A research team from IPB University’s Department of Landscape Architecture presented the results of a study on green spaces in the Sentul City area. The results of this study were presented at a Mapping Results Presentation event held at Saffron Apartment, Sentul City (9/16).
The Chief of the research team, Dr Kaswanto, explained that the trees in the Sentul City area contribute significantly to the environment. Not only do they absorb carbon significantly, but they also play a role in reducing the risk of flooding.
“The team’s study shows that Sentul City’s green open space can reduce pollutants equivalent to the emissions of more than 11.000 vehicles per year,” he explained.
In addition, he and his team also found that the hydrological function of the landscape plays a major role in retaining rainwater runoff. “The hydrological capacity of the landscape in Sentul City is able to retain rainwater runoff equivalent to 318.780 standard bathtubs,” said Dr Kaswanto.
This study used the i-Tree Eco method from the United States Forest Service (USFS) and was the first to be applied in a residential area in Indonesia. The research was conducted over three months in three Sentul City green space clusters, namely Argenia, Bukit Golf Hijau (BGH), and Northridge, with a total area of more than 390 hectares.
The results of the study show that each cluster has its own ecological advantages. The Northridge cluster excels in oxygen production and carbon storage, BGH has the potential to become a long-term carbon bank, while Argenia is effective in absorbing air pollutants such as NO₂, SO₂, O₃, and Particulate Matter (PM2.5).
“The total economic value of tree landscape services in these three clusters reaches more than Rp9,6 billion per year, including energy savings, reduced risk of pollution-related diseases, and contributions to air quality,” added Dr Kaswanto.
This exposition is the result of a collaboration between PT Sentul City Tbk and the Department of Landscape Architecture at IPB University through the Landscape Architecture Business Unit (SUA LAAB), in commemoration of International Ozone Layer Protection Day.
Adi Syahruzad, Director of Planning at Sentul City, welcomed the research findings. “We are awaiting the results of IPB University’s study as strategic material for future area development. A scientific approach is crucial to ensure development aligns with sustainability principles,” he said.
The Chairman of SUA LAAB IPB University, Dr Bambang Sulistyantara, added that this collaboration is part of the development of sustainable landscape management that has been initiated since 2009.
“This year, we are focusing on landscape services and their economic potential, and we hope that the results can be used as a reference for the development of green areas in the future,” he said.
The event was also attended by academics, management of PT Sentul City Tbk, local government, community, media, and the general public. The agenda included presentations of research results, stakeholder discussions, and the submission of research results to partners.
PT Sentul City Marketing Director Hartan Gunadi Harja emphasized the company’s commitment as a green developer. “We don’t just sell slogans about a clean and cool environment, but we realize them based on data and a scientific approach,” he said.
Meanwhile, IPB University emphasized its role as an impactful campus that promotes science-based sustainable development. (dh) (IAAS/HRD)
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