On May 8–10, 2025, the 8th UI GreenMetric National Workshop for Universities in Colombia was held at Universidad de Santander (UDES) in Bucaramanga, bringing together sustainability leaders, educators, and university officials to strengthen higher education’s role in advancing sustainability. Organized in collaboration with the UI GreenMetric National Coordinator in Colombia, Prof. Jaime Romero of El Bosque University, and supported by UDES Vice Rector Dr. César Serrano, the workshop reflected a growing momentum across Colombian universities to institutionalize sustainability and foster collaborative innovation.
The event began with a series of welcoming segments, including a performance by the UDES Philharmonic Orchestra and several institutional video presentations that showcased the university’s green initiatives. Dr. Fernando Vargas Mendoza, President of the Board of Trustees at UDES, opened the event by highlighting the role of higher education institutions in leading environmental transformation.
This was followed by keynote remarks from UI GreenMetric representatives. Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, emphasized how the rankings have motivated universities worldwide to integrate sustainability more deeply into their planning and operations. Prof. Nyoman Suwartha, Vice Chair, elaborated on how the framework supports continuous improvement through measurable indicators. Prof. Jaime Romero, in his role as National Coordinator, reaffirmed Colombia’s strong and growing commitment to the GreenMetric network. Patricia Plata also provided reflections on the importance of institutional support in advancing these efforts.
At this momentous event, UI GreenMetric also extended an invitation for collaboration to two universities from Colombia, welcoming them to join the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network. This partnership was symbolically formalized through the signing of a membership declaration. The two universities are:
1. Universidad de Tunja,and
2. Escuela Tecnológica Instituto Técnico Central (ETITC)
Throughout the three-day workshop, participants explored key themes aligned with the six UI GreenMetric indicators: Setting & Infrastructure, Energy & Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education & Research. Presentations ranged from sustainable mobility strategies and circular economy practices to energy efficiency, water innovation, and academic initiatives that promote environmental awareness. Institutions such as Universidad de La Salle, Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD), Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Universidad El Bosque, and others contributed valuable insights, demonstrating how sustainability efforts are being translated into tangible outcomes across Colombian campuses.
UDES, as the host, showcased its own work in hydrogen innovation, eco-campus design, and carbon neutrality certification—reaffirming its role as a leader in sustainable university development. The workshop also included poster sessions, networking opportunities, and a well-being activity that reflected a holistic approach to sustainability, blending academic engagement with health and nature.
One of the highlights of the event was the eco-tour to Los Santos and Chicamocha Canyon. Participants visited local ecological and cultural sites, concluding the workshop with a deeper connection to the natural landscapes that sustainability efforts aim to protect.
The workshop demonstrated how Colombian universities are not only aligning with global sustainability goals but actively contributing to their advancement through knowledge sharing and partnership. It also reaffirmed UI GreenMetric’s ongoing role as a facilitator of international collaboration, supporting institutions around the world in building more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient campuses.
Looking ahead, the momentum will continue as Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira has been announced as the next host of the UI GreenMetric National Workshop in Colombia. Building on the successes of previous workshops, the university is committed to further advancing the implementation of sustainable operations in higher education. Guided by the six UI GreenMetric criteria—Setting & Infrastructure, Energy & Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education & Research—Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and measurable progress toward greener, more resilient campuses across the region..
Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist of UI GreenMetric
Galleries