Strategic Environmental Sustainability Plan for FESC in Cúcuta under the PMBOK (6th Edition) Framework

Abstract

Higher education institutions face the challenge of integrating sustainability into both administrative and academic management. At the Fundación de Estudios Superiores Comfanorte (FESC), the lack of strategic guidelines has led to isolated environmental actions, internal fragmentation, and inefficient use of natural resources. This study aimed to develop an environmental sustainability strategic plan based on project management standards to strengthen responsible resource management, reduce negative environmental impacts, and promote institutional well-being. A mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) with a descriptive field design was applied. Data were collected through direct observation, document analysis, and surveys administered to a sample of 52 participants selected from a population of 211, with a 90% confidence level and a 10% margin of error.

Results showed strong performance in resource management, particularly in campus operations (4.21) and energy efficiency (4.44). However, gaps were identified in the academic dimension (3.65) and institutional governance (3.79), where staff demonstrated limited knowledge of environmental policies. Low community participation (3.44), weaknesses in climate change actions (3.52), and strong external partnerships (4.25) were also observed. Based on these findings, six strategic lines were defined to improve institutional performance: campus operations, institutional governance (Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle), academic environmental management in education, research, and outreach, and environmental culture aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

This project enables FESC to transition from informal practices toward a systematic and measurable management model aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring long-term sustainability.