Green open spaces are vital elements in creating a healthy and sustainable environment, especially within educational areas like Telkom University. As a campus that supports the Green Campus initiative, Telkom University recognizes that green open spaces not only provide aesthetic value to the campus environment but also contribute to the local ecosystem and enhance the well-being of the academic community, both ecologically and health-wise.

Ecological Benefits of Green Open Space

Green open spaces play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Amid the rapid development of campus infrastructure, Telkom University remains committed to preserving green spaces to protect the environment. Some of the ecological benefits provided by green spaces on campus include:

• Carbon Absorption and Air Quality Improvement
  Green open spaces filled with various types of plants act as absorbers of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas. Trees and other plants in campus green areas help reduce CO2 concentration in the air, replacing it with fresh oxygen. This directly contributes to improved air quality on campus, creating a cooler and more comfortable atmosphere for students and staff.
• Reducing Urban Heat Island Effects
  In large cities, the urban heat island effect occurs when areas filled with buildings and asphalt roads experience higher temperatures than the surrounding areas. At Telkom University, green open spaces help to lower the local air temperature, providing a natural cooling effect, especially around campus buildings and facilities.
• Biodiversity Conservation
  The green open spaces at Telkom University are more than just ordinary gardens. They are home to various plant species that support the local ecosystem, including providing habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife. The presence of diverse vegetation on campus helps preserve biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining overall ecological balance.
• Natural Rainwater Management
  One of the essential functions of green open spaces is their ability to absorb rainwater. Telkom University utilizes green open spaces to prevent flooding by maximizing water infiltration into the soil. The vegetation planted in green areas can absorb rainwater and reduce surface runoff, ultimately supporting better water management and maintaining groundwater stability.

Health Benefits of Green Open Space

Beyond its ecological benefits, green open space also has significant positive impacts on the physical and mental health of Telkom University’s academic community. The health benefits of green spaces include:

• Improving Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
  Campus life filled with academic tasks and activities often leads to stress for students and faculty. Green open spaces provide calm and peaceful areas where they can rest, relax, or even engage in light activities such as walking in the garden. According to Dr. Frances Kuo, a professor of environment and human behavior at the University of Illinois, exposure to green spaces can reduce stress levels and improve mood. “Green environments help calm a stressed mind and provide a restorative effect, which is crucial for mental health,” explains Dr. Kuo. Contact with nature, even in simple forms, has been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being.
• Supporting Physical Activity
  Spacious and comfortable green open spaces provide ideal locations for physical activities, such as jogging, yoga, or other light exercises. Telkom University strives to provide areas that are not only visually pleasing but also functional for its residents. With sports facilities and walking paths in the middle of the gardens, students and staff can more easily engage in regular physical activities, which are essential for maintaining physical health.
• Enhancing Concentration and Productivity
  A study published by the American Psychological Association (APA) showed that students exposed to green environments experience significant improvements in concentration and memory. Even simply seeing trees or walking in a garden can help the brain “recharge,” thus enhancing thinking abilities and completing complex tasks. Therefore, the presence of green open spaces at Telkom University provides academic benefits by improving focus and critical thinking skills.
• Providing Space for Social Interaction
  Green spaces on campus also serve as gathering places for students and staff, where they can engage in social interactions, both formal and informal. In a more relaxed and comfortable setting, green spaces encourage better communication among the academic community members, strengthening social bonds within the campus environment.

Telkom University’s Commitment to Building Green Open Spaces

Telkom University has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable campus environment. Through the Green Campus program, the university continues to expand and maintain green open spaces as a primary strategy to balance infrastructure development with environmental preservation.

Some of the initiatives taken by Telkom University include regular tree planting, the construction of campus gardens with sustainable ecosystem concepts, and the development of small gardens used for research and education. Moving forward, Telkom University plans to further increase green spaces by involving the entire academic community in campus greening efforts.

Green open spaces at Telkom University provide extensive benefits both ecologically and health-wise. In addition to addressing environmental challenges such as air pollution and urban heat islands, green spaces also positively impact the physical and mental health of campus residents. By balancing physical development and environmental preservation, Telkom University remains committed to creating a sustainable campus that supports the well-being of its entire academic community.