Environmental and Energy Management Systems (EENMS) in Salesian Educational Institutions in Ecuador

The growth of the human population in recent decades has led to a significant increase in resource demand, resulting in unsustainable exploitation. The Salesian Inspectorate of Ecuador, which coordinates and supervises the activities of the "Salesian missions" in the country, is fully aware of the historical moment of humanity. This paper provides the methodology that has served as a guide for incorporating Environmental and Energy Management Systems in Salesian Educational Institutions in Ecuador. This process involves the creation of a national committee, training, internal diagnosis, improvement proposals, and action plans. The main goal is to prevent and mitigate environmental impacts, thus promoting sustainability within the institutions. In this regard, each institution, with the support of the national committee, determines its weaknesses and priorities, internalizing and consciously incorporating them into its action plan, thereby promoting environmental care. In general, proposed improvements by each EI include, the reformulation of subjects related to energy, environment and sustainability, changes in technology for energy and water savings, monitoring of air pollution, and innovative ideas for waste separation, recycling, reuse, and green area care. In particular, it has generated enthusiasm within each educational unit, evidencing both positive and negative environmental practices. People, including students, have committed themselves to the Environmental Program.