Environmental Statement

EMAS STATEMENT REPORTING PLATFORM

ES-AR-000025

Environmental Statement

EMAS EUROPEAN REGULATIONS

ES-AR-000025

Environmental Statement

EMAS STATEMENT REPORTING PLATFORM

ES-AR-000025

SAN JORGE UNIVERSITY: Villanueva de Gállego University Campus.

General data

Introductory Presentation

General data 2-854f4e53

It is a pleasure to present the environmental statement for the 2024-25 academic year, which presents the commitment of San Jorge University to the environment and sustainable development.

This year, in terms of the fight against climate change, the significant reduction in our carbon emissions (28.47% of the average emission intensity in the three-year period 2021-2023 with respect to the three-year period 2020-2022, for scope 1 + 2) of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge stands out. 

Continuing with the commitment against climate change and advancing in the energy transition, 80.95% of all energy consumed on the university campus is of renewable origin. In addition, the total energy consumption per person stands at 1.50 MWh, the lowest value in the data series.

The University continues to favor the implementation of circular economy and sustainable mobility through different projects carried out by several research groups that collaborate with Aragonese companies and institutions.

The environmental statement of San Jorge University communicates all these new developments and provides our stakeholders with transparent, rigorous and complete information on the impact of our activity on the environment, as well as the progress made to improve sustainability.

Silvia Carrascal Domínguez.

Rector of San Jorge University

Agenda 2030. Related Sustainable Development Goals

This Environmental Statement includes at the end a specific section with information on the 2030 Agenda.

        

Logousj-d0bb22da  24-25

 Academic year 2024-2025

Centre/s
1

Workers
783

Surface
90.342 m2

Activity in
No. of persons (FTE) 
2089

Unit Ref: Teachers, technical and management personnel, researchers and students.

Photo Rector 2023-2024 - USJ-60acf673

Our organization presents this validated Environmental Statement as part of our commitment to transparency and environmental improvement of our activities, operations and facilities. This Digital Environmental Statement constitutes a European best practice within the framework of the INERREG-EUROPE Program.

LOCATION- MAIN CENTER

Description of the activity

Activities and scope of the Environmental Statement

San Valero Group

San Jorge University is a non-profit institution in Aragon, promoted by the San Valero Foundation and based on the values of Christian humanism. It has its origins in the San Valero Foundation of Zaragoza, an institution that laid the foundations for the private University of Aragon.

On February 24, 2005, the Cortes de Aragón passed the law recognizing the establishment of the Universidad San Jorge and approving its start-up. Thus began its journey in the field of higher education. The first academic year was 2005-06, and since the 2007-08 academic year classes have been held at the University Campus of Villanueva de Gállego.

Since 2011, San Jorge University has held quality certificates according to ISO 9001 (ER-1191/2011) and environmental management certificates according to ISO 14001 (GA-2011/0619) and since 2016 the certificate of environmental excellence (VM-16/001) according to the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), with the European Commission registration number ES-AR-000025. 

San Jorge University gives continuity to the requirement established by Regulation (EC) No. 1221/2009, Regulation (EU) 2017/1505 and Regulation (EU) 2018/2026 under Annex IV regarding the publication of the Environmental Statement.

San Jorge University belongs to the San Valero Group, which also includes the following educational institutions:

  • San Valero Foundation.
  • SEAS Estudios Superiores Abiertos.
  • San Valero Dominican Foundation.
  • CPA Salduie Foundation.

San Jorge University Certifications

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In compliance with Regulations (EC) No. 1221/2009, (EU) 2017/1505 and (EU) 2018/2026, allowing organizations to voluntarily join the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), the following Environmental Statement will be drafted during the third quarter of 2026, including developments corresponding to the 2025-26 course.

Environmental management and governance approach

Description of the Environmental Management System

Scope of the Integrated Management System

The scope of the Integrated Management System is as follows:

The design, development and delivery of official degree curricula (bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees), in-house degrees and research activities in the School of Architecture and Technology, the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences. 

The provision of support services for teaching and research activities: professional orientation, job placement, external internship program, mobility program, library, sports activities, counseling and psychological care, publications and cultural activities.

They are held at the University Campus of Villanueva de Gállego, located at Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca, Km. 299, 50830 - Villanueva de Gállego (Zaragoza).

NACE codes to describe the activities: (NACE Rev.2) 85.42 Tertiary education.

 

Management structure supporting the Integrated Management System

The structure that San Jorge University has adopted for the correct development of its Integrated Management System is formed by:

  • Board of Trustees: The highest governing body of the University, which oversees the activities carried out in the University. It ultimately approves the strategic objectives established, establishing the steps to be followed and towards which the future of the University should be directed. It delegates to the Governing Council the issues concerning the Integrated Management System of the degrees, the research carried out and the services of the University.
  • Governing Council: The University's Governing Council, and in particular the Rector as the main responsible, assumes the responsibilities of the Integrated Management System, establishing the proposed Policy and Objectives of the University's Integrated Management System, appointing and assigning the necessary functions for its follow-up, promoting the creation of working groups for improvement based on the results of the reviews and evaluations carried out, leading at all times the actions corresponding to the Integrated Management System.
  • Responsible for the Quality, Validation and Environment Area: The person responsible for the Quality, Validations and Environment Area is committed to ensuring that the Integrated Management System is established, implemented and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the reference standards.
  • Quality and Environment Committee: The University's Quality and Environment Committee is a body that participates in the planning and monitoring tasks of the Integrated Management System, also acting as one of the vehicles for internal communication of the policy, objectives, plans, programs, responsibilities and achievements of the System. Representatives of the following stakeholders participate in this committee: PDI, PTG and students.
  • Green Campus Office: The Green Campus Office is the technical support unit in charge of promoting environmental sustainability at the University. It collaborates in the implementation and monitoring of the Integrated Management System, promotes continuous improvement actions and facilitates communication and environmental awareness within the university community.

 

Documentary structure of the Integrated Management System

San Jorge University has opted for the design of its Integrated Management System by following both the guidelines set by ANECA in the AUDIT program, and the requirements established by international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and Regulations (EC) No. 1221/2009, (EU) 2017/1505 and (EU) 2018/2026 concerning the voluntary participation of organizations in a Community Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). The Integrated Management System is established with the following documentary structure:

Policy: A set of actions or guidelines that govern the University's performance in quality and environmental matters, formally expressed by the Governing Council, which allows us to be better at fulfilling our purpose or commitment.

Manual: Document defining the scope of the system, reference to procedures and a description of the interaction between the system's processes. 

Procedure: Document that defines what, who, how and when a general activity or process is carried out.

  • PR-001 Management of Nonconformities
  • PR-002 Management of Complaints, Environmental Complaints, Incidences and Suggestions
  • PR-003 Internal Communication
  • PR-009 Control of Documentation and Records
  • PR-010 Action Plan Management
  • PR-015 Internal Audits
  • PR-016 Management Review
  • PR-033 Preparation, review and publication of Quality and Environmental Policy and Objectives
  • PR-050 Material Resources Management
  • PR-051 Stakeholder Needs, Expectations and Satisfaction
  • PR-054 Staff Training
  • PR-061 External Communication
  • PR-066 Identification and Evaluation of Environmental Issues
  • PR-067 Identification and Review of Legal Requirements
  • PR-077 Operational Control, Monitoring and Measurement of Environmental Issues
  • PR-078 Environmental Emergencies
  • PR-087 Integrated Quality and Environmental Management System Planning

Technical Instruction: Document in which the performance of a specific task or activity is specified in detail. Instructions usually refer to a procedure of which one of its aspects is developed.

