Promoting Community-Based Circular Economy through Strengthening Green Business Literacy
The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Mercu Buana University is committed to fulfilling its ‘Tridarma Perguruan Tinggi’ (the three pillars of higher education) through a community service programme themed ‘Promoting Community-Based Circular Economy through Strengthening Green Business Literacy’. This initiative was recently implemented in the KRL Berseni RW 14 area, East Cilebut Village, Bogor.
This community service programme serves as a tangible contribution from academia to support sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly economic development. Amidst increasing environmental challenges and shifting global economic patterns, the circular economy concept is viewed as a strategic solution to encourage more efficient resource utilisation, reduce waste, and create new business opportunities based on sustainability.
Through this activity, the team of lecturers from FEB Mercu Buiment University provided education and guidance to the community regarding the importance of building awareness of green business practices. These practices are designed to focus not only on economic profit but also on environmental and social sustainability aspects.
The event was interactive, involving local residents, entrepreneurs, environmental communities, and local community leaders. Participants gained an understanding of circular economy concepts, the management of waste with economic value, the strengthening of green entrepreneurship, and strategies for building community-based businesses that are adaptive to modern changes.
The Community Service Team, comprising Prof. Dr. Augustina Kurniasi, Prof. Dr. Setyo Riyanto, Dr. Rina Astini, Dr. Daru Asih, Dr. M. Ali Iqbal, Dr. Asep Risman, Dr. M. Soelton, Dr. Eddy Nugroho, and Dr. Sugiyono, explained that strengthening green business literacy is a vital step in building future community economic resilience.
“The circular economy is not just about waste management or recycling; it is about how communities can create added value from existing resources sustainably. We hope this activity can broaden the community’s perspective that green business holds significant economic prospects while providing a positive impact on the environment,” said Prof. Dr. Agustina.
She further explained that a community-based approach was chosen because the public plays a crucial role as the primary driver of social and economic change within their respective environments. Through collaboration between universities and the community, it is hoped that various local innovations will emerge to drive economic growth while preserving environmental sustainability.
In addition to presenting materials, the event served as a forum for discussion and sharing experiences regarding the challenges faced by the community in developing micro-enterprises and environmentally-based creative economies. Participants showed great enthusiasm during the discussion sessions, as the material was deemed highly relevant to current community needs.
This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically regarding inclusive economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and the strengthening of sustainable communities. By enhancing green business literacy, the community is expected to become not only economic actors but also agents of change capable of creating a healthier and more competitive social and economic environment.