that places environmental conservation as an integral part of faith. This perspective reinforces the campus's position as both a learning space and a site for the practical application of ecological responsibility.
The workshop featured a keynote speech on "Ecotheology and the Role of Religion in Environmental Sustainability," followed by a joint commitment to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Green Campus initiatives, attended by university leaders from various regions.
The Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, Dr. Vishnu Juwono, stated that universities bear a moral responsibility to ensure that the sustainability values taught in classrooms are truly reflected in daily campus practices.
“Universities must maintain integrity by ensuring that the campus environment reflects the sustainability they teach. Sustainability must live within the system, culture, and mindset of the institution,” he remarked.
UI GreenMetric’s support for ecotheology also shows a strong resonance with global trends in sustainable development. The integration of spirituality, campus policy, and environmental action serves as a new, increasingly relevant approach to addressing the challenges of climate change and the global ecological crisis.
As a progressive Islamic university, UIN Sunan Kalijaga integrates the principle of Khalifah fil Ardh (stewards of the Earth) into a sustainability ecosystem aligned with UI GreenMetric (UIGM). This grand vision has been manifested by the university leadership through the development of Campus II Pajangan since 2024, designed as a "forest campus," which directly impacts the Setting and Infrastructure (SI) indicator.
This physical commitment was further strengthened by a cultural transformation in 2025 through the "Green Force" initiative by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FISHUM). Involving the collaboration of lecturers, students, and staff, this grassroots movement specifically aligns with the Waste (WS) and Education and Research (ED) methodologies of UI GreenMetric, serving as a strategic guide in conducting a "behavior reset" for the academic community toward eco-friendly habits.
On the same occasion, UI GreenMetric officially announced that the data collection cycle for the UI GreenMetric Sustainable University Rankings 2026 is now open and will run until June 30, 2026. Through these rankings, universities are encouraged to measure, evaluate, and strengthen their contribution to sustainability across seven key indicators:
- Setting and Infrastructure
- Energy and Climate Change
- Waste
- Water
- Transportation
- Education and Research
- Governance and Digitalization
The addition of the Governance and Digitalization category is a strategic step by UI GreenMetric to respond to modern challenges, where campus sustainability is determined not only by physical and environmental aspects but also by accountable institutional governance, visionary leadership, and digital transformation that supports efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.
This new category reinforces the idea that sustainability in higher education must be built comprehensively, from policies and operational systems to organizational culture. Thus, a sustainable campus is not just about green spaces but about how an institution is managed intelligently and responsibly.
UI GreenMetric invites broader participation from all higher education institutions, public, private, and religious, to join this global movement.
“This is not just about rankings; it is about a collective commitment to protecting the Earth. The more campuses involved, the greater the impact of sustainability we can create together,” added Dr. Vishnu.
Through this collaboration with UIN Sunan Kalijaga, UI GreenMetric hopes that the spirit of ecotheology will become a new energy in accelerating the transformation of green campuses in Indonesia and expanding the contribution of higher education toward a more sustainable future for the planet. Complete information regarding registration and data submission can be accessed through the official UI GreenMetric platform at uigreenmetric.com.
About UI GreenMetric
Established in 2010, UI GreenMetric is a global sustainability initiative by Universitas Indonesia and a pioneer in sustainable university rankings. For over 16 years, UI GreenMetric has engaged thousands of universities worldwide and continues to expand by conducting sustainability assessments for cities, regencies, and corporations in Indonesia. The entire evaluation process is carried out through a rigorous and measurable methodology as part of an effort to drive the achievement of global sustainable development.
Written by Riska Putri Hariyadi - Communications Coordinator of UI GreenMetric.