Low-Carbon Construction as a Global Trend: Taiwan Tech and Indonesia Explore Sustainable Strategies

The Taiwan-Indonesia Science and Technology Innovation Center (TI-STIC), led by National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), hosted the 3^rd Taiwan-Indonesia International Seminar on Low-Carbon Construction on August 21 at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya. Building on earlier forums on e-waste and plastic waste, this event focused on carbon reduction strategies and innovative construction technologies, attracting strong participation from government, academia, and industry.

            With construction responsible for an estimated 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, reducing carbon in this sector has become a pressing international priority. ITS Vice Rector Prof. Agus Muhamad Hatta emphasized that the forum aligns with Indonesia’s 2060 Net Zero Emission target, highlighting the role of renewable energy and collaboration among government, academia, and industry.

            From Taiwan, experts shared cutting-edge technologies. King Ho Tai International introduced its patented cold-mix asphalt made with recycled aggregates, recognized as a world-first for reducing emissions in road construction. Hao-Sheng Industrial presented waste-reuse technologies for construction materials. Academia also made contributions: Prof. Min-Chih Liao (Taiwan Tech) discussed low-carbon road materials, Prof. Jieh-Haur Chen (National Central University) introduced AI-driven smart construction systems, and Dr. Yu-Min Su (National Kaoshiung University of Science and Technology) shared research on reclaimed asphalt concrete pavements.

            Indonesia researchers also highlighted innovative solutions. Prof. Antoni (Petra Christian University) presented self-cementing fly ash concrete, while Prof. Asdam Tambusay (ITS) showcased alkali-activated concrete capable of cutting up to 75% of embodied carbon compared to traditional cement. Taiwan’s MOENV (RECA), represented by Ms. Feng-Ju Li also introduced policies targeting 88% utilization of recycled aggregates by 2030 through regulatory reforms and certification systems.

            TI-STIC was established in 2021 with funding support from Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and is jointly formed by National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), Widya Mandala Catholic University (UKWMS), and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has focused on circular economy and waste reuse research. The forum underscored both countries’ shared commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

            The Surabaya gathering showcased how Taiwan and Indonesia are jointly driving innovation and building a low-carbon construction model, setting a foundation for a greener and more sustainable future in the Asia-Pacific region.

TI-STIC hosted the Low-Carbon Construction Forum on August 21 at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, focusing on carbon reduction strategies and innovative technologies in the construction industry, attracting active participation from representatives of government, academia, and industry in both countries.

Mr. Po-Yu Tang, Chairman of King Ho Tai International Co., shared the company’s patented green low-carbon asphalt.

Prof. Min-Chih Liao from the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Taiwan Tech discussed “Low-Carbon Road Materials and Balanced Mix Design,” analyzing the development and application of low-carbon materials and highlighting their key role in sustainable construction and carbon reduction strategies.