On May 15–16, 2025, the 5th National Workshop on Sustainable Mexican Universities was held at CETYS Universidad, Campus Tijuana, in Baja California, Mexico. The event brought together sustainability leaders, academic experts, and university representatives from across Mexico to explore practical strategies for advancing sustainability in higher education through the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings framework.
The workshop opened with a welcoming ceremony led by CETYS authorities and keynote presentations from Prof. Dr. Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, and Dr. Nyoman Suwartha, Vice Chair. They emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into university governance and the potential of the GreenMetric network to foster transformative change through collaboration and data-driven action.
Following the opening, participants witnessed the official declaration of membership and engaged in a group photo session before proceeding with a day full of thematic discussions. In this momentous session, We welcomed Universidad de las America Puebla as new part of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network in Mexico. The first sessions addressed infrastructure and sustainable transport, with presentations ranging from green mobility initiatives to biodiversity protection and inclusive campus planning. Universities such as Universidad del Valle de Puebla and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México shared projects that illustrated how thoughtful infrastructure design can contribute to environmental and social goals.
Energy and climate change formed the focus of the next segment, where institutions like Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla and Universidad de Colima showcased innovations in renewable energy and climate-resilient campus operations. These discussions reinforced how energy transition strategies must align with academic and operational planning to ensure long-term sustainability.
In the afternoon, participants joined a walking tour of CETYS facilities, including the waste management area, compost station, and wastewater treatment plant, offering real-world insights into operational sustainability practices. These were followed by parallel sessions on waste management and sustainability in education and research. Presentations from institutions such as ITESO, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and IPN demonstrated models of integrated waste handling and curriculum development that prepare students to lead in sustainability transitions.
The day concluded with a “Good Practices” session by Dr. Jessica Barlow from San Diego State University and a networking session that encouraged informal exchange among participants in a relaxed setting.
The second day featured additional sessions on best practices, with speakers such as Dr. Sergio Fernández from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León and Dr. Carla Fresquez from UC Davis. These sessions explored institutional approaches to climate action, student engagement, and regional sustainability partnerships.
The workshop closed with a synthesis of the discussions and proposals for future pathways. Representatives from participating universities voiced a shared commitment to deeper cooperation and action-oriented research. A follow-up meeting by the Mexican Alliance of Universities for Climate Action signaled ongoing momentum.
An optional third-day excursion to CETYS Campus Ensenada and the Guadalupe Valley wine region allowed attendees to explore local sustainability initiatives and regional culture, including a visit to the CETYS Wine Research Center and a local vineyard focused on sustainable agriculture.
Throughout the event, CETYS Universidad exemplified sustainability leadership through its campus initiatives, logistical support, and active participation. The workshop reinforced that universities are uniquely positioned to lead Mexico’s sustainability transformation—not just through teaching and research, but through bold operational changes and community engagement.
As the event came to an end, it was formally revealed that Universidad Panamericana will be the host of the 6th UI GreenMetric National Workshop for Universities in Mexico in 2026—signaling a continued commitment to advancing sustainability, inclusion, and resilience within the country's higher education sector.
UI GreenMetric celebrates the dedication of Mexican universities and looks forward to continued partnership to achieve a greener, more equitable future for higher education worldwide.
Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist
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