The introduction of a Sustainability Management System (SMS) in the university would help prevent, eliminate or reduce environmental risks in the university's basic functions (management, education, research and liaison). The idea is to introduce an overall institutional program that can generate profound, long-term changes.
The project began in 1994. It received financial support from the university itself, the local and federal government and from private financial backers. The total budget amounted to US$20,000.
All of the university bodies participated in the project. The students were particularly involved and some international institutes also collaborated. These included: the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute. An international collaboration agreement was signed with these institutions in 1999.
Building a sustainable social and economic model for the present and the future requires a change in the population’s attitudes. It is essential to raise awareness about the importance of changing daily habits and adapting them to more sustainable models. This learning process needs to be undertaken by both individuals and institutions.
There is some resistance to introducing a sustainable system of university management. This resistance needs to be overcome. In addition, the university structure is naturally rigid and departmental, making it difficult to adopt efficient resource management policies.
The introduction of a sustainability management system (SMS) in the university would help prevent, eliminate or reduce environmental risks in the university’s basic functions (management, education, research and liaison). The idea is to introduce an overall institutional programme that can generate profound, long-term changes.
The project began in 1994. It received financial support from the university itself, the local and federal government and from private financial backers. The total budget amounted to US$20,000.
All of the university bodies participated in the project. The students were particularly involved and some international institutes also collaborated. These included: the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute. An international collaboration agreement was signed with these institutions in 1999.
To prevent, eliminate and reduce the negative environmental impact of carrying out the university's basic functions: education, research and liaison.
To intervene in the administrative management of the campus to reduce the use of resouces and decrease waste production.
To liaise with the surrounding community, by carrying out awareness-raising projects on the risks and impact that society can have on the natural environment.
The SMS is an integral part of the university's institutional structure, as it reports directly to the academic secretariat and the vice-rectorship.
The aim was to make changes in campus management and to incorporate the concept of sustainability in all of the university's areas of activity: education, research and engagment.
In terms of management: the project began by introducing a sustainability policy in the whole institution. This policy regulates the use of the campus. Subsequently, the ISO 14001 accreditation process began. It is currently in an internal audit phase. Within this process, work teams have been formed that involve students, lecturers, administrative and maintenance staff.
The concept of sustainability in university teaching practices was first introduced in the engineering faculty, where different subjects are taught in relation to sustainability in professional activities. Specifically, the subject: “An introduction to sustainability”, is compulsory in the first year of all degree courses in the department. Subsequently, each degree course includes more specific subjects on sustainability that are aimed at each area of professional activity.
Research in the field of sustainability is also carried out in the engineering faculty in particular. A Sustainable Engineering group has been formed, which has two basic lines of work: cleaner production for industry and sustainability in higher education institutes.
Engagement with the surrounding community is carried out through activities such as donating reusable material to poor communities and holding workshops on reducing toxic substances in the home and reusing materials. These workshops take place in summer camps and primary schools.
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