Carbon Footprint of the National University of Juliaca: Establishing a Baseline for Future Management in an Emerging and Developing Institution

Authors

  • Godofredo Huanca-Chambi

    1. Applied Sciences Research Group , National University of Juliaca, Juliaca 21101, Peru; 2. Engineering, Environment and Society Research Group , National University of Juliaca, Juliaca 21101, Peru
  • Mauro Marin Quispe-Coanqui

    Engineering, Environment and Society Research Group , National University of Juliaca, Juliaca 21101, Peru
  • Milton Quispe-Tisnado

    1. Applied Sciences Research Group , National University of Juliaca, Juliaca 21101, Peru; 2. Engineering, Environment and Society Research Group , National University of Juliaca, Juliaca 21101, Peru
  • Diego de la Cruz-Paredes

    Applied Sciences Research Group , National University of Juliaca, Juliaca 21101, Peru
  • Reyder Orlando Sucapuca-Mamani

    Applied Sciences Research Group , National University of Juliaca, Juliaca 21101, Peru
  • Winsthon Fredy Ramos-Rojas

    Applied Sciences Research Group , National University of Juliaca, Juliaca 21101, Peru

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i8.10125
Received: 21 May 2025 | Revised: 30 June 2025 | Accepted: 3 July 2025 | Published Online: 13 August 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the carbon footprint of the National University of Juliaca (UNAJ) for the year 2023, in order to identify the main sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide a foundation for implementing sustainable policies. The methodology was based on the greenhouse gas inventory approach outlined in ISO 14064-1, applying the operational control method to measure both direct and indirect emissions. Data on energy consumption, transportation, and purchased goods and services were collected using digital tools and surveys, and emissions were calculated in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). The results indicate that UNAJ’s total carbon footprint in 2023 was 1,461.03 tCO₂e, with per capita emissions of 0.47 tCO₂e per person. The main sources of emissions were transportation, accounting for 75.88% of total emissions, followed by the consumption of goods and services (14.29%) and energy use (5.12%). Despite limitations in solid waste management, the study makes a valuable contribution to the development of sustainability strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable mobility policies, energy efficiency measures, and the adoption of responsible procurement practices. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of achieving carbon neutrality at UNAJ as a key objective in mitigating its environmental impact. The findings provide relevant insights from the Peruvian context and offer a basis for analyzing emissions at local universities, with practical implications for enhancing environmental management in higher education institutions.

Keywords:

Carbon Footprint; Greenhouse Gases; Higher Education Institutions; University; ISO 14064-1

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How to Cite

Huanca-Chambi , G., Quispe-Coanqui, M. M., Quispe-Tisnado , M., de la Cruz-Paredes , D., Sucapuca-Mamani , R. O., & Ramos-Rojas, W. F. (2025). Carbon Footprint of the National University of Juliaca: Establishing a Baseline for Future Management in an Emerging and Developing Institution. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 7(8), 36–50. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i8.10125

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 8 (August 2025): In Progress

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Copyright © 2025 Godofredo Huanca-Chambi , Mauro Marin Quispe-Coanqui, Milton Quispe-Tisnado , Diego de la Cruz-Paredes , Reyder Orlando Sucapuca-Mamani , Winsthon Fredy Ramos-Rojas

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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