In UNINAVARRA's dynamic environment, academic excellence and commitment to sustainability are inseparably intertwined. In this scenario, the Water Efficiency and Saving Program emerges as an essential element to promote sustainable practices and improve resource management.
First, water is an invaluable and limited resource whose responsible management is crucial to ensure a sustainable future. By implementing the Water Efficiency and Saving Program, the institution not only contributes to the conservation of this vital resource, but we also set a powerful example for the academic-administrative community and society as a whole.
The economic relevance of water savings is also significant. Reducing water consumption not only reduces the institution's operating costs, but also frees up financial resources that can be channeled into educational initiatives, innovative research, or infrastructure improvements.
Water and Climate Change Education Day
An educational day on Water and Climate Change was held at the Enriqueta Solano Educational Institution. Twenty-eight third grade students participated in this activity, who were enthusiastic and committed to the programmed activities. The day was a success, with the students actively involved in the different dynamics and demonstrating their interest in learning and collaborating as a team.
Workshop "Let's Not Waste Water, Protection of Water Sources and Responsible and Sustainable Consumption".
A workshop entitled "No Derrochemos Agua: Protección de Fuentes Hídricas y Consumo Responsable y Sostenible" (Let's Not Waste Water: Protection of Water Sources and Responsible and Sustainable Consumption) was held at the CEINAR Educational Institution. This activity was attended by 53 students from the fourth and fifth grades.
The workshop focused on the importance of conserving water sources and promoting responsible and sustainable water consumption. The students were very interested and actively participated in the discussions and activities proposed, acquiring valuable knowledge on how to protect this vital resource and contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Workshop "Ecological Vegetable Gardens".
In the CDI Sueños Mágicos, the workshop "Ecological Vegetable Gardens" was held during the afternoon, with the participation of G Moscati and the Environmental Engineering Program. This activity was aimed at early childhood students, gathering 87 children.
The workshop focused on teaching children the importance of organic vegetable gardens and how they contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. Through playful and educational activities, participants learned about growing plants, caring for the environment and the importance of healthy eating. The children really enjoyed the experience, showing great enthusiasm and curiosity for the world of gardening and ecology.
Navarra Ploggers
The activity called NAVARRA PLOGGERS belonging to the MSW macroproject GIAU Environmental Monitoring Network - Sustainability and Education for Water Culture in its first version in 2023 had a total of 70 attendees and 32KG of waste were recovered, including glass, cardboard, paper and PET. On the other hand, 850KG of non-usable solid waste, 2m3 of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) and 5m3 of pruning waste were collected.
The following institutions were allied with the project: (Mayor's Office of Neiva, Governor's Office of Huila, Ciudad Limpia S.A E.S.P., Civil Defense, National Police, Humanitarian Demining Battalion, INDERHUILA, Aguas del Huila, ASOEMPRETCOL, Fundación Escuela Tecnológica de Neiva FET).
Water Conservation Workshops
The workshops associated with the socialization of the GIAU project, belonging to the Environmental Engineering program, aim to strengthen citizen and participatory culture through sustainability and environmental education strategies. These workshops seek to increase interest in the conservation of water sources and have had a positive impact on 187 children, 31 young residents of Neiva and 3 educational institutions: the Enriqueta Solano Educational Institution, the CEINAR Educational Institution and the CDI Sueños Mágicos. The workshops counted with the participation of the volunteer G. MOSCATI - Humanization Group.
Proximity Sensors in Water and Wastewater Networks
The Navarra University Foundation - UNINAVARRA shows its commitment to the efficient use and saving of water through the implementation of hydrosanitary systems, such as toilets and sinks, equipped with proximity sensors. These devices guarantee an efficient consumption of the resource by limiting the operating time automatically.
Home Vegetable Garden Project
Through the project "LEARNING THROUGHOUT OUR HISTORY", UNINAVARRA seeks to promote well-being and strengthen knowledge and skills through training that allows the acquisition of new knowledge in productive ideas, recognizing current changes.
The Environmental Management System provided support to the San Matías Geriatric Home in the city of Neiva, positively impacting the elderly community residing in the home. This collaboration is part of the social projection project "LEARNING THROUGHOUT HISTORY", which focuses on educating the elderly about planting and the efficient use of water for irrigation.
Reforestation Journeys - Mirador del Cesar Cueva las Golondrinas Trail
The reforestation day held at the Mirador del Cesar, Cueva las Golondrinas trail, was attended by 15 people, who planted 15 IGUA trees, also known as yellow cedar. This species is crucial for bird conservation and contributes to the regeneration of the local flora.
Applicability to discharge permit
To ensure compliance with environmental regulations and rectify that UNINAVARRA does not discharge NON-domestic or industrial water, a request was made to the competent authority (Empresas Públicas de Neiva - LAS CEIBAS E.S.P).
A technical visit was made by the competent entity and the certificate was obtained:
Commemoration of International Water Day
In coordination with the environmental office, the environmental engineering program, social projection and university welfare and graduates, the commemoration of International Water Day was held with the activity called "NAVARRA PLOGGERS". Support was obtained from the Mayor's Office of Neiva, Recuperación Neiva S.A.S., Ciudad Limpia S.A. E.S.P. and Aguas Del Huila.
On the other hand, a strategic brief or artwork was created to socialize strategies to reduce water consumption in the institution through e-mails to collaborators, and a video was published on social networks.
UNINAVARRA campus well pumping test
In compliance with the requirements of the Corporación Autónoma Regional del Alto Magdalena CAM, a pumping test was performed on the groundwater well of the UNINAVARRA campus or Ciudad Universitaria Navarra, ensuring that the well continues to be in good working condition and that we continue with the daily limit of 80m3.
Commemoration of World Water Week
During the World Water Week, commemorated from August 25 to 29, an e-mail awareness campaign was carried out to encourage the UNINAVARRISTA community to reduce the indirect environmental impact on water resources.
On the other hand, in coordination with the environmental consultancy and the environmental engineering program, a conversation called "Let's talk about environmental health" was held, where the international day of environmental noise was also celebrated and topics of environmental health, reduction of the impact on water resources were discussed, and 43 people from the UNINAVARRISTA community were impacted. Among them: 3 collaborators, 8 professors and 17 students.
