La transversalización del enfoque de sostenibilidad en la Universidad de Cuenca: Un caso de estudio

Abstract

Sustainability has become a shared need in society due to the manifestation of multiple problems in the different spheres in which human life develops. Here, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been a guide in raising awareness of Higher Education Institutions about sustainability, however, the current scenario shows that we are halfway to meet the SDGs proposed for 2030. Over time, a critical stance has emerged on how to exercise sustainability in higher education, where one way to achieve it is to mainstream the sustainability approach in universities, covering five spheres: society, economy, environment, culture and governance. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the process of mainstreaming the sustainability approach at the University of Cuenca, focusing on the development of the Strategic Sustainability Plan. In addition, we will examine the factors that influence positively and negatively, the lessons learned and challenges of this process. The study was conducted through a qualitative approach with a simple-holistic case study methodological design. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and a documentary review and a thematic analysis was performed. With the present study, a detailed analysis was obtained on the process of mainstreaming sustainability at the University of Cuenca with reference to the construction of the Strategic Sustainability Plan that was carried out and is in the process of approval. In addition, the main factors that have positively and negatively influenced the development of the PESUC were identified, along with the lessons learned and challenges. At the same time, a guide was generated based on the recommendations provided by the members of the Sustainability Strategic Committee of the University of Cuenca who were interviewed, which were useful to enhance the incorporation of sustainability in higher education.