  • IT-001 Management of Hazardous Waste
  • IT-002 Health Care Waste Management

Summarized Technical Instruction: Technical Instruction from which certain sections that are not considered to be of interest to students are eliminated, since they are published for the information of the students. The Summarized Technical Instructions are always derived from a Technical Instruction.

Informative Document: A medium that gathers information on specific aspects of university life, usually in the form of a manual or guide, and aimed at interest groups other than university personnel. Generally, information documents are reviewed and updated annually, at the beginning of each academic year, in order to keep the information provided up to date.

  • DI-032 Indicator Manual
  • DI-037 Strategic Plan
  • DI-048 Integrated Management System Review Report by Management
  • DI-049 Process Manual
  • DI-060 Environmental statement

Internal Regulations: Document that includes the University's internal regulations and those established by the University itself.

Format: Printed form to collect the results of activities and data. It is an original template.

Record: Completed form or any other external document that evidences the result of an activity or process.

 

Organization chart 

Location and contact

Address: Villanueva de Gállego University Campus -. Tel: (+34) 976 060 100 - Mail: greencampus@usj.es

Web: https://www.usj.es

.

Main and secondary NACE Code: (NACE Rev.2) 85.42 Tertiary education, 

 

Environmental policy

Organizational Policy

San Valero Group's Quality and Environmental Policy

Quality and environmental awareness are two of the hallmarks of the culture of the San Valero Group, a pioneering group in the Aragonese education sector in the implementation of standardized systems that ensure students, families, employees and companies a management based on sustainability, continuous improvement, stakeholder satisfaction and occupational risk prevention.

The San Valero Group, through its management systems, aims to stand out for the quality of the service provided, innovation in its educational methods, personalized tutoring of students, occupational health of its employees and respect for the environment.

This Policy represents the framework for action and the setting of objectives and goals both in environmental aspects and in the path of continuous improvement.

Quality and environmental commitment are fundamental and inexorable elements in the culture of each and every one of the San Valero Group's institutions Valero Group, thereby increasing the competence and awareness of its staff with a view to continuously improving the services provided, as well as managing its actions in accordance with environmental and pollution prevention criteria, in order to reduce its impact on the environment and consequently minimize the ecological footprint of its activity.

Finally, through this manifesto, a commitment is made to reduce the consumption of natural resources, to reduce direct and indirect emissions, to respect the principle of reduce-reuse-recycle waste generated and to promote energy savings and the fight against climate change.

Cesar Romero Tierno

Director of the San Valero Group

July 2021.

 

Social Responsibility of Aragon San Valero Group

Environmental commitment is one of the hallmarks of the San Valero group, as reflected in the group's quality and environmental policy, revised in July 2021. At the forefront, the San Valero Foundation stands out as a pioneer in the implementation of an integrated management system certified to the ISO 14001 standard and its adhesion to the EMAS register since the 2009-2010 academic year. 

The San Valero Group has renewed for the seventh consecutive year the RSA + 2025 Seal, a distinction promoted by the Instituto Aragonés de Fomento. This recognition demonstrates the commitment to the initiatives promoted by our educational group for the integration of Social Responsibility and Business Ethics. The teams of the transversal areas of the different entities that make up the Group have worked along the lines set by this regional sustainability plan that values social, environmental and economic commitments. On this occasion, the highest seal issued by the Government of Aragon was awarded, thus making visible the commitment to move towards a more socially responsible activity and improvement in aspects such as conciliation, equality, volunteering and social action, promotion of culture and commitment to sustainable development objectives. 

The San Valero Group communicates the economic, environmental and social performance of the San Valero Group to all stakeholders in its "Statement of Non-Financial Information" considering the GRI Standards.

 

Integrated Management System Policy

San Jorge University is a non-profit institution whose mission is to serve society by creating and transmitting knowledge and contributing to the formation of people of integrity and good professionals. Our goal is to train committed and responsible citizens and expert professionals in the practice of their degree, with criteria and flexibility to adapt to the changing pace of the labor market, both nationally and internationally, and society in general.

San Jorge University, recognizing the important contribution of universities in the deployment of the Sustainable Development Goals, is committed to promoting relevant actions through its teaching and research activities, the efficient management of its operations and the social leadership of the institution.

Therefore, from the Integrated Quality and Environmental Management System we direct our efforts, from continuous improvement, to guarantee the highest quality in teaching, research and services to our stakeholders with the following premises:

  • To offer students a comprehensive educational proposal, not only in knowledge but also in values, characterized by personalized attention to students, which awakens their social conscience and prepares them to adequately respond to the demands of the professional environment and society, through current and relevant training programs and through solidarity, cultural and sports activities, and also to encourage their interest in continuing their education throughout their lives.
  • To ensure a culture of innovation and creativity in research activities and collaboration among stakeholders (students, professors and companies and institutions of the environment) to guarantee a relevant impact on society and an adequate transfer of the results and knowledge acquired.
  • Encourage the level of participation and engagement of all stakeholders with the university, based on effective and transparent communication with them.
  • To guarantee equal rights and opportunities throughout the university community, as well as a work style based on the spirit of service and collaboration.
  • Having the appropriate information security policies in place, appreciating the risks and implementing measures against threats.
  • To protect the environment, including the prevention of pollution, using resources rationally and minimizing environmental impacts, through the application of continuous improvement programs that favor the improvement of environmental performance.
  • Raise awareness and educate the university community on environmental aspects and impacts in order to promote sustainability.

This policy is a statement of the intentions and principles of San Jorge University, which also provides a global framework for the establishment and review of its strategic, quality and environmental objectives.

The Governing Council of San Jorge University undertakes to provide the human and material resources necessary for the implementation of the Integrated Management System of the University and to ensure its proper dissemination and application by all members of the university community in order to achieve the objectives set. It also undertakes to comply with all legal requirements, regulations and any other that the University acquires in terms of quality, environment.

This policy is reviewed annually, communicated to all members of the university community and made available to society.

In Villanueva de Gállego, October 7, 2024

Governing Council.

Mission

USJ Mission

The mission of the Universidad San Jorge is to serve society by creating and transmitting knowledge, and to fully educate students through innovation and continuous improvement processes.

 

Context of the University

San Jorge University considers the context in which it carries out its activity, including the environmental conditions that may affect or be affected by the organization, through the analysis of various sources, which is finally reflected in the Strategic Plan, with a five-year periodicity. Prior to the drafting of the Strategic Plan, a strategic reflection is carried out on the university model to be adopted, taking into account and identifying the risks and opportunities for improvement and the environmental analysis established by the EMAS Regulation.

The Governing Board has determined the stakeholders or interest groups relevant to the University, and ensures that the needs and expectations of the stakeholders (with particular attention to the University's students), along with legal and regulatory requirements, are identified and met.

Stakeholders:

  • Board of Trustees
  • Students
  • Teaching and Research Personnel (PDI)
  • Technical and Management Staff (PTG)
  • Employers
  • Alumni
  • Public Administrations
  • Society
  • Suppliers and contractors

 

Risks and opportunities

San Jorge University, considering its context and the needs and expectations of stakeholders, determines the risks and opportunities and plans the necessary actions to address these risks and opportunities, also evaluating the effectiveness of the actions taken. 

In relation to the "PS5 Environmental Management" process, the following are the risks and opportunities for the 2024-2025 period:

    Risks

  • R1: New legislation or new customer requirements related to environmental issues or non-compliance with legislation by contractors.
  • R2: Failure to continue to improve environmental performance after having addressed the most significant environmental aspects for the organization.
  • R3: Generation of indirect environmental aspects that are difficult for the organization to control.

