Conservation Measures Amidst Escalating Tensions in West Asia (Memo U2526-079)

The geopolitical tensions primarily involving Iran, U.S., and Israel, especially with the closure of Strait of Hormuz blocking the passage of one-fifth of the world’s oil and petroleum supply, have clear implications on the energy availability worldwide. This inevitably translates to increasing costs of commodities in the local and global markets.

We have witnessed in the past days the growing concern about the depletion of available energy. This prompted Malacañan to issue Memorandum Circular No. 114 on 6 March 2026, which was adopted by different government offices, local government units, and even private groups. In line with our sustainability initiatives and in solidarity with the nationwide efforts to manage our energy supply, the University community is reminded to exercise prudence in the consumption of energy and financial resources in this period of uncertainty. In particular, I request the community to observe the following:

On energy usage on campus:

1. Turn off lights, fans, and other non-essential equipment during break time, at the end of the day, or when not in use
2. Activate sleep settings on office equipment
3. Unplug equipment after use, when applicable
4. Regulate the use of air conditioning units (set at 21-25°C, a thermostat level which should not require occupants to wear a sweater) depending on the number of individuals in the room, time of the day, and weather conditions among others
5. Stagger the turning on of air conditioning units to avoid peak energy demand periods
6. Turn off air conditioning units at least 30 minutes before the projected end of stay in an office or room
7. Utilize passive cooling (i.e., fresh air) and mechanical fans over air conditioning units, whenever possible
8. Minimize elevator use when moving up or down two floors, except for cases of mobility-challenged individuals
9. Use stairs instead of elevators whenever safe and feasibl

On individual mobility:

1. Use active mobility options and/or public transportation (i.e., walking, biking, jeepney, train)
2. Practice carpooling among community members
3. Switch off engines during waiting periods (no idling)

On general resource management:

1. Demonstrate austerity and prudence, and minimize office/program/University spending despite the zero-based budget policy
2. Limit local and international travel to essential functions, especially when the objectives can be met through alternative means
3. Shift events (whether University-wide, office-initiated, or student-initiated) to online modality, whenever possible

As we continue to monitor the conditions in West Asia and our own local economic market, additional University strategies will be released to the community soon.

While we continue to hope and pray that the tensions will de-escalate soon and the socioeconomic and ecological damage will be limited, the Ateneo de Manila community is enjoined to observe the aforementioned energy and financial resource conservation measures in pursuit of the common good, one of the elements of integral ecology according to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’.