Organizational Sustainability

Our Identity

Organizations play a critical role in leading the transition to a more sustainable society. In recent years, there is a strong push for organizations to monitor and address the social and environmental impacts of their operations to the greater community. Organizations as systems possess capacities to galvanize collective action such as possessing the knowledge and technical expertise to develop proactive solutions that contribute positively to the economy, society, and the environment. In addition, Ateneo de Manila University campus is a living laboratory where solutions discussed in environment, sustainability, and climate and disaster resilience can be incubated and studied. In leading by example and by involving the community, Ateneo de Manila acts as an agent for change by strengthening the education and formation of future sustainability leaders.

The Organizational Sustainability (OS) Program guides the University’s sustainability journey as an organization. In doing so, the Program monitors and documents the University’s sustainability initiatives, collaborates closely with stakeholders to implement sustainability solutions on campus, contributes to research in areas such as sustainable consumption, urban green spaces, biodiversity and sustainability education, and communicates the science demonstrated in the sustainability initiatives. As a living laboratory, the University is a showcase for such initiatives, including nature-based solutions and ranging from renewable energy to wastewater treatment to urban biodiversity conservation. These solutions are developed in close collaboration with University stakeholders to give the community a unique firsthand experience of sustainability in action. Beyond the campus, the Program develops sustainability materials and resources, and shares best practices to support other organizations in their journey towards sustainability.

Our Priority Areas

Lead sustainability policies and initiatives together with University stakeholders

The OS Program forms lasting partnerships by collaborating with University stakeholders to innovate campus sustainability programs, including wastewater treatment, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, campus disaster risk reduction and management, and urban biodiversity monitoring. Through an inclusive, consultative, and evidence-based approach, the Program involves University stakeholders in the planning and implementation of innovative sustainability solutions. Projects and events in support of this priority area include:

Ateneo Sustainable Policies and Specific Guidelines
Community Sensing on Sustainable Mobility
Green Nudges
Sustainable Cafeteria Toolkit
Refill Revolution
Waste Audits

Integrate urban biodiversity as a pivotal field

The OS Program values the integral role of urban biodiversity as part of a sustainable University. Urban green and blue spaces provide diverse benefits and important ecological services beyond their ornamental value, such as microclimate regulation, air pollution filtration, opportunities for community engagement, and educational value. As such, campus biodiversity must be viewed as assets and managed to maximize their benefits to community health, wellbeing, education, and formation. Projects and events in support of this priority area include:

Biodiversity Action Plan
Arboretum Expansion

Chronicle the University’s sustainability journey and milestones

The OS Program monitors the community’s progress towards sustainability and works closely with other University units in measuring success and benchmarking against regional and international standards. Through regular public reporting and voluntary disclosures, the Program shares the community’s sustainability journey and learning experiences. This atmosphere of transparency encourages collaboration between stakeholder groups and results in stronger partnerships to address gaps and obstacles and to facilitate continuous learning and innovation. Projects and events in support of this priority area include:

Ateneo Sustainability Report
Support for data analysis in sustainability metrics and ranking

Support education and formation for integral ecology

The OS Program provides academic and extra-curricular support for the community through resources such as webinars, lectures, workshops, and educational toolkits. The Program also gladly connects University stakeholders with our networks of universities, organizations, and global movements. The Program shares best practices and lessons learned from campus sustainability initiatives and research projects through different platforms. The Program seeks to publish research findings in academic journals, and also strives to communicate these results to a wider audience, complemented by approachable writing and other interpretations to bridge the gaps in science communication in the country. The Program actively participates in conferences and fora on campus sustainability and engages with partner schools, organizations, and communities to enhance our unique approaches to sustainability. Projects and events in support of this priority area include:

Sustainability Walk
Sustainability Essentials Workshop
Walkability Summit
Re-Fair
One Big Hive

Our Major Projects

Sustainability Performance

Mobility

Campus Sustainability Initiatives

Green Nudges

Campus Biodiversity

Reach Out!

Are you interested to know more about our program or how you can work with us?

Contact the Organizational Sustainability Program through

Josiah Theodore J Cacayan - Program Head for Organizational Sustainability
- jcacayan@ateneo.edu
Andre Jacques F Tigno - Program Officer for Organizational Sustainability
- atigno@ateneo.edu

We look forward to hearing from you!