Indicadores de sustentabilidade de instituições de ensino superior: uma análise do câmpus de Araguaína da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT)

Abstract

Sustainability has been the subject of debate in several segments of society, due to the growing depletion of natural resources. Nevertheless, the Institutions of Higher Education (HEI) are inserted in this debate as social institutions, seeking to implement more sustainable practices. Therefore, we seek to understand: what is the sustainability of the practices adopted by the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), in the Campus of Araguaína? The main objective of this study consists of analyzing the sustainability (in the social, environmental and economic dimensions) of the practices adopted by UFT, in the city of Araguaína at CIMBA campus. To achieve this aim, it was sought: propose a set of indicators, through a critical analysis of bibliographic research, capable of demonstrating sustainability in its three dimensions; measure the sustainability of the Campus de Araguaína, according to the proposed indicators; and, indicate possible measures for the promotion of sustainability based on the diagnosis made. The methodology is an exploratory and descriptive study, qualitativequantitative, based on bibliographical and documentary studies. The research is configured as an instrumental case study, because the set of indicators proposed can be applied to other campuses, and other HEIs. It was proposed 37 indicators, divided into six main aspects: academics; administrative; operations and services; education; research; and, extension. As results, it was observed that there were some sustainable practices in Campus, such as: servers with training in the area of sustainability; collection of hazardous waste by outsourced company; curriculum syllabus, research projects and extension on social and environmental themes, among others. However, there is also the absence of socio-environmental practices in some indicators, namely: absence of reduction campaigns in paper consumption, disposable cups and toners; absence of control of common residual production and application of the 5R’s policies; purchases and bids still do not meet the sustainable criteria established in the regulations; absence of undergraduate programs focused on socio-environmental issues; greater number of teachers involved on sustainability research than students, among others. It was found that the UFT presents positive points, mainly in the academic, administrative and extension aspects, and has the main negative points, on operations and services aspects, as well as, some indicators related to teaching and research have positive and negative points in proportional measures. Thus, it was suggested a list of actions and measures that can be implemented, as a way to improve the deficiencies found, to the Institution to act with more sustainable practices.