   Opportunities

  • O1: Promote a positive image of the University through the dissemination of its achievements in environmental issues.
  • O2: Apply transfer of knowledge acquired in the organization in environmental management to other areas such as teaching and research projects. 
  • O3: Collaborate with different departments of the University to establish synergies.

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Vision

Our vision is to be a consolidated University of recognized prestige for:

  • Its training model, its educational action and its range of degrees, which facilitate employability and international mobility, and at the same time are flexible for the development of lifelong learning.
  • Its capacity for research, innovation and knowledge transfer, with a relevant impact on the socioeconomic environment.
  • Collaborate in projects and promote initiatives that actively contribute to the progress of Aragonese society.
  • To be socially responsible.

 

Values

San Jorge University has and promotes the following values as its own:

  • Responsibility.
  • Social commitment.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Self-demand and effort.
  • Entrepreneurial attitude.
  • Spirit of service.
  • Sense of belonging.
  • Teamwork.
  • Creativity.
  • Adaptability.

Communication and participation

Communication and stakeholder engagement

Participation in environmental initiatives

- Voluntary Registry of Entities Adhered to the Aragonese Climate Change and Clean Energy Strategy (EACCEL) of the Government of Aragon.

The University is adhered to the Aragonese Climate Change and Clean Energy Strategy (EACCEL) at level 2, Adhesion through an Action Plan since October 2013. The actions included in the action plan represent an emissions reduction of 7.3 tCO2 in the period 2008- 2012.

- Registry of Entities Adhered to the Aragonese Strategy for Environmental Education (EAREA) of the Government of Aragon.

Since 2009, the University is registered in the Registry of Entities Adhered to the Aragonese Strategy for Environmental Education.

 

CRUE Sustainability

San Jorge University participates in various working groups of the CRUE Spanish Universities Sustainability Sector Commission, where universities compile experiences in environmental management on campus, progress in the environmentalization of the university community and work in risk prevention, and cooperation is encouraged in these areas for the exchange of experiences and the development of best practices. 

During this academic year, we have participated in the Subgroup on Environmental Improvements in University Buildings and in the Group on the Evaluation of University Sustainability (GESU) in which we have collaborated in the preparation of the 2024 Report on Environmental Sustainability in Spanish Universities. The results were presented at the CRUE Sustainability meeting in spring.

On the other hand, CRUE-Sustainability established a system of voluntary recognition of environmental sustainability, which allows the universities' commitment and actions in this area to be publicly evidenced to third parties. 

In November 2024, during the celebration of the XXXV CRUE - Sustainability Conference, San Jorge University was awarded two recognitions. Firstly, it received the global recognition for environmental sustainability in Spanish universities, an award that highlights the university's general commitment to sustainability. In addition, it obtained specific recognition in the field of Energy, having achieved the highest rating in this specific area. 

 

Environmental volunteering

San Jorge University is part of the RIVA (Inter-University Network of Environmental Volunteering), a project carried out by the Participation and Volunteering Group of CRUE Sustainability, which allows its members to disseminate volunteer actions, organize volunteer exchanges between universities and support among member universities.

Other information and news of interest

During March 2025, a symbolic planting of 40 trees was carried out in the CO₂ compensation forest located in the municipality of Tauste, in the same area where the land affected by a fire had previously been restored. This action, which reinforces the commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change, included native species such as hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), contributing to the biodiversity of the environment.

The CO₂ compensation forest project consisted of restoring 5 hectares of burned land by planting 3,650 trees of species characteristic of the Mediterranean ecosystem, including Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), juniper (Juniperus phoenicea), red juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), and Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera). This action has restored the vegetation cover, reduced the risk of erosion, and created a carbon sink in Aragon, which will offset part of the emissions generated and move the region toward climate neutrality.

 

Social information

Link here to our main social networks.

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Environmental assessment and performance

Key metrics

 

◉ Global indicators 24-25

Includes the sum of all the organisation's sites under the EMAS Register. 

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

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3.125,753 MWh

- Renewable consumption 74.79
- Renewable generation 6 .15

WATER CONSUMPTION

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445.345,018 m3

- Supply network 7.22 (sanitary and irrigation) %Origin Well | Network
Origin Well | Network 

TOTAL DISCHARGES

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418.643,038 m3

- Public watercourse 98.69 (air conditioning - wells) % Sanitation system 1.31 (sanitary)
- Sanitation system 1.31 (sanitary)

CO2 EMISSIONS

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111,808 Tn

- Indirect 0 % Indirect
- Direct 100

WASTE

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62,439 Tn

• Hazardous 5.44%
• Recovery 97.07%

Unit values on production/performance

1,50 MWh/No. of people (FTE)

213,19 m3/No. of persons (FTE)

197,78 m3/No. of persons (FTE)

0,05 Tn/No. of persons (FTE)

1,63 Tn/No. of persons (FTE)

Unit Ref: No. of people (FTE) Teachers, technical and management staff, researchers and students.

 

 

Dimension of the activity

Description of the main activity

Villanueva de Gállego University Campus

San Jorge University has its campus in the town of Villanueva de Gállego, about 15 kilometers from Zaragoza. Its specific address is as follows:

  • Villanueva de Gállego University Campus

  • A-23 Zaragoza–Huesca Highway, Km. 299. Postal code 50830 – Villanueva de Gállego (Zaragoza)

  • Tax ID Number: G-99047672

  • Phone: 976 060 100

  • Website: www.usj.es

The Villanueva de Gállego campus consists of four buildings: the Rector's Office, the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Students and the Faculty of Health Sciences (itself made up of three phases), landscaped areas and a pine forest, managed by the University. The campus has sports areas: gymnasium, swimming pools, soccer fields and paddle tennis courts. The sports campus is owned by the Villanueva de Gállego City Council, which is responsible for its maintenance and management. The University has an agreement with the City Council that allows the use of these sports areas by the university community.

The process map for the 2024-25 academic year is shown below:

PROCESS DIAGRAM: Process map for the 2024-25 academic year

 

laboratory

Evolution of production activity 

2019-20 2024-25

 

Activity and occupation

To establish the number of people at the University to serve as the denominator in the indicators (figure B), the total number of full-time equivalents (FTE) is used. The formula used for its calculation is as follows: No. of persons (FTE) = (No. PDI FTE x 1.0) + (No. PTG FTE x 1.0) + (No. undergraduate students x 0.45) + (No. master's degree students x 0.25) + (No. doctoral students x 0.05) + (No. own degree students x 0.15).

PDI EJC= Total number of teaching and research staff (PDI) in official bachelor's and master's degrees equivalent to full time.
PTG EJC= Total number of full-time equivalent Technical and Management Staff (PTG).

 

Activities and buildings 

The Rector's building located in the center of the campus houses the offices of the members of the Rector's Council and the various management departments of the University, as well as the chapel, the main lecture hall and a cafeteria. 

The School of Communication and Social Sciences is located in the Jalón Ángel building on the university campus. The Faculty houses a live radio recording studio and a television set, nine video editing booths and three radio recording studios as valuable resources for the professional preparation of students, as well as classrooms and workshops with didactic resources for the teaching of the degrees taught in this Faculty. 

The Faculty of Health Sciences has three buildings and a small interior courtyard. The first building houses five laboratories dedicated to teaching and research, equipped with state-of-the-art technology that promotes eminently practical training and creates a real-world environment for student learning.

In the second building there is an Aula Magna for more than 260 people with a control booth and a translation booth. Moreover, this building has classrooms, offices and workshops dedicated to the studies taught in the field of Health.

The third and last building has an Advanced Biomechanics center, a Clinical Simulation center, classrooms, workshops and stretcher rooms for the practice of physical therapists.

