Universidade Sustentável na Amazônia: discussão baseada no caso de uma universidade estadual.

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and training environmentally conscious citizens. With increasing pressure on natural resources and the urgent need for sustainable practices, HEIs are increasingly incorporating sustainability into their policies and curricula. This study aims to analyze the practices outlined in the institutional documents of the State University of Amazonas (UEA), providing support for the development of a prospective scenario for Sustainable Universities in the Amazon. The methodology used included a bibliometric analysis of scientific production on sustainability in HEIs over a decade (2013-2023). Data were collected in databases of indexed scientific journals, using bibliometric indicators to quantify and analyze the production, dissemination and use of recorded information. The results indicated a significant increase in publications on sustainability from 2019 onwards, mainly in academic journals. The predominant themes included resource management, education for sustainability and public policies, reflecting a holistic approach adopted by HEIs. A qualitative and descriptive approach was also used to examine documents and activities related to sustainability at UEA. The documentary research involved the analysis of UEA's Institutional Development Plans (PDI); “UEA in Numbers”; Sustainability Policy; and UEA Statute. Additionally, the 2019 to 2022 Extension Project Database was reviewed to identify projects that address environmental themes. The analysis revealed that 50 of UEA's 83 undergraduate courses incorporate environmental themes into their curricula and 5% of extension projects between 2019 and 2022 addressed sustainability. In 2020, UEA implemented its Sustainability Policy and adopted energy-saving technologies, such as the transition to LED lighting and the launch of the Energy Management System pilot project. Research has highlighted the need for effective governance to ensure the continuity and success of sustainable initiatives. An analysis of the GreenMetric World University Ranking ranking files from 2010 to 2023 was carried out to assess the adherence of HEIs around the world to the ranking. This included identifying and analyzing the performance of HEIs in the Legal Amazon in the ranking, with a special focus on UEA's performance in the four editions in which it participated. Participation in UI GreenMetric provided UEA with the opportunity to share its initiatives and best practices and to encourage other HEIs in the region to adopt sustainable measures. Analysis of UEA's performance on UI GreenMetric from 2020 to 2023 revealed significant progress and areas requiring continued improvement. UEA performed remarkably well in the Energy and Climate Change and Education and Research categories. Consequently, it is concluded that UEA must continue to develop and expand its sustainable practices to fully realize its potential as a leader in sustainability in the Amazon. It is imperative that the institution establishes an administrative sector dedicated to coordinating and supervising sustainability initiatives, similar to Brazilian universities established and recognized as Sustainable Universities. Effective governance is essential to ensure that valuable projects maintain their relevance and impact over time, consolidating the UEA as a model of best practice in the region and country.