Avaliação interna de práticas laboratoriais quanto à sustentabilidade - estudo realizado na Universidade Federal de Viçosa - Campus Florestal

In Brazil, environmental management, led by the Ministry of the Environment since 1999, aims to integrate public entities to promote efficiency and environmental balance. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in disseminating sustainability, acting as research and training centers. An example of these efforts is the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), which implemented the Sustainable Logistics Management Plan (PLS) on a compulsory basis and the UFV + Sustainable Program on a free basis, among other programs. In view of the above, this study aims to determine which sustainability indicators should be considered when implementing an internal assessment in the laboratories of the Federal University of Viçosa - Campus Florestal, focusing on reducing water and energy consumption, waste management, and improving the quality of life of users. The study was conducted in the 63 laboratories of the Federal University of Viçosa - Campus Florestal (UFV-CAF), an institution with a history of School Farm since 1939. An observational, qualitative and descriptive-exploratory case study was adopted, using primary data collected through an online questionnaire, with a four-point Likert scale, applied to those responsible for the UFV-CAF laboratories. Firstly, data were collected regarding the number of laboratories, the area occupied by them and their purposes (teaching, extension and research). Subsequently, to support the research, a systematic review was carried out based on the PRISMA method, with four phases: identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion. From it, five relevant articles were analyzed that address the internal certification of green laboratories in foreign universities. In the third stage, which sustainability indicators would be used with the categories of: energy, water, equipment, chemicals, waste and recycling, and social aspects were identified. The fourth stage is represented by the formulation and sending of the questionnaires. The fifth stage involved data analysis. Using Excel®, the responses were converted into a spreadsheet with the data, the score was converted into four certification levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Green. Finally, the delivery of internal certification seals that were awarded based on the score obtained, allowing laboratories to obtain recognition and encourage continuous improvement of sustainable practices. This study was approved by the Ethics Committees of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Minas Gerais and the Federal University of Viçosa (CAAE: 74725223.5.3001.5153 and CAAE: 74725223.5.0000.0293, respectively). The laboratories at UFV Campus Florestal play a fundamental role in the institution's academic and research structure, reflecting a significant diversity in their purposes and sectors of activity. This study can verify that these laboratories occupy approximately 7.58% of the total built area of the campus, totaling approximately 3,933.113 m². The results revealed significant variability in sustainability scores, with only one laboratory achieving Gold certification, five laboratories receiving the Silver seal, seven laboratories achieving the Bronze seal, and twelve laboratories not achieving the minimum score for certification. This highlights the need to implement specific strategies to improve energy efficiency and sustainable use of resources in each laboratory. In short, the laboratories at UFV-CAF play a crucial role not only in academic training, but also in research and extension, contributing to scientific and technological development. A detailed analysis of these spaces reveals the importance of sustainable policies to ensure not only operational efficiency, but also the reduction of the environmental impact associated with their activities.