In the 2016-2017 academic year, the Student Building was inaugurated, a space dedicated to students and their life within the university. A meeting point for students, where they can develop academic and extracurricular activities. In addition, all the services available to San Jorge University students have been relocated to this building.

The second floor of the Student Building includes the university library, a space for intellectual activity and documentation. This space has been conceived as a building highly committed to sustainability since its design phase, incorporating technologies that make the most of natural resources and existing facilities, as well as an optimal use of energy. During the 2020-21 academic year, the Students building, characterized by its high energy efficiency, was expanded. The building, which has three floors and a basement, houses the teaching of the degrees of the School of Architecture and Technology, as well as the theoretical sessions of several degrees of the Faculty of Health Sciences. In addition, it also houses the Digital Fabrication Workshop equipped with 3D printers and the Inycom Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Laboratory.  

In the 2021-22 academic year, this building, in which the teaching of different degrees of the University is taught, was put into operation.

In October 2021, the new headquarters of the San Valero Group, located in the center of Zaragoza, was inaugurated. The building also houses part of the USJ's academic offerings, as several master's degrees and its own degrees are taught there. This building is not included in the scope of the EMAS registration. It is planned to include this building within the EMAS scope in the 2025-2026 academic year and consult if it is considered a substantial change.

As a novelty, in 2025 a new space has been incorporated, located on the semi-basement floor between Buildings 2 and 3 of the Faculty of Health Sciences, to implement the located on the semi-basement floor between Buildings 2 and 3 of the Faculty of Health Sciences for the implementation of the Bachelor's Degree in Medicine. This space consists of a dissection room, a changing area for students, a space for technical and teaching staff, storage rooms and a facilities room. The facility has been taken into account in the Integrated Management System and after the analysis it has been determined that it does not constitute a substantial change, since the teaching and research activities that are developed are equivalent to those already carried out in other spaces of the campus such as the laboratories of Building 1.

Process map for the 2024-25 academic year

Energy use and management

Energy management

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the University's total energy consumption increased by 8.54% compared to the previous year, rising from 2,879.69 MWh in 2023-2024 to 3,125.75 MWh in 2024-2025. This figure includes the consumption of electricity, natural gas, and diesel, reflecting the institution's overall energy use.

This increase is mainly due to the growth of the university community, both in terms of student numbers and staff, which has led to greater demand for services, air conditioning, lighting, and use of facilities.

However, despite the overall increase, energy consumption per person has fallen to 1.50 MWh, the lowest value in the entire historical series. This indicator shows an improvement in energy efficiency, attributable to the optimization of facilities, the implementation of energy-saving measures, and greater environmental awareness among users.

usjenergy

Environmental management and control

Electricity consumption

The consumption of electrical energy at the Universidad San Jorge has increased by 6.25% with respect to the previous year. This increase is explained, in part, by the growth of the university community, which has generated a greater energy demand in the facilities.

However, the ratio of electricity consumption per person has decreased from 1.32 MWh/person in the 2023-24 academic year to 1.21 MWh/person in the 2024-25 academic year, reflecting an improvement in energy efficiency and an optimization in the use of available resources.

The electricity consumption data were obtained from the invoices of the supplier company and from the monitoring of the self-consumption generated by the photovoltaic installations located on the roofs of the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences and the Student Building, which during this academic year 2024-25 represent 7.60% of the total electricity consumption.

It should be noted that, for the calculation of the total consumption of renewable energy and its corresponding ratio, only the energy produced at the University itself has been considered, excluding the energy acquired with a Renewable Origin Guarantee Certificate, which represents the total grid energy consumed during the 2024-25 academic year.

On the other hand, the solar thermal panels used for the production of sanitary hot water in the Faculty of Health Sciences building remain out of use, so they have not contributed to the renewable energy balance of the course.

 

Renewable Energy Consumption (self-consumption)

Renewable energy consumption, considering only the energy generated by the photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs of the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences and the Student Building since March 2022, represents 6.15% of the total energy consumed during the 2024-25 academic year. This percentage is lower than that recorded in the previous academic year (7.90%), due to the fact that total energy consumption has increased by 8.54%, while photovoltaic production has remained stable or slightly lower (212.11 MWh in 2022-23, 227.55 MWh in 2023-24 compared to 192.39 MWh in 2024-25).

The evolution of renewable energy consumption from self-consumption (%) according to the latest data is as follows:

  • 2019-20 academic year: 0.00%

  • 2020-21 academic year: 0.00%

  • 2021-22 academic year: 3.95%

  • 2022-23 academic year: 7.50%

  • 2023-24 academic year: 7.90%

  • 2024-25 academic year: 6.15%

This decline in the last year does not reflect a loss of efficiency, but rather a greater increase in total consumption relative to installed generation capacity. To maintain or increase the share of self-consumption, it would be necessary to expand photovoltaic power.

Consistent with this trend, the ratio of renewable energy consumption per person also shows a downward trend. After reaching 0.121 MWh/person in the 2022-23 academic year and 0.126 MWh/person in 2023-24, it fell to 0.092 MWh/person in the 2024-25 academic year as a result of lower renewable energy production.

Finally, it should be noted that 74.79% of all the energy consumed at the University has a guarantee of renewable origin (Renewable Origin Guarantee Certificate from the supplier), although it has not been considered in the calculations of renewable energy consumption. 

 

Natural gas consumption 

Natural gas is used for the heating system of the Faculty of Health Sciences, the rest of the buildings (Rectorate, Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences, Students building and building 7) use a geothermal-based air conditioning system. The natural gas consumption data are obtained directly from the supplier's invoices.

Natural gas consumption has increased by 19.03% compared to the last two years, although it is still lower than in other years of the historical series. This increase is explained, in part, by the increase in the number of people on campus, which keeps the ratio of consumption per person stable, but raises total consumption. This growth could be linked to a greater occupation of spaces, a more intensive use of the facilities or changes in energy habits that have increased demand, despite the mild winter weather conditions.

 

Diesel consumption

The University has three emergency electric generators that are fueled by diesel. They are periodically tested to ensure their correct operation. During the period evaluated, their use has been notably higher than in previous years, due not only to the periodic test starts to verify their correct operation, but also to their prolonged activation during the nationwide blackout that occurred in April 2025. 

 

Generation of Energy from Renewable Sources

Also, the total generation of energy from renewable sources has been considered zero because the total renewable energy production of the University does not significantly exceed the total renewable energy consumed by the University nor has it been produced but not consumed by the University itself.

Evolution of specific metrics and ratios

Units of energy consumption in MWh and their ratios associated with the activity.

Others: Renewable energy consumption (self-consumption)

Others: Renewable energy consumption (self-consumption)

Water use and management

Water management

Water consumption at the University comes from different sources. Domestic water comes from the municipal network of Villanueva de Gállego Town Council and is used in cafeterias, laboratories, and restrooms. All buildings have individual meters that allow for detailed consumption monitoring.

To ensure its suitability for use in laboratories, the water undergoes a decalcification treatment. In addition, an analysis is carried out every year to verify compliance with the quality criteria established by current legislation for water intended for consumption.

Municipal water is also used for watering gardens, contributing to the maintenance of green areas on campus.

Finally, water is drawn from a well and fed into a geothermal system that is used to heat and cool the Rectorate Building, the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences, the Student Building, and Building 7. This water does not undergo any specific treatment and, after use, is returned to the aquifer through a discharge well, thus closing the cycle of use. To ensure its quality, analyses are carried out every six months.

usjaguas

Environmental management and control

Total water consumption during the 2024-25 academic year was 445,345.02 m3, representing a significant increase of 45.76% over the previous academic year. This increase is mainly due to the greater use of water from wells for air conditioning in the Rectorate Building, the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences, the Student Building, and Building 7.

