Estudio sobre el compromiso ambiental de las Universidades Católicas de América Latina y el Caribe miembros de la red de RSU ODUCAL

Within the framework of the Strategic Plan of the University Social Responsibility Network (MSW) of the Organization of Catholic Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (ODUCAL), a study was carried out on the environmental commitment of its institutions. For this study, the advanced form for the “Diagnosis of the institutionalization of the environmental commitment of the Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean” was adapted from the Observatory of Sustainability in Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (OSES-LAC). This question was sent to the universities enrolled in the USR Network and answered by those who were in charge of institutional environmental affairs of 15 universities, corresponding to nine countries. The results indicate that the advances that have achieved the sustainability of ODULAC universities have been concentrated in the field of Outreach and socio-environmental projects (81%), with good practices such as participation in national and international university networks and the holding of forums, events and congresses that allow the exchange of experiences among the academic community. Thus, the implementation of environmental Governance and participation (75%) stands out, with good practices in the institutionalization of environmental policy and sustainability, the implementation of strategies, plans and/or programs for environmental management and institutional sustainability, and the participation of professors, students and/or administrative students in the design of environmental policies and university sustainability. In the area of campus management and environmental planning (69%), practices such as the implementation of strategies, plans, programs and/or periodic actions for the comprehensive management of solid waste, savings and efficient use of water and energy on campus predominate. In contrast, the areas that require greater attention and encouragement from university authorities are Environmental Research and Technology (60%) and Environmental Education and Training (56%). The report concludes with an overview of some good environmental practices for each of the areas analysed. It is hoped that this first study will promote decision-making related to the sustainability of ODUCAL universities and in this way, consolidate the contributions from USR to the care of the Common Home.