The Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, scientific publications in SCOPUS, and the Laboratory for Sustainability and Climate Change are among the 147 impactful research initiatives and projects that Tecnológico de Monterrey contributed to in 2022 and 2023. These efforts are part of the institution’s commitment to sustainable development for individuals and their communities.
Impactful research is one of the nine categories featured in the third edition of the institution’s Sustainable Development Initiatives Report. This report also highlights the work of faculty researchers who contributed to 2,352 academic publications in journals, 424 popular science articles, 459 implemented research projects, 134 coordinated books, 127 published books, 85 published book chapters, and 25 patents.
“Our research at Tec, characterized by its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, is crucial for advancing sustainable development. It addresses the complex challenges of today’s world with comprehensive and transformative solutions,” says Feniosky Peña-Mora, Executive Vice President for Research and National Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences, in the report.
Furthermore, through various academic research projects, Tecnológico de Monterrey supports the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). These projects drive innovation and technology development in areas such as health, education, environment, climate change, and public policy formulation, among others.
Impactful Research for Sustainable Development
The report highlights several notable research initiatives, including the Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing. This institute, established in 2022, aims to contribute to a carbon-neutral economy through research, technological development, and science-based entrepreneurship.
The Institute promotes the design of high-tech manufacturing processes to accelerate and scale the production of advanced materials with minimal environmental impact.
Another standout initiative is the scientific publications in SCOPUS from EGADE Business School. These publications focus on generating solutions to humanity’s challenges through knowledge, particularly with an impact on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2023-2024.
The Laboratory for Sustainability and Climate Change, also mentioned in the report, provides consultancy and develops solutions and prototypes to address climate change challenges in the western region of Mexico.
Additionally, the Nansen Clinic for Migration and Refugee Services is an initiative that provides sustainable responses to the legal, psychosocial, and integration needs of migrants and refugees in Mexico.
David Garza, Rector and Executive President of Tecnológico de Monterrey, emphasizes in the report that “universities—as centers of research and learning—play a crucial role in generating information and knowledge, but more importantly, in fostering leadership committed to sustainability.”
Tec Unveils 2022-2023 Sustainable Development Initiatives Report
Sharing internet access and improving community spaces, offering free or low-cost courses, training, and health services are among the actions presented by Tecnológico de Monterrey in its third Sustainable Development Initiatives Report. These efforts have impacted 932,880 people across Mexico.
The report details a total of 851 initiatives, projects, activities, and programs conducted by students, alumni (EXATEC), faculty, researchers, and staff from Tec de Monterrey, TecSalud, and Tecmilenio, along with partners including social organizations, businesses, international bodies, and government agencies.
“This report highlights the contributions of everyone involved in these initiatives—the community, academia, students, and collaborators. Many people have made this possible through their commitment and dedication,” said Inés Sáenz, Vice President of Inclusion, Social Impact, and Sustainability.
Among the notable actions taken between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, the report showcases 87,825 free or low-cost courses; a 47% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on campus; 5,446 social aid packages, including food and clothing, for victims of Hurricane Otis; support or training for 2,330 small and medium-sized enterprises (MiPymes); 217,000 people benefiting from internet access and basic digital skills development; 51,105 consultations; and 400 full scholarships.
Of these actions, 657 were carried out by Tec de Monterrey, 190 by Tecmilenio, and 4 by TecSalud.
The report also highlights that the Quality Education (SDG 4) had the highest number of initiatives, with 211 registered; followed by Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) with 89; Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) with 68; and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) with 66.
“We must recognize these achievements, but also leverage them to enhance efforts and continue collaborating with allies across all sectors of society, finding innovative ways to make significant progress on the SDGs,” stated Cynthia Villarreal, Director of Sustainable Development and Engagement.
Tec Defines Indicators to Measure Results
As part of its strategy to assess the results and impact of initiatives and projects, Tecnológico de Monterrey has established indicators across nine categories:
- Materials and Communication for Quality Education
- Impactful Research
- Climate Action
- Solidarity Action
- Digital Inclusion
- Impactful Entrepreneurship
- Accessible and Sustainable Spaces
- Health and Well-being
- Social Mobility
Among these categories, the one with the most initiatives was Materials and Communication for Quality Education, with 286 projects. It was followed by Impactful Research with 146 initiatives and Climate Action with 144.
“In this edition of the report, we took a step forward in better measuring the results of our initiatives and also the reach we have as an institution. We collaborated with the School of Government and Public Transformation and the Institute for the Future of Education to assess the results in a way that reflects the work, time, effort, and contributions of the Tec community to society,” said Paola Visconti, Manager of Ruta Azul initiative.
Based on these initiatives, projects, policies, and partnerships described in the report, Tecnológico de Monterrey has also advanced in university rankings focused on sustainable development, such as the THE Impact Rankings and QS Sustainability Ranking.
Through its work in sustainable development research, implementation of institutional policies, and programs in this area, the institution has improved its standings in these global, regional, and national lists.
The report was presented at Tec’s Monterrey campus, in front of institution executives, community members, and allies who have participated in various sustainable development initiatives and programs. During the ceremony, a panel also highlighted initiatives in the Digital Inclusion category.
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