SDG 13

CLIMATE ACTION

The University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos, Incorporated (UNO-R) recognizes the urgent need to address climate change through institutional leadership, responsible environmental management, and the adoption of low-carbon technologies. By integrating renewable energy, pollution prevention, waste management, and sustainable campus operations into its institutional strategy, the University actively contributes to climate change mitigation while fostering environmental awareness among students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. These initiatives align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action.

STRATEGIES

UNO-R advances SDG 13 by:

  • Expanding the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Implementing environmental management systems that minimize pollution and resource consumption.
  • Strengthening institutional compliance with national environmental regulations.
  • Promoting climate awareness through education, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable campus practices.

These strategies reinforce the University’s commitment to building a low-carbon and climate-resilient campus.

POLICIES

UNO-R supports climate action through institutional policies and environmental management programs, including:

  • Renewable Energy and Sustainable Campus Operations
  • Ecological Solid Waste Management Policy
  • Food Waste Management Policy
  • Laboratory Hazardous Waste Management Policy

These policies reduce environmental impacts, improve resource efficiency, and support climate change mitigation through responsible campus operations.

PROGRAMS & IMPLEMENTATIONS

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR CLIMATE MITIGATION

The University’s flagship climate action initiative is its campus-wide rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) program, which reduces reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity while increasing the use of clean and renewable energy.

During the May 2025–May 2026 reporting period:

  • Operational solar PV capacity: 801.04 kWp
  • Total installed solar capacity: Approximately 1.0 MWp (as of June 2026)
  • Renewable electricity generated: 644,430.98 kWh
  • Electricity supplied from the grid: 1,917,060 kWh
  • Share of electricity supplied by solar: 25.16%
  • Greenhouse gas emissions avoided: 454.28 metric tons CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e)

The avoided emissions were calculated using the Philippine Department of Energy National Grid Emission Factor (0.7058 tCO₂/MWh) for the Luzon–Visayas Grid, demonstrating the University’s measurable contribution to national climate change mitigation efforts.

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Through its Pollution Control Office (PCO), UNO-R implements environmental management programs that contribute to climate resilience by reducing pollution and promoting sustainable resource use. These include:

  • Ecological solid waste management
  • Food waste reduction
  • Hazardous and laboratory waste management
  • Pollution prevention
  • Environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance
  • Stakeholder awareness and environmental responsibility

Together, these initiatives reduce environmental impacts while supporting a healthier and more sustainable campus.

TARGETS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Climate Action Target Achievement (May 2025–May 2026)
Increase renewable energy generation
801.04 kWp operational rooftop solar PV system
Expand renewable energy infrastructure
Approximately 1.0 MWp total installed solar capacity
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
454.28 tCO₂e emissions avoided
Increase clean electricity production
644,430.98 kWh renewable electricity generated
Reduce dependence on conventional electricity
Solar supplied 25.16% of total campus electricity demand
Strengthen environmental management
Solid waste, food waste, hazardous waste, laboratory waste, and pollution prevention programs implemented
VEIW OTHER REPORT HERE

CONTRIBUTION TO SDG 13

UNO-R demonstrates its commitment to SDG 13: Climate Action by integrating renewable energy, environmental governance, and sustainable resource management into its institutional operations. The University’s rooftop solar PV program significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing energy resilience and operational sustainability. Complemented by comprehensive waste management and pollution prevention initiatives, these efforts contribute to climate change mitigation and foster a culture of environmental responsibility across the University community.

By continuously investing in clean energy, strengthening environmental management systems, and engaging stakeholders in sustainability initiatives, UNO-R reinforces its role as a higher education institution committed to climate leadership and responsible stewardship of natural resources. These initiatives also support the achievement of SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

UNO-R SDG 13