EARTH UNIVERSITY
“Prepare leaders with ethical values to contribute to sustainable development and to construct a prosperous and just society.”
The idea for EARTH and its approach to agricultural and natural resources education arose in response to the identified need for agricultural and technical education in Central America during the 1980s’ Cold War conflict era (Zaglul 2010). Violence, poverty, and environmental devastation plagued the region and demanded a new approach to prepare professionals who would address these and other challenges. Costa Rica – as the only country in the region without any armed forces and with a strong history of democracy and public education – saw an opportunity to create a university that would do just this. An innovative educational model would be necessary to address the root causes of the issues affecting the region and promote its sustainable development. Thus, EARTH was born."
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“Our actions are mission-driven to alleviate poverty, promote social justice and build a future where our communities achieve sustainable and shared prosperity.”
“Human development, Academic excellence, Ethical behavior, Sustainable development, Social consciousness, The Search for knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation.”
EARTH University campus is carbon neutral:
In 2017, EARTH emitted about 1,742 tons of carbon dioxide.
EARTH is a Carbon Neutral verifier entity in Costa Rica.
EARTH University is a recipient of the highest distinction awarded by the Ecological Blue Flag Program in Costa Rica, a government initiative that seeks to promote public health, in the following categories: Non-coastal Community, Climate Change, Promotion of Community Health, Protected Natural Spaces, Seal of Health Quality and Neutral Climate Community.
More than 80% of the solid domestic waste produced on campus is recycled, transformed or reused.
Since 2007, energy consumption on the main campus has decreased nearly 32% thanks to the conversion to energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems.
Liquid petroleum gas consumption in EARTH’s cafeteria has decreased by 25% since 2009 when EARTH installed a bio-digester that collects wastewater from the University’s cafeteria, student dorms, laboratories and administration buildings, producing biogas to fuel three burners in the Institution’s cafeteria. This is one of six bio-digesters on campus.
Most of the vegetables, tubers, meats and dairy products served by the University’s cafeteria are grown organically and sustainably on EARTH’s academic farms.
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