The evolution of total water consumption per academic year is as follows:

  • 2019-20 academic year: 122,394.13m3

  • 2020-21 academic year: 199,812.42 m3

  • 2021-22 academic year: 323,907.15 m3

  • 2022-23 academic year: 244,167.70m3

  • 2023-24 academic year: 305,533.83m3

  • 2024-25 academic year: 445,345.02m3

Likewise, the water consumption ratios per person (m³/No. of people EJC) corresponding to each academic year are presented:

  • 2019-20 academic year: 89.47m³

  • 2020-21 academic year: 136.88m³

  • 2021-22 academic year: 206.05m³

  • 2022-23 academic year: 139.41m³

  • 2023-24 academic year: 169.21m³

  • 2024-25 academic year: 213.19m³

As for irrigation water, during this academic year, data could only be collected for September and the period between December and August. The consumption recorded in December and January is due to leaks in the system, as there was a breakdown in October and the repair and replacement of the irrigation system was not completed until February.

Although total irrigation water consumption during this period has decreased, the available data are not completely representative or reliable due to the incidents recorded. It is therefore considered necessary to strengthen the monitoring of this indicator, improve incident management, and promote more efficient use of the irrigation system, with the aim of achieving a real and sustained reduction in consumption.

Evolution of specific metrics and ratios

Waste water discharge management

Wastewater management

Regarding the University's water cycle, sanitary water effluents are discharged into the municipal sewage system. San Jorge University complies with the obligations set forth in the regulations on sanitary discharges.

In May 2019, the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation granted the authorization to discharge water from the air conditioning installations of the San Jorge University, including discharge limits in accordance with the concession.

Since June 2023, a revised discharge authorization valid for five years has been in place, which does not modify the discharge conditions with respect to the previous authorization.

The discharge parameters are as follows:

  • Annual volume: 450,278.0 m3
  • Maximum volume (month of maximum consumption): 48,787.2 m3
  • Equivalent average flow rate (month of maximum consumption): 18,22 l/s
  • Maximum instantaneous flow rate of all discharge intakes: 60.00 l/s
  • Maximum temperature: 30 ºC
  • Average monthly temperature difference: 8 ºC
  • Maximum thermal jump: 10 ºC

cautious

Environmental management and control

The frequency of measurement of the parameters is fortnightly and the results obtained are sent monthly to the Ebro River Basin Authority within 30 calendar days of the expired month.

The analytical results of the parameters pH, electrical conductivity, redox potential, dissolved oxygen, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, sulfates, carbonates, bicarbonates, total suspended solids, organic matter (COD) and silica in catchment and discharge, carried out by a Collaborating Entity with the Administration, are submitted every six months. The authorization does not establish limit values for these parameters.

Public waterway receiving the discharge: Gállego River

Atmospheric emissions

 

Emissions management

Generated by mobility

The location of the San Jorge University campus, in the municipality of Villanueva de Gállego, significantly affects the daily commute of the university community, which is mainly made up of residents of the city of Zaragoza.

With the aim of promoting a more sustainable mobility, the University provides students, teaching and administrative staff with a public transport service that meets their main needs for access to the campus. This service is structured in four routes that run through different areas of Zaragoza, a circular service within the municipality and an additional route that connects the campus with the city of Huesca.

Although the use of bicycles is still a minority, mainly due to the distance between Zaragoza and the campus, it is maintained among students and workers residing in Villanueva de Gállego, contributing to a cleaner and healthier mobility.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the use of public transportation has experienced a slight increase, reaching 1,472 users, compared to the 1,387 registered in the previous academic year (+6.1%). The number of kilometers traveled increased from 407,013 km in the 2023-24 academic year to 520,581 km in the 2024-25 academic year (+27.9%), due to the expansion of bus routes.

Likewise, an estimate of the CO₂ emissions generated by this service has been made, considering the kilometers traveled annually and the type of vehicles used. According to the emission factors established by the Oficina Catalana del Canvi Climàtic in the "Guia de calcul d'emissions de gasos amb efecte d'hivernacle" ( 2025 edition), the emission factor for buses is 0.646 kg CO₂/km. With this data, the service is estimated to have generated 336.30 tons of CO₂ during the 2024-2025 course, which means a ratio of 0.23 tCO₂ per user. 

usjemissions

Environmental management and control

According to the Catalog of Potentially Air Polluting Activities (CAPCA) approved by Royal Decree 100/2011, the emissions generated by the activity of the San Jorge University are included in the category: Combustion in non-industrial sectors: Commercial and Institutional (code 02 01 03 03), corresponding to combustion boilers with a rated thermal power of less than 2.3 MWt.

The University has two heating boilers located in the Faculty of Health Sciences, whose fumes are evacuated through two independent chimneys. These flues are not assigned to CAPCA groups A, B or C, so they do not require specific environmental authorization, but they must comply with the Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings (RITE), approved by Royal Decree 1027/2007 and its subsequent amendments (RD 238/2013 and RD 178/2021). In particular, Technical Instruction IT3 is applied, which regulates the conditions for the emission of atmospheric pollutants. The reviews carried out indicate that the facilities are within the limits established by said regulations.

Likewise, CO₂ emissions were calculated, including both direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions (Scope 2), using the conversion factors included in the official tool "Calculadora Huella de Carbono de una organización. Scope 1+2", version 31, developed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.

The fuel and electricity conversion factors for CO2 are as follows:

Scope 1

    • Natural gas: 0.182 kgCO2/KWh
    • Diesel fuel: 2,721 kgCO2/l

Scope 2

    • Electricity: 0.000 kgCO2/KWh; given that all the electricity consumed by the University has Renewable Origin Guarantee Certificates (GdO) issued by the supplier for the year 2024. For the elapsed period of 2025, the same value has been assumed, pending the issuance of the corresponding certificates, scheduled for 2026. 

In the case of fuel and electricity emission factors for CH4 and N2O:

Scope 1

    • Natural gas: 0.016 gCO2/kWh forCH4 and0.000 gCO2/kWh forN2O
    • Diesel: 0.365 gCO2/kWh forCH4 and0.022 gCO2/kWh forN2O

Finally, the gas emission factors for air conditioning and refrigeration equipment for 2024-25 are for R-407C with a GWP of 1,908.00.

During the 2024-25 academic year , the annual direct and indirect Carbon Footprint and greenhouse gas emissions are:

  • Scope 1 direct emissions (tCO2): 111.81
  • Scope 2 indirect emissions (tCO2): 0.00
  • Total (scope 1+scope 2) (tCO2): 111.81
  • Emissions per person (tCO2/person): 0.05

On the other hand, the total annual air emissions of SO2, NOx and PM10 generated in the combustion of natural gas boilers and diesel generators have been calculated. For this purpose, the combustion process emission factors for boilers and burners with nominal power of less than 50 MW, established in the 2018 combustion process emission factors of the Government of Navarra, have been taken into account.

The emission factors for SO2, NOx and PM10 for the 2024-25 course are:

  • Natural gas: 4.15 SO2 (g/GJ), 100.00 NOx (g/GJ), 0.45 PM10 (g/GJ)
  • Diesel oil: 93.00 SO2 (g/GJ), 89.00 NOx (g/GJ), 21.00 PM10 (g/GJ)

Total air emissions of SO2, NOx and PM10 generated by the combustion processes are detailed in the following table.

CO2 emissions

 

Carbon Footprint

The Carbon Footprint (CF) is an "indicator of the total Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emitted by direct or indirect effect of an individual, organization, event or product" (UK Carbon Trust 2008). 

