Ecological footprint assessment in the University of Jaen, a tool for environmental management

The impact that human activities have on Earth demands to change towards a more sustainable model. One of the assessment tools is the ecological footprint that has also been used as sustainable indicator in high education institutions. In this work the ecological footprint of the University of Jaen has been evaluated during the academic years 2011-12 to 2013-14. The obtained results show that the University needs an average of 9426.30 ha/year. Moreover, each person who studies, teaches, works, in Jaen university needs 0.55 ha/individual/year. The mobility, with 54,71 % of the ecological footprint is the principal activity concerning the CO2 emissions in the University of Jaen. Comparing with other Spanish universities, University of Jaen is one with higher ecological footprint per person. More environmental education programs and a more sustainable university management are needed.