A university campus in Brazil and its carbon footprint aligned with sustainability actions

Purpose This paper reports a study about the generation and characterization of domestic solid waste (DSW) and electricity consumption carried out at a university in Brazil. This investigation aimed at determining the carbon footprint (CF) by defining the quantity and composition of DSW and energy consumption, as well as provide data to the university administration to achieve sustainability at the institution. Higher Education institutions (HEIs) have been striving toward sustainability through teaching, as well as by engaging the entire community at their own university campuses. This study also uses the CF tool measures greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from human activity, which influences climate change. Design/methodology/approach The methodology applied is a case study used to document actions carried out in a higher education institution in Brazil and the collection of quantitative data on the gravimetric composition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and energy consumption, aiming at the elaboration of a diagnosis, quantification of the CO 2 emission rate and environmental education actions for the university community. This paper aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the sector. Findings It was found that the campus produced 128.7 t CO 2 eq, of which 49.0% corresponds to electricity consumption and 51.0% to solid waste generation. The university campus community estimated the annual generation of DSW at 20.4 tons, the organic fraction and paper were the most representative in the gravimetric characterization. Paper and plastic represented the largest generation of recyclables that could have been diverted from landfill, contributing to the increase in Brazil’s recycling rate. Originality/value This study can contribute with suggestions for real situations that can be implemented in HEIs, with a participatory and learning approach in their environmental management programs. The information obtained here can be used in the planning of sustainability actions by campus decision-makers, such as raising awareness for pro-environmental behaviors.