The objective that San Jorge University seeks with the calculation of the carbon footprint is to know the overallCO2 emissions and identify those emission sources with a greater potential for reduction in order to establish specific improvement actions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint. 

Following the publication of Royal Decree 163/2014, of March 14, which created the registry of carbon footprint, offsetting and carbon dioxide absorption projects, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge developed the tool "Carbon footprint of an organization. Scope 1+2" to facilitate the calculation for organizations. The University, since 2012, calculates its carbon footprint with this tool, with the aim of making its registration in the Ministry's registry. In 2015 and 2019, the "Calculo y Reduzco" seal was achieved. In the year 2023, a 28.47% reduction in the average emission intensity in the three-year period 2021-2023 with respect to the three-year period 2020-2022 was achieved, for scope 1+2. This framework has been updated with the entry into force of Royal Decree 214/2025, of March 18, which repeals the previous one and establishes the obligation for certain entities to calculate their carbon footprint, prepare greenhouse gas emission reduction plans and publish them, reinforcing the role of the registry as a tool for transparency and environmental management.

The calculation of the Carbon Footprint of the university campus of the Universidad San Jorge for the year 2024 has been carried out, excluding from the analysis the building located in the Plaza Santa Cruz. For this purpose, the official tool "Calculadora Huella de Carbono de una organización. Scope 1+2", version 31, developed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.

The calculation includes both direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions associated with electricity consumption (Scope 2). The result obtained was 225.89 tons of CO₂ equivalent, with a ratio of 0.11 tons of CO₂e per equivalent person.

This value represents a significant increase over the previous year, when 89.30 tons of CO₂e were recorded. This uptick is mainly due to refrigerant leaks in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, which have a high global warming potential.

For the calculation of the different indicators, the MITECO's Organizational Carbon Footprint Calculator V.31. https://www.miteco.gob.es/content/dam/miteco/es/cambio-climatico/temas/mitigacion-politicas-y-medidas/calculadora_hc_tcm30-485617.xlsx has been used.

 

The MITECO's Organizational Carbon Footprint Calculator V.31. has been used to calculate the different indicators. https://www.miteco.gob.es/content/dam/miteco/es/cambio-climatico/temas/mitigacion-politicas-y-medidas/calculadora_hc_tcm30-485617.xlsx

GHG emissions certifications andCO2 registries

Following the publication of Royal Decree 163/2014, of March 14, creating the Registry of carbon footprint, offsetting and carbon dioxide absorption projects, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge developed the official tool "Carbon footprint of a MITECO organization. Scope 1+2" to facilitate the calculation for organizations. https://www.miteco.gob.es/content/dam/miteco/es/cambio-climatico/temas/mitigacion-politicas-y-medidas/calculadora_hc_tcm30-485617.xlsx. This framework has been updated with the entry into force of Royal Decree 214/2025, of March 18, which repeals the previous one and establishes the obligation for certain entities to calculate their carbon footprint, prepare reduction plans and publish them, reinforcing the role of the registry as a tool for transparency and environmental management.

San Jorge University, in line with this framework, has been calculating its carbon footprint since 2012 with the aim of registering in the Ministry's registry. Thanks to this commitment, relevant milestones have been reached:

- 2015 and 2019: obtaining the "Calculo y Reduzco" seal. - 2020: obtaining for the first time the "Calculo, Reduzco y Compenso" seal, thanks to the 28.08% reduction in the average emission intensity of the three-year period 2018-2020 with respect to the three-year period 2017-2019 (scope 1+2), and the offset of 10 tons of CO₂ in the Sierra de Gredos (4.69% of the 2020 footprint). - 2021 and 2022: obtaining the "Calculo, Reduzco y Compenso" seal, with offsets in the Iruelas Valley. - 2023: obtaining the "Calculo y Reduzco" seal with a 28.47% reduction in the average emission intensity of the three-year period 2021-2023 with respect to the three-year period 2020-2022.

For the 2024 course, the Carbon Footprint has been calculated with the official tool "Calculadora Huella de Carbono de una organización. Scope 1+2." The calculation includes both direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions associated with electricity consumption (Scope 2). The result obtained was 225.89 tons of CO₂ equivalent, with a ratio of 0.11 tons of CO₂e per equivalent person.

The calculator calculation is shown below:

 

Waste production and management

 

GenerWaste generation

To ensure proper management of the waste generated, San Jorge University has provided waste bins and receptacles throughout its facilities to enable proper waste sorting, with recycling stations in all buildings, thereby facilitating selective collection. In the case of Hazardous waste, there are two temporary Hazardous waste storage facilities Hazardous all necessary measures to prevent environmental contamination risks, in addition to other designated areas within the laboratories of the Faculty of Health Sciences for the interim storage of such waste. Subsequently, waste management is carried out through authorized transporters and waste management companies.

usjwaste

Environmental management and control

Hazardous Waste

During the 2024–25 academic year, a total of 3.40 tons of Hazardous waste was generated, a figure higher than that of the previous academic year. This increase is primarily attributed to a rise in the number of people at the university—including students, administrative staff, faculty, and researchers—as well as to increased activity in laboratories resulting from academic internships and research projects.

Of the total Hazardous waste, specifically 46.24% underwent Recovery operations. Specifically, 32.67% underwent intermediate operations with Recovery as the final destination Recovery R13), 11.69% underwent pretreatment prior to Recovery R12), and the remainder was recycled or used for the recovery of organic substances. Disposal operations accounted for 53.76% of the total, with 20.96% destined for physicochemical treatment prior to landfill (D9), another 11.22% for blending or premixing prior to any disposal operation (D13), and the remainder for intermediate operations with final disposal as the destination (D15).

The distribution of Hazardous waste Hazardous that bio-medical waste was the most abundant (20.92%), followed by contaminated absorbents (20.23%), inorganic liquids such as acidic, neutral, and basic inorganic liquids (16.02%), and non-halogenated organic liquids (12.76%).

Hazardous waste

As for Hazardous waste, 59.04 tons were generated during the 2024–25 academic year, a figure higher than the previous academic year due to increased maintenance of green spaces and their expansion, the growth of the university community, and the replacement of furniture and adaptation of new spaces to meet academic needs.  

Of the total Hazardous waste, 62.16% consists of pruning clippings and grass clippings generated during the maintenance of green spaces and subsequently used for compost, 29.15% consists of paper and cardboard sent for recycling, 5.89% consists of street furniture, 2.13% consists of filters, expired medication, and discarded Hazardous electrical equipment.  

Evolution of specific metrics and ratios

Management of raw materials and resources

Management of material resources

Material consumption

The materials used are those necessary to provide the training actions in the different specialties of the centers. The most important raw materials are office supplies, paper, laboratory chemicals and phytosanitary products. 

subjects

Environmental management and control

Consumption of laboratory chemicals

University laboratories are characterized by a large number of chemical products, although small quantities of each are used throughout the academic year. For this reason, the data are shown aggregated by typology (solid or liquid). In the case of liquids, the liter unit is used, since it groups different products, each with a different density.

The consumption of laboratory products has been increasing over the years due to an increase in the number of undergraduate, master's and doctoral students using these facilities, although the ratio has decreased from 0.154 l/person in liquids and 0.014 kg/person in solids in the 2024-25 academic year to 0.174 l/person in liquids and 0.021 kg/person in solids in the 2023-24 academic year, which could reflect an improvement in the efficiency of use or a stabilization in demand. These indicators will continue to be monitored to encourage the responsible use of resources and make progress in reducing environmental impact.

 

Consumption of office supplies

Paper consumption has decreased with respect to previous years, despite the increase in the number of photocopies made and toner consumption. These aspects will continue to be monitored in order to continue promoting savings in raw materials.

