Assessing the Sustainability of the University of Western Macedonia

The proposed work aims at assessing the sustainability of the University of Western Macedonia and, more specifically, of the Departments located in the townof Florina, Northern Greece; these refer to the School of Education, School of Fine Arts and the former Department of Balkan Studies which has been recently moved to the University of Macedonia located in Thessaloniki. The assessment concerns the period of 2000-2013 and is implemented on the three pillarsof sustainability, thus considering an environmental, social and economic point of view. Each pillaris divided into categories and furthermore into indices. The analysis presented in this work focuses on environmental issues, such as the use of water and waste management, while providing special emphasis on the energy use. More specifically, the consumption per academic year of electrical energy and oil for covering the respective demand is quantified, allowing the estimation of greenhouse gases emissions. In addition, issues related with the social factor are included, mainly embracing aspects of the scientific, educational and social contribution of Florina's Departments to the local, regional and international community. Moreover, economic issues related with the expenses of the institution and potential revenues are also discussed. The analysis borrows elements from the international experience, noting that systematic research on this field is not common on a national level. Within this context, the analysis aims at establishing a baseline of data, facilitating future actions towards sustainability. After all, a sustainable character of the University would raise public awareness in the respective issues, offering the public the opportunity to become familiar with the concept of sustainability through educational and demonstration activities, while enhancing the role of the UOWM as a key factor in the socio-economic environment of the wider area.