ITB New Campus

Location

Purwakarta

Client

Private

Year

2011

Key : Low Energy Building, Clean Energy Transportation, Agriculture Empowerment

Feasibility Study of Relocating ITB to a Tea Plantation 40 km from Bandung

This study explores the feasibility of relocating the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to a tea plantation 40 kilometers from Bandung, considering various critical aspects. The primary focus is on the potential benefits this move could bring to the broader community and the improvement of the existing environmental quality. The aspects studied include transportation issues, pollution impact, energy use, water issues, and opportunities for renewable energy and local agriculture.

Key Aspect and Findings

Transportation Infrastructure : Assessing the current transportation infrastructure and the need for improvements to accommodate increased traffic due to the university relocation.

Pollution Reduction : Evaluating how the move might impact air quality in Bandung and the surrounding area by potentially reducing urban congestion and shifting pollution away from the city center.

Energy Use : Analyzing the energy consumption changes and potential efficiencies gained from a rural setting.

Water Resources : Examining the availability and sustainability of water resources in the new location, including the impact on local water tables and ecosystems.

Micro Hydro Power : Exploring the feasibility of establishing a micro hydro power network to generate renewable energy from local water sources. This could provide a sustainable energy solution for the campus and surrounding community.

Solar Power : Investigating the potential for large-scale solar panel installations. The relatively open and unshaded areas in the tea plantation offer ample space for solar farms, contributing to the university’s energy needs and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Wind Energy : Assessing the viability of wind energy generation, considering the topography and wind patterns in the area.

Agriculture Integration : Developing strategies to integrate local agriculture into the campus ecosystem. This could involve using university resources to enhance local farming techniques and productivity.

Economic Development : Creating a network that ties the university with local agricultural and economic activities, providing mutual benefits. This could lead to improved livelihoods for local farmers and opportunities for research and development in sustainable agriculture.

Potential Benefits

Community Advancement : The relocation can bring significant educational and economic benefits to the local community, fostering development and creating job opportunities.

Environmental Improvement : Moving to a less urbanized area could reduce pollution levels in Bandung, while the new location can benefit from ITB’s focus on sustainability and environmental management.

Renewable Energy : By leveraging renewable energy sources like micro hydro and solar power, the campus can achieve a higher degree of energy independence and sustainability.

Sustainable Agriculture : The integration with local agriculture can lead to advancements in sustainable farming practices, benefiting both the university and the local community.

The proposed relocation of ITB to a tea plantation 40 kilometers from Bandung presents a multifaceted opportunity to improve environmental quality, support local economic development, and enhance sustainability practices. By addressing transportation, water management, renewable energy, and agricultural integration, the move could serve as a model for sustainable development and community engagement. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive planning and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure the relocation brings maximal benefits to both ITB and the broader community.