Carbon Footprint Estimation at the Salesian Continuous Training Center - San Bartolo Using System Dynamics

The Carbon Footprint measures greenhouse gas emissions, which are harmful to the environment and contribute to climate change, and is a solution to evaluate the production of GHGs, thus implementing mitigation actions to counteract their environmental impacts. This study focused on evaluating GHG emissions mitigation strategies at the Salesian Center for Continuing Education in San Bartolo. Data, obtained through interviews and utility bills, covered electricity, water and fuel consumption, as well as paper, plastic and organic waste. A system dynamics model was applied to identify the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, using Vensim PLE software, and the carbon footprint was simulated for one year. The results revealed annual emissions of 88.28 tons of CO₂ equivalent, mainly from solid waste production (73.92 tons). A mitigation scenario was simulated representing the use of LED lighting, flow control pumps, waste sorting containers, and the adoption of clean energy for transportation. The results suggest a potential reduction of 27.78 tons of CO₂ equivalent, representing a significant decrease in greenhouse gases.