Campus Sustainability

Our Identity

Universities play a critical role in leading the transition to a more sustainable society. As centers of research and innovation, universities possess the knowledge and technical expertise to measure and monitor its operations; to address the impacts that arise from these; and to develop proactive solutions to improve efficiency. In addition, the University campus is a laboratory where solutions discussed in environment, sustainability, climate and disaster risk classes can be incubated and studied. Universities also play a significant role in local and regional development through knowledge transfer and collaborative engagements with the communities around them. In leading by example and by involving the community, the University acts as an agent for change by strengthening the education and formation of future sustainability leaders.

The Campus Sustainability Program guides the University’s sustainability journey. In doing so we monitor and document the University’s sustainability initiatives; collaborate closely with University stakeholders to implement sustainability solutions on campus; contribute to research in sustainable consumption, urban green spaces & biodiversity, and sustainability & nature education; develop materials for nature and sustainability education; and communicate the science demonstrated in University sustainability initiatives.

The Campus Sustainability Program celebrates the campus as a living laboratory. From renewable energy to wastewater treatment to urban biodiversity conservation, the campus is a showcase for sustainable, nature-based solutions. Developed in close collaboration with University stakeholders, these solutions give the community a unique firsthand experience of sustainability in action.

The Campus Sustainability Program leverages the green and blue nature spaces on campus for learning. Through campus tours and other outdoor learning experiences, we build the foundation for environmental education and literacy - key ingredients in the formation of future leaders for sustainability. Nature walks and other onsite activities also encourage the community to spend time outdoors, which has been shown to boost creativity, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve problem-solving skills.

Our Priority Areas

Monitor and document the University’s sustainability journey

The Campus Sustainability Program prepares and publishes the Ateneo Sustainability Reports, documenting the University’s economic, social, and environmental impacts in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards. There have been three reports, released in 2014, 2017 and 2020, each building on the previous report's body of knowledge. The program also oversees the Ateneo Sustainability Policies and Guidelines, which provide the basic directions towards implementing the University thrust for environment and development. These policies and guidelines highlight the need for systems thinking, interconnectedness of initiatives, personal commitment, and internalization of good citizenship.

Integrate urban biodiversity as a pivotal field

The Campus Sustainability Program promotes urban biodiversity, including our green and blue nature spaces. Together with the Ateneo Wild, the Campus Sustainability Program builds a campus biodiversity inventory through community monitoring by encouraging everyone to be a citizen scientist and spend time outdoors to document and share what they observe. The data collected is translated into nature education materials which are complemented with nature walks and campus tours.

Support education and formation for integral ecology

Our program provides academic and non-academic support for the community through resources such as webinars, lectures, workshops, film showings, and educational toolkits. We also gladly connect University stakeholders with our networks of universities, organizations, and global movements.

Enhance campus sustainability initiatives

The Campus Sustainability Program forms lasting partnerships by collaborating with University stakeholders to innovate campus sustainability programs, including wastewater treatment, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, onsite disaster risk and reduction management, and urban biodiversity monitoring.

Improve communication of best practices and initiatives

Our program shares best practices and lessons learned from campus sustainability initiatives and research projects through different platforms. While we seek to publish our research findings in academic journals, we also strive to communicate our results to a wider audience. Our research and academic work is complemented by approachable writing and other interpretations, which help bridge the gaps in science communication in the country. We also actively participate in conferences and fora on campus sustainability.