Benchmarks Analysis of the Higher Education Institutions …
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reduction, investments in alternative technologies, and management and monitoring
measures. In group 2, benchmarks also focus on practices to reduce energy consumption. Both groups invest in short-term changes, such as exchanging campus
lighting to LED, installing motion sensors and switching to more efficient electrical
equipment. In addition, group 1 invests in photovoltaic systems and other renewable energy sources; these HEIs have a specific monetary fund for investments in
energy improvement and greenhouse gases emission reduction, and encouraging the
development of research and projects by the students.
Finding 3—Waste: Similar benchmarks with management and monitoring actions,
such as the installation of recycling bins on campus and the purchase of items with
green certificated were observed in both groups. Group 1 HEIs have a waste management recycling program to monitor and improve the chain processes of organic
and inorganic materials of their campuses. This effort is connected to the engagement of students and professors through participation in competitions, awareness
campaigns and annual events aimed to reduce waste generation. On the other hand,
awareness-raising efforts to reduce waste generation in group 2 are based on social
media releases and informative posters, which does not guarantee the engagement
of all stakeholders as it is not possible to know or monitor the effectiveness of this
type of disclosure.
Finding 4—Water: Benchmarks related to this indicator in both groups focus on
the management of old campus facilities by monitoring possible pipeline leaks and
installing low flow fixtures, for example. Recycling water used for outdoor activities
such as gardening and sidewalk cleaning is a highlight of group 1. Again, for both
groups, the reduction of wasteful well water is made through awareness campaigns
and direct actions, such as the installation of drinking fountains and water bottle
refilling stations. However, unlike group 1, which carries out annual campaigns
with student’s participation, competitions between residences or campuses to reduce
unnecessary water consumption, in group 2, the main initiatives are focused on
informative emails and posters that, unfortunately are sometimes withdrawn by third
parties without permission, as stated on a report of the “Universidade Federal de São
Paulo”.
Finding 5—Transport: Benchmarks of group 1 cover changes associated with the
reduction of students and employees’ vehicles, while offering convenient alternatives
for the use of public transportation and bicycles. Through partnerships with companies and the city hall, HEIs’ offer shuttle buses and discounts on intercity bus tickets,
and bicycle rentals are available in adjacent localities. Other efforts are the events that
occur throughout the year to raise awareness about the importance of cycling; race
competitions with awards; and the increase of parking areas for bicycles on-campus.
Finally, the replacement of campuses private vehicles fleet by ultra-low-emission
vehicles is another important initiative. For group 2, the benchmarks focus on the
reduction of the use of institutional vehicles, the prioritization of non-polluting fuels
(ethanol) and campaigns to encourage cycling. Regarding the last benchmark, the
Brazilian HEIs’ sustainability reports did not link cycling campaigns with infrastructure improvements for bicycles on the campuses and surrounding areas, such as
parking areas, bicycle lanes, or bicycle repair stations.
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reduction, investments in alternative technologies, and management and monitoring
measures. In group 2, benchmarks also focus on practices to reduce energy consumption. Both groups invest in short-term changes, such as exchanging campus
lighting to LED, installing motion sensors and switching to more efficient electrical
equipment. In addition, group 1 invests in photovoltaic systems and other renewable energy sources; these HEIs have a specific monetary fund for investments in
energy improvement and greenhouse gases emission reduction, and encouraging the
development of research and projects by the students.
Finding 3—Waste: Similar benchmarks with management and monitoring actions,
such as the installation of recycling bins on campus and the purchase of items with
green certificated were observed in both groups. Group 1 HEIs have a waste management recycling program to monitor and improve the chain processes of organic
and inorganic materials of their campuses. This effort is connected to the engagement of students and professors through participation in competitions, awareness
campaigns and annual events aimed to reduce waste generation. On the other hand,
awareness-raising efforts to reduce waste generation in group 2 are based on social
media releases and informative posters, which does not guarantee the engagement
of all stakeholders as it is not possible to know or monitor the effectiveness of this
type of disclosure.
Finding 4—Water: Benchmarks related to this indicator in both groups focus on
the management of old campus facilities by monitoring possible pipeline leaks and
installing low flow fixtures, for example. Recycling water used for outdoor activities
such as gardening and sidewalk cleaning is a highlight of group 1. Again, for both
groups, the reduction of wasteful well water is made through awareness campaigns
and direct actions, such as the installation of drinking fountains and water bottle
refilling stations. However, unlike group 1, which carries out annual campaigns
with student’s participation, competitions between residences or campuses to reduce
unnecessary water consumption, in group 2, the main initiatives are focused on
informative emails and posters that, unfortunately are sometimes withdrawn by third
parties without permission, as stated on a report of the “Universidade Federal de São
Paulo”.
Finding 5—Transport: Benchmarks of group 1 cover changes associated with the
reduction of students and employees’ vehicles, while offering convenient alternatives
for the use of public transportation and bicycles. Through partnerships with companies and the city hall, HEIs’ offer shuttle buses and discounts on intercity bus tickets,
and bicycle rentals are available in adjacent localities. Other efforts are the events that
occur throughout the year to raise awareness about the importance of cycling; race
competitions with awards; and the increase of parking areas for bicycles on-campus.
Finally, the replacement of campuses private vehicles fleet by ultra-low-emission
vehicles is another important initiative. For group 2, the benchmarks focus on the
reduction of the use of institutional vehicles, the prioritization of non-polluting fuels
(ethanol) and campaigns to encourage cycling. Regarding the last benchmark, the
Brazilian HEIs’ sustainability reports did not link cycling campaigns with infrastructure improvements for bicycles on the campuses and surrounding areas, such as
parking areas, bicycle lanes, or bicycle repair stations.