San Jorge University and the environment

San Jorge University has acquired a commitment to environmental actions within its own infrastructures and activities to become a sustainable institution that reflects social awareness and strategic innovation.

INITIATIVES

• Local Environment
  • Minimisation of environmental impact
  • Specific University training about the Environment
  • Collaboration with public and private entities
  • Research projects on environmental matters
• Environmental Policy
  • San Jorge University has a fundamental policy on the rational use of resources, the reduction, use and recycling, assuming that the treatment and administration of its waste is carried out in safe conditions.
  • Natural resources will be administered using energy in an efficient way and reducing the consumption of water and other natural resources.
  • Development of plans of action to improve the effectiveness of the Environmental Administration.
  • To distribute information about the Environment to all the employees of the organisation.
• Environmental improvements in the new facilities on the Villanueva Campus
  The facilities in Villanueva de Gallego are part of an architectural project that not only achieves harmony between the new buildings and its natural environment, but also allows for the planting of a wooded area of 1,174 new trees to join the existing trees which occupy 2.4 hectares which are being restructured.
• Participation of the University in Social initiatives for the Environment
  1. Campaign to save water by the ecological and Development Foundation:
     http://www.zaragozaconelagua.org/organizaciones.asp
  2. Sectorial group for the Environment and Sustainability in the Spanish Association of Foundations:
     http://www.fundaciones.org/grupsectoriales/gsf-medioambiente.asp?opc=8

Measures implemented in San Jorge University:

1. Development of Green Spaces.
   When the planting of the linear forest is completed, there will be more than a thousand new trees. Besides this, there will be more than 252 banana trees in the parking area and 150 poplar trees next to the motorway that will serve as a noise screen. All this new wooded area will join the pre – existing forests, occupying 2.4 hectares and will be restructured.
2. Energy efficient lighting.
   In the construction of the building there were many environmental considerations, taking maximum advantage of natural light through the large windows and skylights, using low energy adjustable lighting.
3. Energy efficiency in the heating / cooling systems.
   
   • The buildings are built with the aim of energy saving in mind. For example the south façade of the Faculty of Communication Sciences is made with glass to take advantage of insulation in the winter months, taking the curtains off in the summer.
   • All the windows are double – glazed with insulated chambers.
   • Temperature thermostats have been installed on each floor and in all the large rooms.
   • The climate control system is highly energy efficient with an underground heat exchange system that produces cold water in summer and hot water in the winter that circulates through a system of wells.
   • In relation to energy saving, all the electrical appliances in the cafeterias are Class A.
4. Water efficiency
   
   • All the toilets in the buildings are fitted with dual disposal systems.
   • All the taps are fitted with aerators.
   • Also the rainwater that falls in the squares and the area around the buildings is not evacuated through drainage systems but through natural slopes that lead down to the adjacent fields and ravines.
5. Subcontracting Commitments
   San Jorge University requires a commitment from its subcontractors to good environmental practices especially in regards to restoration (which amongst other measures has a selective collection of waste oils) and cleaning.
6. Adequate administration of chemical products and residues.
   Small rooms have been prepared for the storage of chemical products (principally for maintenance and cleaning) and now containers for urban waste have been installed to collect paper and card for recycling. The small amount of dangerous waste does not require the need for a specific area but suitable containers are provided.