INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL  POLICY

INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

I. OBJECTIVE

As a Catholic and RVM school, impelled by the core values of faith, excellence, and service, the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) embraces its moral responsibility to protect and preserve God's creation. Informed by the Encyclical Laudato Si', the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and national environmental mandates, UIC commits to integrating environmental consciousness across all facets of university life. This policy is also guided by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) "JEEPGY" framework, which stands for Justice and Peace, Ecological Integrity, Engaged Citizenship, Poverty Alleviation, Gender Equality, and Youth Empowerment. UIC's environmental efforts through this framework are anchored in a holistic approach that links ecological responsibility to social justice and sustainable community development.

UIC aims to:

• Promote environmental sustainability in academic, research, and operational practices.

• Reduce the university's ecological footprint through sustainable resource management.

• Foster a culture of ecological responsibility within and beyond the campus community.

• Ensure compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and global best practices.

• Empower students, faculty, and staff to become community environmental stewards.

II. SCOPE

This policy applies to all UIC campuses (Bajada, Fr. Selga, and Bonifacio), students, faculty, administrative and non-teaching staff, contractors, vendors, and visitors.

III. DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Greenhouse gas (GHG): Is any gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits infrared radiation, trapping heat and warming the Earth's surface through a process known as the greenhouse effect.

• LED Lighting (Light-Emitting Diode): Is a semiconductor light source that produces light when an electric current passes through it.

• Motion-sensor lighting: Is an automated lighting system that uses a sensor to detect movement within a designated area and automatically turns the light on.

• Environmental advocacy: Is an act dedicated to defend the health of ecosystems, natural resources, and the overall well-being of the planet, often by highlighting the link between environmental quality and human health.

• E-shuttle: Is an electric-powered shuttle bus or vehicle used to transport passengers over a fixed or common route, often covering short to medium distances.

IV. GUIDELINES

1. Policy Commitments and Strategic Actions for Sustainable Campus Operations

The University will minimize waste generation and production through reducing, reusing, and recycling.

• Minimize single-use products by offering sustainable alternatives and not allowing bottled water on each campus.

• Implement a comprehensive waste management system with clearly labeled bins for different materials (e.g., paper, glass, plastic, metal) aligned with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003).

• Establish a composting program for food scraps from dining halls and kitchens to divert waste from landfills.

• Facilitate the reuse of items like furniture, linens, books, and electronics by partnering with NGOs/GOs/POs to donate and distribute the items to partner communities and beneficiaries.

• Adopt green building principles in campus construction and renovations.

2. Energy and Water Conservation

UIC will reduce resource consumption and promote efficiency through innovative practices.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy:

  • Install energy-efficient appliances and lighting by replacing conventional lighting with LED and motion-sensor lighting.

  • Consider employing renewable energy sources like solar panels.

  • Encourage staff and students to set air conditioning to a suitable temperature (22 – 25.5°C).

• Implement a water-monitoring plan to reduce wastage.

  • Install low-flow fixtures and implement a leak detection system.

  • Provide sufficient free drinking water facilities to reduce consumption of bottled water.

  • Capture and reuse rainwater for non-potable purposes.

3. Green Procurement

The University will promote environmental responsibility by considering life cycle environmental impacts alongside cost and functional performance when purchasing goods and services.

• Ensure that suppliers and contractors comply with certain environmental standards.

• Prioritize the use of recycled content materials and environmentally friendly products.

• Reduce paper usage by encouraging professors and students to use digital materials and minimize unnecessary printing.

• Promote paperless processes and digital archiving.

4. Transportation and Mobility

UIC promotes sustainable and safe transportation options for the UIC community.

• Encourage carpooling, e-shuttles, or walk-to-campus campaigns.

• Limit vehicle access in specific zones during peak hours to reduce emissions.

5. Research and Academic Integration

UIC will integrate sustainability into its curriculum and support research on environmental issues.

• Embed environmental sustainability into teaching and learning programs.

• Promote research and innovation in sustainability science to address environmental challenges.

6. Community Engagement and Outreach

UIC will extend its environmental advocacy and service-learning to partner communities and collaborate with government and NGOs for community-based environmental programs.

• Conduct tree planting, mangrove rehabilitation, and river clean-up drives.

• Implement community training on composting, urban gardening, and zero waste practices.

• Partner with LGUs on local climate adaptation initiatives.

7. Governance, Monitoring, and Reporting

• The Safety, Health, and Environment Committee (SHEC) shall oversee the implementation of this policy.

• The university will maintain procedures to evaluate its compliance with applicable legal requirements.

• The SHEC shall establish a mechanism for tracking the effectiveness of environmental strategies.

• Reports shall be submitted annually to the office of the Vice President for Administration and be made accessible to the community through the UIC website.

• Adopt a monitoring and evaluation system using the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Area

KPI Examples

Energy Use

kWh per capita, 80 – 95% renewable energy used

Water Conservation

Liters per capita, 70% recycled or harvested water used

Waste Management

70% waste diverted from landfill, kg of recyclables collected

Academic Integration

90% of courses with environmental content, 90% of sustainability theses

Community Engagement

90% of environmental outreach programs and beneficiaries

Procurement

90% of green-certified products procured

8. Capacity-Building and Awareness

UIC commits to strengthening the environmental literacy of its stakeholders through:

• Regular training for faculty, staff, and student leaders.

• Annual Sustainability Week with exhibits, forums, and contests.

• Thematic campaigns on Earth Day, World Environment Day, and Philippine Environment Month.

• Educational programs and awareness campaigns to inform the university community on proper waste separation and recycling.

9. Review and Continuous Improvement

The Safety, Health, and Environment Committee shall review this policy every three (3) years in consultation with stakeholders. Updates will reflect new environmental challenges, regulations, and university priorities.

10. Approval and Adoption

The University of the Immaculate Conception officially adopts this Institutional Environmental Policy and takes effect immediately upon approval by the University President.

V. ADMINISTRATION

The Office of the Vice President for Administration overseas the proper implementation of this policy.