The methodology of the RAI-MINAM Environmental Sustainability Ranking considers a “Matrix of Indicators for the Incorporation of the Environmental Dimension in Universities” approved by the group of universities that comprise the RAI Network. This matrix serves as a guide to institutionalize university environmental commitment and evaluate the contributions of universities to national environmental management and sustainable development in the environmental component. It includes indicators grouped in five areas:

GOVERNMENT – 10% 

In the Government category, it seeks to know the degree of institutionalization of environmental sustainability in the university, reflected in the existence of mechanisms and instruments of university environmental policy.

• Institutional Environmental Policy – 3%
• Institutional Environmental Plan – 2%
• Institutional Environmental Statement – 3%
• Environmental website of the university – 1% 
• Environmental sustainability report – 1% 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – 35% 

In the Environmental Management category, it seeks to find out if the university implements concrete actions to reduce its environmental impact in accordance with its environmental commitment and institutional environmental policy.

• Total electricity consumption by the university in the last 12 months – 1%
• Total number of regular students – 1%
• Total number of academic staff and administrative staff working at the university – 1%
• Total electricity consumption (kiloWatt-hour) divided by the total university population – 3% 
• Use of energy-saving lighting in the university facilities – 3%
• Use of low-consumption appliances – 3%
• Number of renewable energy sources on campus or university sites (solar, wind, others) – 2% 
• The amount of renewable energy produced in kiloWatt-hours at the university – 1% 
• Institutionalized actions to save water – 2%
• Institutionalized actions to reduce the use of paper and plastic – 2%
• Institutionalized actions for solid waste management – 4% 
• Percentage of the campus or venues covered by natural or planted vegetation with respect to the total area – 2% 
• Implementation of sustainable construction elements – 2% 
• Carbon Footprint Inventory Report – 5% 
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy – 3% 

EDUCATION – 20% 

In the Education category, it seeks to find out if the university stimulates concern and action for environmental sustainability in the training of its students.

• Graduate profiles including the development of environmental skills – 6%
• Courses on environmental education and/or environmental sustainability in the study plans – 6%
• Number of events related to environmental sustainability – 8% 

RESEARCH – 20% 

In the Research category, it seeks to find out if the university promotes the generation of environmental knowledge through research practice

• Research groups on environmental issues and/or environmental sustainability – 3%
• Per capita production of publications in indexed journals – 10%
• Patents – 2%
• Per capita production of other types of publications – 5% 

SOCIAL PROJECTION – 15% 

In the Social Projection category, it seeks to find out if the university carries out social projection actions to contribute to the solution of environmental problems and the construction of an environmental civic culture.

• Number of social outreach initiatives related to environment and/or environmental sustainability issues – 8%
• Number of student environmental organizations existing at the university – 3%
• University Environmental Volunteer Program – 4%