Sustainability in action: Ateneo OSA's hands-on approach to building a greener future

At Ateneo de Manila University, the Office of Student Activities (OSA) is more than just a catalyst for student leadership—it's a hub for sustainability action. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, OSA’s initiatives are pushing the boundaries of how students engage with sustainability, creating a campus culture that integrates environmental responsibility into everything they do. From gamified solutions to large-scale workshops, OSA is leading the way with programs designed to empower students to make tangible, lasting change.

One of the most exciting initiatives launching this year is the How Might We Bingo, a gamified approach to sustainability that invites student organizations to tackle environmental challenges in ways that align with their own advocacies. Instead of prescribing rigid sustainability measures, OSA designed the game to be flexible, recognizing the incredible diversity within Ateneo’s student organizations. Each group receives a bingo card filled with sustainability challenges framed as How Might We questions—open-ended prompts that encourage creative problem-solving.

For example, rather than mandating a blanket rule like "reduce plastic waste," an organization might receive a challenge like How might we make our events more sustainable without sacrificing engagement? This allows orgs to craft solutions that align with their mission—whether that’s using digital event kits instead of printed materials, promoting a zero-waste merchandise system, or even integrating environmental education into their advocacy work. As organizations complete these initiatives, they cross them off their bingo cards, climbing the leaderboard. By the end of the year, top-performing organizations will be recognized, not just for completing the most tasks, but for pioneering meaningful, scalable sustainability efforts within their spheres of influence.

The How Might We Bingo builds upon a strong foundation of sustainability initiatives that OSA has been laying for years. One of these key initiatives is the Ateneo Organization Sustainability Audit, a tool designed to help student organizations integrate Laudato Si’-adherent practices into their operations. By focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, the audit ensures that student organizations move beyond mere discussions of sustainability and actively incorporate these principles into their core functions.

Ateneo’s participation in the Global Leadership Program (GLP), an initiative by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), also played a significant role in shaping this work. Held at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, the 13th GLP gathered young leaders from around the world to explore the theme Our Blue Planet - Ocean and Sustainability. Six Ateneo student leaders represented the university, sharing insights on Philippine environmental protection and indigenous culture while engaging in hands-on activities like beach clean-ups. This global exchange underscored how sustainability is both a local and universal challenge—one that requires leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to action.

OSA also spearheaded the Sustainability Design Thinking Workshop Series, which introduced students to structured problem-solving methods for sustainability. These workshops encouraged 181 participants from 37 student organizations to think critically about sustainability in their own contexts. The How Might We framework emerged as a powerful tool, helping student leaders turn overwhelming problems into actionable opportunities. This was further reinforced during the EcoEngage Conference, where student leaders collectively crafted a sustainability co-manifesto—a shared commitment to integrating sustainable practices into their organizations’ operations.

Throughout Sustainability Week, OSA experimented with smaller behavioral nudges to encourage everyday sustainability habits. One particularly successful initiative was the Bring Your Own Container incentive, where students who brought reusable cups or containers received free coffee. As the week progressed, a visible shift occurred—more and more students opted for reusable containers, proving that simple, well-placed incentives can drive meaningful behavior change. This initiative underscored OSA’s belief that sustainability isn’t just about large-scale programs; it’s also about small, consistent choices that build into a lasting culture of environmental responsibility.

As OSA moves into its second year of sustainability programming, the focus is on initial implementation and creating systems that keep organizations accountable. This year, the newly appointed Sustainability and Social Responsibility Coordinator is tasked with spearheading these initiatives, ensuring that the 5-year sustainability program stays on track. The Big Little Things Sustainability Design Thinking Workshops in October 2024 provided another opportunity for organizations to brainstorm systems to hold themselves accountable to the sustainability promises they made during the EcoEngage Conference. The insights gathered during these workshops are being incorporated into the How Might We Bingo, which will continue to evolve as more organizations come on board.

But the heart of OSA's sustainability efforts lies in Sustainability Week, an annual celebration of the collective impact of student organizations. Scheduled for 3 to 7 March 2025, this year’s Sustainability Week: The Little Way of Love (inspired by the "Little Way" of St. Thérèse, a simple approach that seeks to do ordinary things with extraordinary love) features a variety of activities, including educational talks, a tour of the National Museum of Natural History, and an Adopt an Organization Plant initiative. This is OSA’s way of honoring the efforts of student organizations while encouraging them to reflect on their individual and collective responsibility towards the environment.

By focusing on these hands-on, engaging activities, OSA is creating a sustainability movement that is both practical and inspiring. The How Might We Bingo game, the sustainability workshops, and the audit are all part of a larger vision: to build a campus culture where sustainability is not just a concept but a lived experience. Through these programs, OSA is giving students the tools and the framework to lead with purpose and integrity, helping them not only to understand sustainability but to actively create a sustainable future.

Looking ahead, OSA’s long-term commitment to sustainability is not just about promoting eco-friendly practices—it’s about shaping future leaders who understand the profound impact their choices can have on the world. By integrating sustainability into the fabric of student life, OSA is preparing students to tackle the global challenges of tomorrow, one sustainable choice at a time. With each initiative, OSA is fostering a mindset that will guide students toward a future filled with purpose and promise. As we continue on this journey, we remain inspired by our motto, Brighter Days Ahead, knowing that every small, sustainable step we take today leads to a more vibrant, sustainable world tomorrow.

Photos courtesy of Karl Dimaculangan/The Guidon