During the 2024-25 academic year, there was an increase in toner consumption, from 51.70 kg to 64.9 kg. In terms of per person ratios, toner consumption has risen slightly from 0.029 to 0.031 kg/person.

 

Consumption of phytosanitary products

Since the 2015-16 academic year, the University has been responsible for the maintenance of green areas on campus, using phytosanitary products.

This year the highest consumption recorded was 194.48 kg. The ratio per person has also increased, due to the increase in the maintenance of the university's gardens and green areas and the planting of trees and shrubs in new areas of the campus. 

Evolution of specific metrics and ratios

 

 

Biodiversity

Biodiversity indicators

Biodiversity 

The total area occupied by San Jorge University is 90,342m2, and the sealed area amounts to 17,527m2. 

As for the surface area oriented according to nature, the green and garden areas managed by the University have been considered. In the indicator of surface area oriented outside the center, the CO₂ emissions compensation project carried out in Tauste, where 5 hectares of trees were planted in November 2024, has been included. 

Other information of environmental interest

Indicators and impacts

For the time being, there are no indicators or specific data available to evaluate additional environmental impacts in this category.

 

other aspects

 

Impact analysis and improvement planning

Environmental aspects and impacts

Environmental aspects and impacts

The methodology established at San Jorge University to identify, evaluate, and record direct, indirect, abnormal, and emergency environmental aspects is documented in procedure PR-066 Identification and Evaluation of Environmental Aspects. 

First, the environmental aspects and associated environmental impacts are identified. Next, the direct, indirect, abnormal, and emergency environmental aspects identified at San Jorge University and the resulting environmental impacts are described. 

your aspects

Description of the most important and significant environmental aspects

Direct environmental aspects and associated impacts 

  • Consumption of natural resources (raw materials, water, energy, and fuel): Reduction of water resources and water pollution. Increase in air pollution. Loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. Depletion of non-renewable natural resources. Consumption of fossil fuels. Climate change.
  • Dumping: Contamination of water resources. Loss of biodiversity.
  • Noise: Decrease in the environmental quality of the surroundings.
  • Emissions: Air pollution. Increase in the greenhouse effect, climate change and alteration of air quality.
  • Generation of Hazardous waste: Soil contamination. Contamination of aquifers through leaching. Contamination of surface water. Greenhouse gas emissions. Land use. Creation of sources of infection. Production of unpleasant odors. Consumption of energy and materials.
  • Generation of Hazardous waste: Soil contamination. Contamination of aquifers through leaching. Contamination of surface water. Greenhouse gas emissions. Land use. Creation of sources of infection. Risks to human health. Production of unpleasant odors. Consumption of energy and materials.
  • Generation of electric energy: Consumption of materials.

 

Indirect environmental aspects and associated impacts 

  • Transportation: Air pollution. Increase in the greenhouse effect, climate change and alteration of air quality. Fossil fuel consumption. Land occupation. Risks to public health.
  • Sports activities: Reduction of water resources and increase in atmospheric pollution. Fossil fuel consumption.
  • Environmental training and awareness: Increased perception of environmental problems arising from activities. Increased level of knowledge to participate in sustainable development. Promotion of the sustainable development of the University. In students, development of environmental and sustainable development competencies related to their field of study.
  • Research: Promotion of sustainable development in society.
  • Contracts: Depletion of non-renewable natural resources. Water consumption. Soil contamination, waste generation.
  • Consumption of natural resources in households in remote work (raw materials, water, energy and fuel): Reduction of water resources and water pollution. Increase in atmospheric pollution. Loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. Depletion of non-renewable natural resources. Consumption of fossil fuels. Climate change.
  • Household discharges in remote work: Contamination of water resources. Loss of biodiversity.
  • Generation of Hazardous waste Hazardous households engaged in remote work: Soil contamination. Aquifer contamination due to leaching. Surface water contamination. Greenhouse gas emissions. Land use. Creation of sources of infection. Production of unpleasant odors. Consumption of energy and materials.

 

Environmental aspects in abnormal situations and associated impacts 

This section identifies the environmental aspects arising from the abnormal situation caused by the renovation work on Buildings 2 and 3 of the Faculty of Health Sciences carried out during the 2024-25 academic year.

  • Emissions: Air pollution. Increase in the greenhouse effect, climate change and alteration of air quality.
  • Consumption of natural resources (raw materials, water, energy, and fuel): Reduction of water resources and water pollution. Increase in air pollution. Loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. Depletion of non-renewable natural resources. Consumption of fossil fuels. Climate change.
  • Dumping: Contamination of water resources. Loss of biodiversity.
  • Noise: Decrease in the environmental quality of the surroundings.
  • Generation of Hazardous waste: Soil contamination. Contamination of aquifers through leaching. Contamination of surface water. Greenhouse gas emissions. Land use. Creation of sources of infection. Production of unpleasant odors. Consumption of energy and materials.
  • Generation of Hazardous waste: Soil contamination. Contamination of aquifers through leaching. Contamination of surface water. Greenhouse gas emissions. Land use. Creation of sources of infection. Risks to human health. Production of unpleasant odors. Consumption of energy and materials.
  • Fire (emissions, dumping and waste): Air pollution. Waste generation. Loss of biodiversity. Loss of soil. Water consumption.
  • Spill: Soil contamination. Waste generation.
  • Dumping: Soil and water contamination. Waste generation.

 

Environmental aspects in emergency situations and associated impacts

  • Fire (emissions, dumping and waste): Air pollution. Waste generation. Loss of biodiversity. Loss of soil. Water consumption.
  • Spill: Soil contamination. Waste generation.
  • Dumping: Soil and water contamination. Waste generation.
  • Leakage of refrigerant gases (emissions): Air pollution. Increased greenhouse effect, climate change and altered air quality.
  • Legionella outbreak: Biological contamination. Public health risk.
  • Flooding: Water contamination. Waste generation.

 

Once the environmental aspects have been identified and quantified, they are evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Severity (Gr): degree of danger/incidence.
  • Magnitude (Mg): quantification of the aspect.
  • Frequency (Fr): probability of occurrence of that situation. 

The significance of the direct and indirect aspects in normal situation is calculated according to the following expression:

  • Normal situation (direct and indirect) and abnormal = 3 Mg + 2 Gr
  • Emergency situation = 3 Gr + 2 Fr

Once calculated, those with a value equal to or greater than 17 are considered significant. 

In September 2024, an assessment of aspects of the 2024-25 academic year was carried out. In September 2025, a new assessment of environmental aspects was carried out, which was taken into account in the preparation of the environmental management program for the 2025-26 academic year.

This information for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years is provided in the following table:

Description of significant environmental aspects 

Environmental improvement planning

Target Planning

The Strategic Plan (2020-2025) of San Jorge University establishes the following strategic lines of action in environmental matters:

  • Minimize the university's environmental impact by improving efficiency in the management of material, energy and waste flows.
  • Advance in climate neutrality and adaptation to climate change.
  • Strengthen training, research, sensitization and environmental awareness of the university community.

At the end of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, it has been possible to evaluate the quantitative evolution of the strategic lines, according to the average degree of fulfillment of the indicators associated with each established objective.

your goals

Environmental improvement planning

SO-75: Minimize the environmental impact of the University by improving efficiency in the management of material, energy and waste flows.

WASTE: 75%.

    • RA-01: Improve selective waste collection (2023-24/2024-25)
    •  OA-06: Implement "Zero Waste" management system (2021-2022)
    •  OA-03: Reduce the use of plastic on Campus (2024-25)

ENERGY: 66.66%.

