Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico

Comprehensive Management Program for University Solid Waste with a Zero Waste approach

The Comprehensive Management Program for University Solid Waste with a Zero Waste approach (CMPUSW-ZW), in force since 2016, was created with the aim of reducing the impact of the disposal of Urban Solid Waste generated by the National Autonomous University of Mexico on its Morelos Campus.

This objective is of the utmost importance in a country where not all inhabitants enjoy the waste collection service, in which low recycling rates prevail and where more than 90% of the final disposal sites correspond to open dumps.

The program fosters in the University community a new awareness expressed in the change of waste management practices from dealing with environmental improvement through viable and measurable actions that the participants can replicate in their environment.

The main quantifiable result is the capture of more than 95 tons of CO2 equivalent, derived from the recycling of 30 tons of solid waste. Its main qualitative result is the participation of more than 2,000 community members who have been duly trained.

Despite obtaining these results, it is highlighted that the objective of the program is to reduce the generation of waste until reaching Zero waste.
 

Annual carbon savings achieved with the initiative:
CO2t savings 2020/2021: 3.22 short tonnes.
CO2t savings over the life cycle of the project: 95.69 short tonnes over 5 years.

What the Judges Thought

This is a wonderful example of good practice improving the infrastructure and working with the community - a true civic university actively improving the region. We were impressed with the programme, testing, and piloting on campus, and taking out to the community as a Living Lab concept.

There is a huge potential for greater impacts to be achieved through dissemination as the project is so replicable and we would encourage a further application in a couple of years if this was achieved.

What it Means to Win

“Winning this award means that the benefits of the project are institutionalised and replicated at a national level, giving us the necessary recognition to continue innovating.”

Dr. Raúl García Barrios, Director of the Comprehensive Management Program for University Solid Waste with a Zero Waste approach (CMPUSW-ZW). Senior Researcher of the CRIM

Top 3 Learnings

1. Ongoing training and dissemination are important for permanent results including support from the directors.
2. Working as a team with the University community (academics, students, administrators, visitors) is the only way to enhance the objectives.
3. Guarantee an inclusive and dignified work system. University sustainability only makes sense when it is carried out inside and outside its campuses.