UAQ, UANL Advance Sustainability Efforts

Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (UAQ) and Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) have strengthened their sustainability strategies through initiatives focused on environmental management, infrastructure, education and resource efficiency, reflecting broader efforts within Mexico’s higher education sector to integrate sustainability into institutional operations.

UAQ implemented measures centered on ecological protection, biodiversity conservation, waste management and environmental education. In waste management, the university increased its waste collection from 39t in 2024 to 50t in 2025, supported by partnerships with companies specialized in material handling and final disposal. Environmental courses and workshops were delivered to students, faculty and administrative staff to reinforce awareness and participation in sustainability practices.

Jorge Leonardo Álvarez, Head of the Coordination of Sustainability Management, UAQ, reported that the institution obtained the Water Coefficiency Seal and the Biodiversity Seal through the Ministry of the Environment and Universidad Politécnica de Santa Rosa Jáuregui. These achievements add to prior recognitions, including certifications granted by UNESCO, first place in Latin America in the CEELA competition, and finalist status in the Green Gown Awards 2025.

As part of its infrastructure strategy, UAQ consolidated two nurseries at its Aeropuerto and Centro Universitario campuses, incorporating composting beds and vermicomposting systems used for maintaining green areas. The university also implemented programs for pruning, plant health management and pest control, along with animal care and rescue initiatives. 

In energy, UAQ generated 812,166kW/hr of clean energy through its solar panel infrastructure, which was expanded in the previous year. Additional efforts included staff training programs and reintegration into the Environmental Sustainability Network of the National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES) Center-South Region.

At the national level, UANL ranked as the most sustainable university in Mexico for the ninth consecutive year in the Green Metric 2025 ranking, placing 11th globally among 1,760 universities evaluated. The institution was recognized for its performance across education, infrastructure, waste management and energy, and achieved first place worldwide in the category of Infrastructure and Equipment for Sustainability.

“This year we achieved the position of the most sustainable university in infrastructure and we are ranked 11th in the world, considering all Green Metric indicators. We are number two in Latin America and number three in North America,” said Sergio Salvador Fernández, Secretary of Sustainability, UANL.

UANL’s performance is supported by programs focused on efficient water use, energy monitoring systems, energy management practices, sustainable mobility and student participation in environmental initiatives. The university has also developed academic programs addressing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability, aimed at preparing graduates with technical and sustainability-oriented competencies.

With campuses located in arid and semi-arid regions, UANL has adopted a sustainability-oriented infrastructure policy covering the design, construction and operation of its facilities. The strategy emphasizes reducing environmental impact, optimizing resource use and promoting healthier environments. 

“We have a series of buildings arranged within tree systems; the university has various green areas in its infrastructure where we make significant efforts to maintain them in optimal condition. The way our buildings are arranged within the university structure has contributed a good number of points in the indicators,” Fernández stated.