Strengthening Institutional and Staff Capacity in Sustainability-Focused Education
An international collaboration between the University of Greenwich and Universitas Pembangunan Jaya, Indonesia.
Exploring How Future-Oriented Higher Education Can Respond to Sustainability Challenges
The Greenwich-UPJ Sustainability Project is an international collaboration led by the University of Greenwich (UK) in partnership with Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ), Indonesia, focusing on strengthening capacity in sustainable built environment education through responsible academic–industry engagement and digital innovation.
The initiative brings together academic expertise from both universities, supported by industry linked and educational organisations in Indonesia, to explore how future oriented higher education can better respond to sustainability, urban development, and skills challenges in different national contexts.
The collaboration emphasises context-aware co-development aligned with international quality expectations and local priorities instead of exporting a fixed model. Activities are embedded within a formal institutional partnership framework.
Mission Statement
To advance academic collaboration, staff development, and educational innovation through a responsible UK–Indonesia partnership involving universities, industry linked organisations, and education foundations.
Vision Statement
To enable the University of Greenwich and Universitas Pembangunan Jaya to contribute meaningfully to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient built environments through globally connected higher education.
Purpose
To strengthen institutional and staff capacity at the University of Greenwich and Universitas Pembangunan Jaya in delivering sustainability focused, internationally oriented education.
Key Aims
- •Support academic and professional development at both partner universities
- •Enhance collaboration between higher education, industry, and policy-adjacent organisations
- •Strengthen long-term UK–Indonesia engagement in the built environment discipline
Expected Outcomes
- •Improved institutional capability in sustainable built environment education
- •Stronger academic collaboration between the University of Greenwich and UPJ
- •Enhanced engagement with industry and education foundations linked to urban development
- •Shared learning resources within formal partnership arrangements
Benefits
- •University of Greenwich: strengthened internationalisation and transnational education capacity
- •Universitas Pembangunan Jaya: enhanced staff capability and global academic engagement
- •Students and staff: enriched, internationally informed learning and teaching experiences
- •External partners: strengthened university–industry–community collaboration
Why We Started
The Greenwich-UPJ Sustainability Project was created in response to a growing global need for higher education institutions to better prepare future professionals for the complex sustainability and urban development challenges facing modern societies.
Across many rapidly developing regions of the world, cities and communities are experiencing significant environmental, social, and infrastructure pressures. Urban expansion, climate-related risks, changing economic demands, and the need for more inclusive development are placing increasing responsibility on universities to equip graduates with the knowledge and practical skills required to respond effectively.
Key Focus Areas of the Project
Sustainability
Sustainable built environment education at the University of Greenwich and Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ)
Capacity Building
Capacity development for academic staff and institutions for both partner universities
Collaboration
Structured international collaboration with industry connected organisations
Equity & Inclusion
Equity, inclusion, and alignment with global sustainability priorities
Impact On Stakeholders
University of Greenwich
Strengthened internationalisation and transnational education capacity
Universitas Pembangunan Jaya
Enhanced staff capability and global academic engagement
Students and Staff
Enriched, internationally informed learning and teaching experiences
External Partners
Strengthened university–industry–community collaboration
Project Team Profiles
Summary profiles of core team members of the Greenwich-UPJ Project
Dr. Nnedinma Umeokafor
Project Lead (UK) & Principal Investigator
Prof. Elisabeth Rukmini
PARTNER INSTITUTION LEAD (Indonesia) & co-Principal Investigator
Dr. Zaki Saptari Saldi
Associate Professor and director of urban studies
(UPJ, Indonesia)
Dr. Safitri Jaya
Head Of Education Bureau Institution
(UPJ, Indonesia)
Okky Dharmosetio
Business and institutional leader
(Indonesia)
Partners & Stakeholders
Partners and organisations provide academic leadership, institutional support, industry insight, and regional context to support the collaboration's objectives.
University of Greenwich
United Kingdom
Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ)
Indonesia
Yayasan Pendidikan Jaya & Pembangunan Jaya Group
Indonesia
Your Contribution Is Welcomed
Academic & research experts, students, built environment industry players and interested parties are welcomed to get involved and contribute in various ways to the project.
Get Involved