In accordance with Law 30 of 1992 and other legal regulations, the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente (UAO) offers undergraduate, postgraduate, research, continuing education, and community outreach programs. Known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, UAO promotes the comprehensive development of its students and strives to create a positive impact on society.
Huerto Lab: Advancing a Circular Campus
* This topic is related to COP16 goal 8.
This project focuses on utilizing biowaste generated on campus. Initially, organic waste is characterized to determine the best processing routes through vermicomposting, traditional composting, or Bokashi composting. The biofertilizers produced are used in the university garden and for fertilizing the campus gardens. Treating 100% of organic biowaste allows UAO to avoid emitting 1967.5 kg CO2 eq/t of BRO (organic biowaste) and 84.9 g P eq/t of BRO (organic biowaste).
Sustainable Transformation: Integrated Management and Resource Recovery of Water and Solid Waste
* This topic is related to COP16 goal 7.
This project integrates the treatment, reuse, and recovery of wastewater and solid waste resources to obtain nutrients, energy, and materials, following the principles of the circular economy. It contributes to ecosystem protection and climate change mitigation, aligning with COP16 goals to reduce ecosystem exploitation. Additionally, it promotes social inclusion in urban and rural communities.
Success story
Impact Project
In response to a request from community leaders in Robles (Jamundí, Valle del Cauca), UAO formed an interdisciplinary team to enhance traditional farms with renewable energy solutions. Between 2021 and 2023, training workshops on photovoltaic systems, biodigesters, and gasifying stoves were conducted, promoting knowledge exchange and the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Strategic Partnership
Cooperativa COMEPCAFÉ
Technology Transfer for Food Security (Edible Mushrooms)
2019
Transfer of edible mushroom cultivation techniques to 450 farming families affiliated with the COMEPCAFÉ Cooperative in northern Cauca.
ONUDI (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and UPME (Mining and Energy Planning Unit)
Energy Efficiency Program with Regional Companies
2021
Energy consumption diagnostics for 10 companies, definition of energy performance indicators, and generation of improvement plans for energy efficiency.
Awards and Recognitions
- Caracol TV Environmental Protection Award (2016)
- National Andesco Minminas-Findeter Energy Efficiency Award (2015 and 2019)
- PRAU (University Environmental Projects Contest Award) Climate Change Projects Contest Award, CVC, Dagma, and Cali Mayor’s Office (2019)
- National Ecology Blue Planet Award (2019), Banco de Occidente
- GHG (Greenhouse Gases) Verification 2022, ICONTEC (Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification).
Collaboration Opportunities
By submitting this form, you express your interest in establishing a bilateral collaboration with our institution or contributing to one of our projects.
Events
September 5
International seminar on PhDs, academic networks and COP16 Cali-Pacific: biodiversity summit and contributions from the alma mater 2024
Location: Universidad autónoma de occidente (Cll 25 # 115-85)
City: Cali
Time of event: 8:00 a. m.
International seminar PhDs, academic networks and COP16 Cali-Pacific: biodiversity summit and contributions from the alma mater 2024, a pre-event of the COP16 Biodiversity Summit.
September 6
Creative and Cultural Industries Congress
Location: Universidad autónoma de occidente (Cll 25 # 115-85)
City: Cali
Time of event: 8:00 a. m.
Knowledge Agenda of COP16, the Government of Valle del Cauca, the Departmental Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, Codecti, together with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Minciencias, will hold eight congresses in municipalities such as Cali, Buenaventura, Cartago, Buga, Tuluá and Palmira.
October 3 to 5
2nd International Congress on Bioeconomy
Location: Universidad autónoma de occidente (Cll 25 # 115-85)
City: Cali
Time of event: 8:00 a. m.
This Congress is a space designed to deepen the understanding and expansion of the bioeconomy at a global level.
News
UAO joins the objective of cooperating in COP16
UAO reaffirms its commitment to the region
