School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo—Marching Towards Socioeconomic and Environmental Sustainability

The sustainability of the earth depends largely on actions taken at universities, as they have a leading role in developing knowledge and raising awareness. The School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo seeks to fulfill several goals in pursuance of sustainable management. Since 2009, a joint committee of students, teachers and employees endorses a Sustainability Program. Its objectives are: avoidance of natural resources depletion; waste minimization; proper waste segregation; however, its main purpose is the dissemination of environmental education and community awareness. This paper presents actions implemented and results achieved during the last eight years. Activities involve research, projects, lectures, workshops, campaigns and events regarding environmental and occupational health. Predominant actions include: avoidance of disposable products; incentives to suitable waste segregation; composting; and safe management of hazardous waste. Considering the 6.1 ton of waste monthly generated, 1.8 tons (29.2%) are carefully segregated, selectively collected, and processed through differentiated pathways. Infectious and chemical waste (5.4%) goes initially through appropriated treatment before being discarded in landfills. Confidential paper (2.5%) is shredded and goes for recycling. Other recyclables materials (18.3%) are collected by cooperatives of waste pickers and sent to the productive chain. Part of the organic waste (2.9%) is locally transformed in compost. Sustainable actions have been expanded despite the lack of economic and human resources to implement them.