Carbon Footprint of the National University of Juliaca: Establishing a Baseline for Future Management in an Emerging and Developing Institution

This study aimed to quantify the carbon footprint of the National University of Juliaca (UNAJ) for the year 2023, in order to identify the main sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide a foundation for implementing sustainable policies. The methodology was based on the greenhouse gas inventory approach outlined in ISO 14064-1, applying the operational control method to measure both direct and indirect emissions. Data on energy consumption, transportation, and purchased goods and services were collected using digital tools and surveys, and emissions were calculated in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). The results indicate that UNAJ’s total carbon footprint in 2023 was 1,461.03 tCO₂e, with per capita emissions of 0.47 tCO₂e per person. The main sources of emissions were transportation, accounting for 75.88% of total emissions, followed by the consumption of goods and services (14.29%) and energy use (5.12%). Despite limitations in solid waste management, the study makes a valuable contribution to the development of sustainability strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable mobility policies, energy efficiency measures, and the adoption of responsible procurement practices. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of achieving carbon neutrality at UNAJ as a key objective in mitigating its environmental impact. The findings provide relevant insights from the Peruvian context and offer a basis for analyzing emissions at local universities, with practical implications for enhancing environmental management in higher education institutions.