Effectiveness analysis of the ITM environmental programs: saving and efficient use of electric energy and water, and comprehensive solid waste management. A case study

Abstract

Universities are complex organizations, so when implementing an EMS and adopting strategies, methodologies and programs they must involve the entire university system to minimize the negative impacts on the environment and, thus, lead the search for sustainable or carbon neutral organizations. Carbon Footprint was used as an indicator to measure the sustainability effectiveness of the environmental programs implemented and promoted by the EMS-ITM and how they mitigate the emission of GHGs. The calculation of this indicator was developed following ISO 14040-14044 and ISO 14064, for the ITM-Robledo campus and for the period 2015-2017. The results show the relevance and the reduction in the GHG emission levels achieved by the environmental programs studied, especially by the comprehensive solid waste management program, with which the highest levels of mitigation are achieved.

Keywords

• environmental program
• carbon footprint
• GHG mitigation
• effectiveness
• sustainability