Precision and prediction of the ecosystem benefit assessment in campus tree planting: a case study at UiTM Seri Iskandar, Perak

Campus tree planting plays a vital role in supporting environmental sustainability by sequestering carbon, improving air quality, and mitigating urban heat. However, the lack of reliable data, inappropriate species selection, and limited use of digital tools have hindered optimal landscape planning in Malaysia universities. This study evaluates and predicts the ecosystem benefits of campus trees at Universitities Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seri Iskandar using the i-Tree MyTree application. The objectives include measuring selected trees, quantifying their contributions to carbon storage, air purification, and stormwater management, and forecasting their long-term ecological impact. A mixed-method approach combining field surveys and digital modelling was employed, focusing on two key areas: the main campus entrance (Jalan Ipoh) and the plaza at the Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying Building in (Annex 2). Results highlight the significance of native and evergreen species, particularly Khaya senegalensis and Syzygium campanulatum, in enhancing campus microclimate resilience and contributing to climate the mitigation. The study underscores the value of data- driven urban forestry management in line with Malaysia’s Low Carbon Cities Framework and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)11 and 13, reinforcing the role of digital integration in green campus strategies.