MSEUF outlines 2025 sustainability initiatives to build on 2024 progress

Following the 2024 Sustainability Policy Year-End Review held on December 17, 2024, the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) established a strategic roadmap for 2025 to further advance its sustainability initiatives. Led by University Certified Energy Manager, Engr. Mark Nel Inojosa, the review served as a foundation for defining key actions and performance targets that will strengthen the University’s commitment to sustainable campus development, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Building on the milestones achieved since the policy’s implementation in 2022, MSEUF’s 2025 sustainability roadmap underscores its proactive pursuit of innovation, compliance with national standards, and alignment with global sustainability frameworks.

1.0 Energy-Efficient Renovation and Building

To upgrade existing facilities to higher energy efficiency and advance the University’s smart campus initiative, MSEUF will focus on the following:

• Green Building Standards: The University will apply for membership with the Philippine Green Building Council (PGBC) and the Facilities Maintenance and Organization of the Philippines (FMOP) to adopt national standards for sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure. This step ensures that MSEUF’s renovation and construction practices meet recognized green building benchmarks.
• Smart Building Integration: Expansion of smart sensor systems in the Commerce, Engineering and Technology (CET) Building will optimize building operations through automated lighting, HVAC, and occupancy monitoring systems. The integration of smart technologies contributes directly to energy efficiency upgrades and real-time consumption monitoring.
• Energy Audits and Wastage Identification: In compliance with Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, the University regularly conducts internal energy reviews through its Certified Energy Manager to identify areas with the highest energy wastage. Findings and recommendations are submitted to University Management to guide operational improvements and efficiency measures. In addition, the University plans to undergo external energy audits by 2025 to identify and validate the areas with the highest energy wastage. These assessments will form the basis for future energy-saving programs and policy development, ensuring data-driven decision-making in all efficiency initiatives.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthen cooperation with FMOP, external energy auditors, and sustainability consultants for knowledge sharing, benchmarking, and continuous improvement in building performance.

2.0 Carbon Reduction and Emission Reduction

MSEUF is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy adoption, low-carbon transport, and carbon offsetting programs.

• Renewable Energy Adoption: The University will implement solarization projects for six (6) additional buildings — AEC, CNAHS, CCJC, ABE, BED, and CIHTM — building on the success of the CET Building’s solar power system. This initiative aims to increase the share of clean energy in the University’s overall electricity consumption.
• Green Commuting Program: To support sustainable mobility, additional electric vehicles (EVs) will be procured to replace fuel-powered service units. This supports both emission reduction and energy cost savings.
• Offsetting Initiatives: MSEUF will expand tree-planting and carbon offset programs, engaging student organizations, scholars, and community partners in campus greening and environmental rehabilitation efforts.
• Awareness Campaigns: Collaborate with MERALCO and partner organizations to conduct carbon literacy and energy conservation campaigns that reinforce a culture of sustainability among students and staff.

3.0 Reduction in Energy Consumption

MSEUF will pursue system upgrades, behavioral change programs, and efficiency-focused policies.

• Energy Management System (EMS): The University will fully utilize Huawei’s FusionSolar platform for comprehensive energy monitoring, analysis, and optimization, enabling data-driven operational adjustments across the CET Building. For the planned solarization of six additional buildings, compatible solar energy management systems will likewise be deployed to ensure seamless integration and efficient performance across all installations.
• LED Lighting Program: Continue the campus-wide transition to LED lighting until full implementation across all academic and administrative facilities, significantly lowering electricity consumption and maintenance costs.
• Behavioral Programs: Conduct at least two (2) annual energy awareness seminars for faculty, staff, and students, focusing on practical energy-saving behaviors and responsible electricity use.
• Equipment Upgrades: Implement a procurement policy requiring that all new appliances and equipment purchased by the University bear a 5-star energy rating to ensure optimal efficiency and sustainability.
• Demand Response Programs: Develop an institutional peak demand management policy that promotes staggered equipment use and load scheduling to reduce overall electricity demand during peak hours.

4.0 Divestment Policy

To align financial and investment practices with sustainability principles, MSEUF will implement a robust divestment and ethical investment framework.

• Sustainable Investment Fund Allocation: The University will allocate part of its institutional investment fund for the solarization of six (6) new buildings, exemplifying reinvestment in renewable and energy-efficient infrastructure.
• Support for Sustainability Research: Encourage faculty and student research on sustainability, carbon reduction, and green innovation, with incentives for publication and presentation at academic conferences.
• ESG-Based Investment Strategy: Uphold an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-based framework to ensure that University funds are directed toward environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and mission-aligned projects.
• Divestment from Carbon-Intensive Industries: MSEUF will maintain a policy prohibiting investment in carbon-intensive energy sectors, notably coal and oil, reaffirming its institutional stance on responsible and ethical financing.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Since the implementation of its Sustainability Policy in 2022, the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) has remained unwavering in its commitment to embed sustainability into every facet of campus operations, governance, and academic life. Guided by its vision to be a model of environmental responsibility and innovation in higher education, the University has consistently pursued programs that reduce carbon footprint, promote renewable energy adoption, and strengthen institutional resilience to climate challenges.

The effectiveness of the 2022 policy is reflected in the University’s growing achievements and recognition in both local and international sustainability assessments. MSEUF’s continuous advancement in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings highlights its dedication to green infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management, and education for sustainability. Likewise, the University’s strong performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, particularly under SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, affirms its tangible progress in promoting clean energy transitions and energy efficiency initiatives across its campus. These recognitions underscore MSEUF’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and validate the measurable outcomes of its environmental policies and programs.

Through the continued implementation, monitoring, and periodic review of its Sustainability Policy, MSEUF ensures that sustainability remains a dynamic and evolving priority. The 2025 action plans further demonstrate the University’s proactive and forward-looking approach—from investing in solar energy systems and upgrading building efficiency to adopting ethical investment frameworks and carbon reduction strategies. These initiatives not only reinforce the University’s compliance with national directives such as Republic Act No. 11285 but also position MSEUF as a leading advocate for sustainable campus development in the Philippines.

In essence, MSEUF’s sustained commitment reflects its broader mission: to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s clean energy goals and to the global sustainability agenda. By fostering innovation, stewardship, and collaboration, the University continues to build a legacy of responsible leadership that empowers both present and future generations to champion a more sustainable and equitable world.