Avaliação da sustentabilidade ambiental da Universidade de Passo Fundo

Abstract

This research focuses on the theme of environmental sustainability indicators in a Higher Education Institution. The survey was developed at the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Brazil. The aim of this study is to assess the environmental sustainability of the university, to support the actions, goals and policies within it. Starting from a literature review, the work was divided into two phases: the first is the selection of indicators to measure the sustainability of the education system at the UPF, by AISHE method to the academic community; the second phase is the identification of administrative and operating process at the university, its organizational structure and responsibilities. The results indicate that environmental sustainability is present in the courses surveyed, but in an initial level of the PDCA process, indicating that there is much to be improved through the promotion of an educational strategy that involves all members of the university. The departments within the campus are well divided and running with the performance of activities or significant changes in the environmental sustainability of the institution. The most appropriate action which is mentioned by all interviewed in this study is to foment the dissemination and awareness that encourages everyone to participate in activities and promote sustainable actions. The results can be used to stimulate the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) at the University of Passo Fundo and subsidize environmental management programs in education, research and extension, emphasizing the role of the university in training future decision makers in the environmental area