The University of Cauca stands out in the National Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience Program

Active participation in the National Program highlights the University’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and adapting to climate change.

The University of Cauca has been recognized for its participation in the National Program for Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience, at the level of quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. This achievement, led by the team from the Environmental Management Area, attached to the Center for Quality Management and Institutional Accreditation, underscores the institution’s commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change.

In a context of growing concern about the adverse effects of climate change, the National Program seeks to strengthen adaptation and mitigation capacities at the national level. The University of Cauca, through a training and advisory process provided by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development from March to July 2024, developed a detailed inventory of its CO2 emissions using international standard tools to calculate the tons of greenhouse gases emitted. “Important lessons were gathered from this experience, which will be applied within the institution, such as identifying which mission-related activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and the importance of training the university community and assuming the commitment to do our part in mitigating them through our daily activities,” stated María Alexandra Muñoz, head of the Environmental Management Area at the University of Cauca.

This process was carried out using methodologies and tools based on international standards. “To complete the calculation, we reviewed each mission-related activity according to the scopes defined in the methodology. Thanks to this process, an inventory was obtained in which the University’s greenhouse gas emissions were quantified,” stated Diana Maribel Erazo, a member of the Environmental Management Area team.

This inventory is a key component for implementing effective emission reduction strategies and for promoting sustainable practices within the university community. The University’s active participation in this program reflects a deep commitment to climate change adaptation and to reducing its carbon footprint.

This recognition is part of a broader effort by the government and various public entities to improve climate change knowledge management and to foster a coordinated and effective response. Following this achievement, during the second semester of 2024 the University will continue working on the creation of an action plan to mitigate its CO2 emissions and on raising awareness within its community about the importance of reducing environmental impact.

It is worth mentioning that these types of processes contribute to fulfilling the Environmental Policy aimed at promoting sustainability and institutional responsibility, adapting standards to contemporary challenges, and fostering environmental awareness through attitude changes that help reduce the risks associated with climate change impacts. The National Program for Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience continues to promote collaboration among institutions to strengthen the country’s capacity to face the challenges of climate change, and the participation of the University of Cauca is a clear example of this collective effort.