Sustainable Cities and Communities

UNESA measures and promotes sustainable commuting

Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) maintains an exceptionally low vehicle-to-population ratio of 0.049, demonstrating the success of its campus-wide low-carbon mobility programs. This ratio is based on a verified total of 3,825 vehicles (3,539 motorcycles; 273 private cars; 13 university-managed cars) against a total campus population of 78,146. This extremely low number is a direct result of UNESA's integrated transportation strategy, which combines disincentives (paid parking fees and restricted-access faculty gates) with viable alternatives. The primary alternative is the campus's full integration with Surabaya's public electric bus network (Kenjeran-UNESA line), which provides a clean, low-emission commute for thousands of students and staff, drastically reducing the need for private vehicle use on campus.

UNESA measures its vehicle-to-population ratio as the total number of vehicles (cars and motorcycles) entering the campus divided by the total campus population.

Table 1. The Total Number of Vehicles (cars and motorcycles)

Vehicle-to-population ratio: 3,825 vehicles divided by a campus population of 78,146 = 0.049.

Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Unesa) actively promotes zero-emission mobility as a core component of its commitment to reducing vehicle emissions and combating climate change. This strategy includes investment in a campus-owned electric operational fleet, which currently consists of 7 electric cars, 8 electric golf carts (buggies), and 17 electric motorcycles (EVs).

Furthermore, for individual mobility, Unesa provides a fleet of approximately 300 bicycles accessible to the entire academic community. Bicycle parking facilities are available at all faculties and work units, including the Rectorate Building, to encourage the use of bicycles for daily on-campus activities.

In total, Unesa operates 332 zero-emission vehicles (7 cars + 8 buggies + 17 motorcycles + 300 bicycles). With a total campus population of 78,146, this results in a ratio of 0.0042 zero-emission vehicles per capita. To reinforce this culture, Unesa regularly organizes cycling activities involving lecturers, staff, and students. These initiatives have successfully increased cycling awareness within the Unesa community, contributing to air pollution reduction and maintaining a cleaner, greener, and healthier campus ecosystem.

pedestrian path in Unesa

Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) implements a campus-wide pedestrian path policy, focusing on safety and convenience, as a core component of its Smart Eco-Campus sustainable mobility program. This policy ensures that pathways connect all primary academic buildings, faculties, and green spaces. To ensure safety, walkways are designed to be physically separated from high-traffic vehicle roads and are well-lit for secure use at night. To ensure convenience and comfort, the path network is strategically shaded by extensive tree canopies, which provide a calm, comfortable walking environment for the campus community while simultaneously contributing to the university's carbon sequestration goals.

Universitas Negeri Surabaya's (UNESA) transportation program serves as an integrated strategic instrument that holistically supports at least 14 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its primary focus is on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), achieved by becoming an Electric Bus hub and operating a 332-unit zero-emission fleet (bicycles, electric motorcycles/cars/buggies) to reduce 594.48 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the program strongly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting "active mobility" through the development of safe pedestrian paths and dedicated bicycle-only facilities. This policy also addresses SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by providing affordable and equitable transportation access to education for the entire campus community. The program is underpinned by SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) innovations, such as the ICT-based Smart Parking system, which simultaneously serves as a "Living Laboratory" for SDG 4 (Quality Education). By shifting the culture from carbon-intensive consumption to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), we not only protect the health of our campus ecosystem (SDG 15) but also reduce pollutant runoff into waterways, thereby contributing to SDG 14 (Life Below Water). ZEV operating in UNESA is supported by industry partners which reflect strong institutions (SDG 16) and partnerships (SDG 17). Public transportation provided by UNESA is also contributing in food distribution during Ramadhan, which supports the Zero Hunger Program (SDG 2).

Further evidence:

UNESA Landscape with its sustainable infrastructure: https://www.unesa.ac.id/page/tentang-unesa/galeri

Public transport from and to UNESA

https://pwk.ft.unesa.ac.id/post/pilihan-transportasi-umum-terbaik-menuju-kampus-unesa-lidah-ketintang
Jogging Places in Surabaya, from Bungkul Park to Unesa Campus: https://www.detik.com/jatim/berita/d-6244081/10-tempat-jogging-di-surabaya-taman-bungkul-hingga-kampus-unesa

UNESA SDGs Dashboard

https://sdgscenter.unesa.ac.id/category/Sustainable%20Cities%20and%20Communities?page=3#gsc.tab=0