El Libro Blanco de la Gestión Ambiental Universitaria (Coordinación)

The Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS) is pleased to present its White Paper on Environmental Management, a document that reflects our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. This commitment is firmly rooted in the philosophical principles of Pope Francis' encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, which emphasize the care of our common home, as well as in the guidelines of the 28th General Chapter of the Salesians. These sources of inspiration guide us in the implementation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) for each of our university campuses, aiming to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices. The structure of this document begins with a detailed characterization of each campus, followed by a comprehensive diagnosis based on checklists and matrices for identifying environmental aspects and impacts. This analysis provides a clear overview of the current state of various environmental aspects, such as water usage, air quality, green areas, waste management, and energy consumption. Based on this diagnosis, short-, medium-, and long-term actions are developed, engaging the entire university community to ensure effective execution. Each UPS campus has designated an environmental committee responsible for overseeing and carrying out environmental management processes. These committees play a crucial role in the implementation and monitoring of the EMS, ensuring that the established objectives are met. Environmental plans and programs are developed with the active participation of students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Planning is based on three fundamental aspects: the determination of indicators through data collection, the incorporation of technology evaluated for its technical and economic feasibility, and an information, awareness, and training phase for all stakeholders involved. Finally, all proposed activities are integrated into a detailed schedule, with an allocated budget and a continuous evaluation plan that allows for feedback and constant improvement of environmental management processes. This comprehensive approach ensures that UPS not only meets its environmental goals but also fosters a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility throughout the university community.