Strategy
One of the identified strategic opportunities of the University is the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals. Education is critical for promoting and assisting in achieving the SDG targets. USeP responds to the United Nations' call with initiatives to alleviate poverty, promote sustainable agriculture, and provide equitable, high-quality, and lifelong learning. It may also build resilient infrastructure and gender-responsive programs and projects, ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, combat climate change and its impact, promote sustainable land resources, and promote peace and order.
USeP’s commitment to SDGs is embodied in the Board approved strategic plan and Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan across campuses.
The localization of SDGs in USeP can be attributed to the promotion of high-quality education (e.g., integration in the curriculum) and Research & Development programs and projects, Policies, Governance, and Partnerships. The immediate and long-term results will be measured using the Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) Scorecard and the Social and Human Science, Education, Culture, and Communication & Information (SECCI) Scorecard.
USeP SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
To ensure the impacts of the University’s sustainability efforts, especially on the entire academic and partnered communities, USeP’s sustainability strategy plan is based on the Triple Bottom Line approach in measuring the social and environmental impacts, aside from generating revenues from the Income Generating Projects and other sources to run the University. To measure sustainability performance, USeP will use the Environment, Social, and Governance Metrics patterned from the various global ranking criteria on sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals. The overall impact of the University’s initiatives must contribute to the achievement of the vision of transforming communities and the overall goal of UN SDGs to transform the world. Before identifying specific actions, USeP will conduct an assessment per campus using existing tools (e.g., UI GreenMetric, THE Impact Ranking). The following are the major strategies.
Green Resilience Facilities
In setting up the infrastructure, USeP’s building designs should incorporate hazard resistance and sustainability concepts to ensure the environmental sustainability of buildings and reduce its negative impact on health and the environment. Quality learning and working space guidelines are essential to provide a modern working and learning environment. It is also essential to utilize infrastructure design that reduces energy consumption and is resilient to the impacts of the changing climate. The designs must conform to all the building-related policies in the country.
Waste Management
USeP should develop a plan and policy to comply with the Republic Act (RA) 9003 and other policies. The Policy on Banning Single-use Plastics: Against Single-use Plastics (AtSUP) must be implemented across campuses and regularly reviewed to make it more adaptable to change.
Water and Energy Management
USeP promotes efficient use of water and energy facilities across campuses. The University will invest more in renewable energy projects through partnerships with Alumni and other sectors to help reduce electricity costs. Policies on water and energy consumption must be crafted and implemented.
Transportation Network
USeP campus transportation network design must consider public safety. The re-fleeting program must consider eco-friendly vehicles to reduce air pollution. The campus site development plan should integrate the proper placement of pedestrian lanes to minimize campus vehicular accidents. The campus land use plan transportation network design and open spaces must aim to reduce the parking spaces and private vehicles within the campus.
Education and Research
USeP’s should promote the concepts of sustainability through instruction and research policies and activities. All students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders must be fully aware of the SDGs. Thesis/Dissertation and research projects must align their study to SDG; it can directly or indirectly contribute to one goal. Topics on sustainability must be incorporated into the course offering to increase the level of awareness, especially the students. The University may offer short courses or micro-credential courses about sustainability.
Cross-cutting strategy
Partnership
USeP can further strengthen collaborations with various sectors, especially private institutions, to support the advancement of sustainability and the circular economy through instruction, research, extension, innovation, and production.
Green Procurement Practices
USeP should comply with the Green Procurement Policy of the Philippines with an overall goal of responsible and strategic budget spending, sustainable consumption, and competitive and innovative industry and services.
Youth Participation for Sustainable Development
The students are at the forefront of the University’s sustainability initiatives. They will be involved in various programs, projects, and activities. Students must promote and uphold the sustainability principles in instruction, research, extension, and curricular activities. Emphasizing the importance of volunteerism, students are encouraged to contribute meaningfully to these efforts.