Developing a sustainability culture in LATAM: a case study of a strategic inter-university alliance

Abstract

The last two years the environment has shown us the strong connection between countries, companies and people, and has demonstrated the importance of the supply chain: as an impact on the environment, as well as its impact on economic, social and health stability. Developing a sustainability culture in the day-to-day practices of business, educational institutions, government and society has become global objectives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, in higher education institutions, the commitment to develop a culture of sustainability plays a dual role: educational and sustainable practices as an internal community, and an external role in promoting this culture in society. The purpose is to share the case study of an alliance of universities in LATAM, which seeks to create awareness of a sustainable culture in the industry through an efficient supply chain using a survey that is applied annually in LATAM countries with its respective report of results, and how this initiative promotes a culture of sustainability in the professors and students involved in the project. The methodology has 3 phases: a) Description of the alliance between universities and the initiative that unites them, b) instruments such as surveys and reflections of students and professors participating in the project, and c) the analysis and reflections of the main learnings. The participation of students and professors from 13 universities in 10 countries, offers us a motivation in strengthening this culture of sustainability from a strategic collaborative work between universities, it is observed with hope the development of this culture, for the impact on the environment and the welfare of society, through these practices of linkage, research and development for the common well-being.