Energy transition to photovoltaic system at UNAD as an instrument of environmental management system

Abstract

The National Open and Distance University, UNAD, is an institution with experience in environmental management and is known to participate in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. This article shows the sustainable practices implemented within the institution achieved through the Participatory Action methodology, which facilitates integrated knowledge and actions to transform the mindset of the institutional community. In doing so, specific objectives, strategies, technologies, and ICT were established to strengthen the environmental management of the institution.The projects and goals stipulated in the university’s 2019-2023 development plan unified with the agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to train the community in values such as solidarity, assertive and true communication, effective collaboration, and attitudes to dialogue comprehensively, for the benefit of current and future generations. The university is currently working on seven environmental programs in which solar tables are gradually installed in different centers nationwide to promote the efficient use and saving of energy. In the José Celestino Mutis National Headquarters, installing solar panels will allow for considerable savings in electricity. Together, these environmental friendly practices, in addition to environmental legal compliance and expansion in new centers within the scope of ISO 14001:2015 certification, have allowed the University to be recognized at a national level.