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Universidad Andres Bello Reaffirms its Commitment to Carbon Neutrality by 2038
With the presence of the Minister of Environment, Maisa Rojas, and other authorities from Congress and academia, the U. Andrés Bello confirms the work it has been doing to mitigate the effects of climate change and continue as a pioneer in achieving carbon neutrality at its three sites.
Universidad Andrés Bello took a significant step in its commitment to sustainable development by announcing its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038. This announcement, made during the first semester of this year, materialized in the Seminar on Sustainable Campus Management. The seminar included the discussion «Carbon Neutrality and its Implications,» where key issues regarding the role of clean energy and UNAB’s leadership in sustainability issues at the university and national levels were addressed.
The discussion was moderated by Ignacio Guerrero, Dean of Outreach and Alumni at UNAB, and featured speakers such as Maisa Rojas, Minister of the Environment; Sergio Gahona, President of the Senate Environment Committee; and Marcelo Mena, former Minister of the Environment.
At the event’s opening, Universidad Andrés Bello’s President, Julio Castro, highlighted UNAB’s responsibility in advancing toward a sustainable future. He remarked, «It is not only about achieving carbon neutrality but also about instilling in our students a respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainable growth. UNAB will always be ready to offer not only its facilities but also the expertise of our academics to support public policies that make Chile a more sustainable, just, and inclusive country.»
State Support and National Commitment
Minister of the Environment Maisa Rojas commended UNAB’s initiative and discussed Chile’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the Framework Law on Climate Change. This law sets clear objectives for the state and regions to develop adaptation and mitigation plans. «The law, endorsed by 17 ministries, includes sectoral adaptation and mitigation plans on a national scale. Additionally, municipalities and regional governments are required to have their climate change action plans ready for next year,» Rojas stated, highlighting the efforts to decentralize and implement climate actions across all levels of government.
“I would like to congratulate Universidad Andrés Bello on its climate action. Universities must commit to carbon neutrality, as they play an educational role and can disseminate this important message through their campuses.”
Similarly, Sergio Gahona, chairman of the Senate Environment Committee, also highlighted the relevance of the announcement. «The fact that this university has set this goal seems to be an exemplary decision that motivates other universities and institutions and shows the way forward in the world of education,» said the senator.
Institutional Commitment and Plan
Ignacio Guerrero, UNAB’s Dean of Outreach and Alumni, said, «this commitment reaffirms the university’s focus on sustainability. It is a significant milestone that marks our pioneering role at the national level.»
In his presentation, «Carbon Neutrality Plan 2038,» Héctor Hidalgo, UNAB’s General Director of Outreach, detailed each of the stages that must be fulfilled to achieve the goal. These include an initial diagnosis of resource consumption, followed by the implementation of renewable energy and recycling projects.
«Having an institutional carbon neutrality plan is fundamental to consolidate our commitment to the country’s sustainable development,» Hidalgo said.
This announcement encourages us to remain at the forefront of environmental initiatives and to act responsibly in the management of our resources. This is reflected in external rankings and certifications, which have positioned us as one of the universities that contributes most to sustainable development in Chile.
«Our university has been ambitious, also presenting its adaptation plan, which aims to strengthen the institution’s capacity to address future climate challenges,» explained Lesly Orellana, UNAB’s Director of Sustainability.
This plan enables us to anticipate extreme weather events, safeguard our resources and infrastructure, and ensure resilient learning. We are committed to fostering a university community that not only confronts the impacts of climate change but also actively contributes to the solutions.