    • AO-03: Reduce energy consumption (2022-2023/2023-2024/2024-2025)

WATER: 33.33% WATER: 33.33% WATER: 33.33% WATER: 33.33

    • AO-05: Reduce irrigation water consumption (2022-2023/2023-2024/2024-2025)

SO-76: Advancing climate neutrality and climate change adaptation

EMISSIONS: 60.00%.

    • OA-02: OffsetCO2 emissions (2021-2022)
    • AO-02: Create aCO2 emissions offsetting project (2022-2023/2023-2024/2024-2025 )
    • AO-04: Promote sustainable mobility among the university community (2022-2023)

ENERGY: 50.00%.

    • OA-03: Increase renewable energy production (2021-2022)
    • AO-04: To reduce energy consumption in the Faculty of Health Sciences (2021-2022/2023-2024/2024-2025).

SO-77: Strengthen training, research, sensitization and environmental awareness of the university community.

SENSITIZATION: 100%.

    • OA-01: Improve the dissemination of environmental information (2022-2023)
    • AO-04: Promote environmental awareness of sustainable mobility among the university community (2021-2022/2023-2024)

The 2025-2026 academic year will be the first year of implementation of the USJ 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which includes a project in Strategic Axis 6 (Identity and social commitment at work): Promoting a sustainable environment, optimizing resources, raising awareness among the university community and minimizing the environmental impact of our activity. The environmental objectives established each year will develop the project indicated in the Strategic Plan.

In addition, a series of categories/vectors have been established for the assignment of objectives, which will make it possible to assess the evolution of each vector over time:

  1. Energy.
  2. Waste.
  3. Water.
  4. Sensitization.
  5. Mobility.
  6. Green areas and biodiversity.

 

Environmental investment

San Jorge University allocates specific economic resources to guarantee compliance with the environmental objectives established in its Integrated Management System. The Governing Council, as the responsible body, ensures that the necessary investments are made to favor continuous improvement, supporting both corrective actions and initiatives for environmental awareness, training and efficiency.

 

Good environmental management practices

Studies, research, training and awareness-raising

Graduate studies

As part of its commitment to the environment, San Jorge University offers a series of postgraduate studies that enable students to develop skills related to environmental improvement and sustainability.

 

Doctorate in Environment

It presents a comprehensive proposal in environmental research from all its aspects: methodological, technological and management, which encompasses the identification, control and prevention of environmental impacts generated on water, soil, atmosphere and on health and living beings. It has lines of research on the detection, evaluation and control of local pollution and the study of global impacts such as climate change. The optimization of processes and economic activities through the study of Life Cycle Analysis and environmental costs and energy efficiency are research objectives in the proposals for transfer to companies.

 

Research groups

The University has two environmental research groups, in which 20 researchers work.

GREENLIFE: The main objective of GREENLIFE is to deepen the knowledge of the physical, chemical and environmental properties of green solvents and other chemical substances of interest, so that the results can ensure their environmental friendliness and facilitate their applicability. Based on the main premise of Green Chemistry, the results of the research group can be used to design "à la carte" similar compounds, which maintain their applications, but minimize the environmental risk.

During the 2024-25 academic year, several research projects related to the environment and the health field have been developed: 

  • RADAR: Renewable and safe Aromatic Diols As Replacements for substances of very high concern
  • Evaluation of the in vitro toxicity of therapeutic deep eutectic solvents.
  • Development of deep eutectic systems with biomedical applications.
  • Selection, synthesis and evaluation of Deep Eutectic Solvents with good physicochemical and toxicological properties.

During this academic year, 2 research publications on environmental issues have been published in scientific journals of impact and 6 book chapters have been published. 

ECO2CHEM: Their environmental research involves all its aspects: methodological, technological and management. In this sense, they are a team with the ability to address environmental problems and propose comprehensive solutions from a multidisciplinary approach under the One Health Perspective. They innovate to anticipate the needs of the company in environmental matters and work for sustainability.

During the 2024-25 academic year, several research projects related to the environment have been developed:

  • Search for synergistic effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol with commercial antibiotics as therapy on pathogenic bacteria
  • Search for natural enhancers of commercial antibiotics that reduce the generation of resistance.
  • Therapeutic use of phages

During this academic year, 5 research publications on environmental issues have been published in scientific journals of impact.

 

Environmental training and awareness at the undergraduate level

The University's environmental policy includes as a commitment to environmental improvement "to raise awareness and train students on the environmental aspects and impacts derived from both their current educational activity and their future professional activity". The environmental topics covered in the different degrees are waste management, environment and health, climate change, environmental management, sustainability, green economy and good environmental practices.

 

Environmental information and awareness

The Green Campus office participates in the welcome day for new students, presenting the activities and services related to environmental management and environmental training and awareness that are developed at the San Jorge University.

Throughout the academic year, the Green Campus office uses various channels to inform and raise awareness of environmental issues among the entire university community:

  • Website: Within the San Jorge University website there is a specific section called Green Campus, which publishes the Environmental Statement, provides information on environmental management, includes good environmental practices, information on training, volunteering and environmental research. https://www.usj.es/vive-campus/green-campus

  • Student website: During the 2024-25 academic year, the CampUSJ online section was transformed into a space on the website dedicated to students. This new website provides information on all the university's activities, news, and developments, including those from the Quality, Validations, and Environment Department, where the most important updates are highlighted.

 

Integration with SDG of Agenda 2030

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In 2015, all member states of the United Nations (UN) adopted the 2030 Agenda. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a plan of action in favor of people, planet and prosperity, which also intends to strengthen universal peace and access to justice.

 
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The area of training, research and awareness is related to SDG 4 Quality education, which aims to ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and has among its goals to ensure that all students acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to promote sustainable development.

 
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Water management is related to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which aims to improve water quality by reducing water pollution and the efficient use of water resources.

 
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Energy management is linked to SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, which aims to ensure universal access to sustainable, affordable and secure energy and proposes to significantly increase the availability of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.

 
Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.

The research area is related to SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructures, which includes among its goals to increase scientific research and improve the technological capacity of the industrial sectors, promoting innovation and considerably increasing the number of people working in research and development and public and private sector spending on research and development.

 
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The management of material consumption is related to SDG 12: Responsible production and consumption, which includes among its goals the efficient use of natural resources and the promotion of sustainable procurement practices. Waste management is also related to SDG 12: Responsible production and consumption, which aims to significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse activities.

 
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects.

Our action is also related to SDG 13: Climate action, since part of the greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production and consumption. The purchase of all electrical energy with a renewable energy certificate boosts the University's commitment to these SDG. San Jorge University promotes sustainable mobility through a public transport service that facilitates access to the university campus.

 
Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Biodiversity management is related to SDG15: Life of terrestrial ecosystems, since the campus can be understood as urban ecosystems, which include green areas and natural or semi-natural areas. San Jorge University manages its green areas, gardens and pine forests, promoting biodiversity.

 
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
 
Obtaining the seal symbolizes the Group's commitment to SDG 17 Alliances to achieve objectives, as it encourages and promotes the creation of effective alliances in the public, public-private and civil society spheres.

◉ Verification record

This Digital Environmental Statement has been verified by:

AENOR CONFÍA, S.A.U., nº ES-V-0001 - AENOR

The most valid document, or in case of discrepancies, is the PDF digitally signed by the verifying body. This document is a true reflection and printout of this Digital Environmental Declaration or rendered web page. You can download this render here as the CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL DECLARATION: UNIVERSITY-SAN-JORGE-24-25-191225-L-and-ANNEX-VII-3.pdf

Date of lastedit: – Master File Version No.: 0

ORGANIZATION: SAN JORGE UNIVERSITY - CENTER/s - COVERAGE: University Campus of Villanueva de Gállego.

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