Universidad Militar Nueva Granada: the country's first public university certified in Zero Waste

In a context where environmental and social challenges demand an urgent, structural response, the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada (UMNG) shows that a sustainable management model can be implemented from within the public sector, reaching a far-reaching achievement by becoming the first public university in Colombia certified in the Zero Waste Management System.

This recognition, awarded by Icontec in the Gold Category, reflects its environmental commitment and its institutional vision geared towards sustainability, innovation and educational transformation.

A certification that means more than an environmental achievement

The certification was presented on 30 January 2025, with the participation of the Global Zero Waste team, represented by Diego Romero, Technical Director, and Alberto Díaz, Certification Director. The recognition was awarded alongside the renewal of other important certifications in Quality Management, Environmental Management and Occupational Health and Safety.

Together these certifications show an integral approach on the part of the UMNG, one that is not limited to waste management but covers its whole institutional management model under principles of continuous improvement, health, efficiency and care for the environment.

Recognition of leadership that transforms

At Global Zero Waste we congratulate the whole UMNG community — students, teaching staff, administrative staff, contractors and suppliers — and especially the management team, whose leadership and strategic vision were fundamental in reaching this goal:

• Major General Javier Alberto Ayala Amaya, Ph.D., Rector.

• Brigadier General (Ret.) Arnulfo Traslaviña Sáchica, Vice-Rector General.

• Colonel Leonardo Fabio Castillo García, Head of the heritage protection office.

• Liliana Poveda, Environmental Lead.

• Mayra Alejandra Aldana Pérez, OPS Environmental Engineer.

Thanks to their commitment and coordinated work, the UMNG today stands as an educational institution that trains citizens with environmental awareness and the capacity to lead processes of transformation in their territories.

Public education with a sustainable vision

At Global Zero Waste we feel deeply honoured to have accompanied this process. The experience of the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada shows that sustainability is built as a community, with will, knowledge and coordination between sectors.

This is not only a finishing line but a new starting point towards a more conscious, regenerative university, connected with the challenges of our time.

We will go on accompanying the institutions that, like the UMNG, believe in the possibility of building a country with less waste, more environmental education and institutional management more coherent with the principles of the circular economy.

Because sustainability is not a utopia but an achievable reality where there is leadership, planning and the will to change!