Clean and Green: Ateneo’s Sustainable Planning and Development Guidelines
As a University, Ateneo seeks to preserve, extend, and communicate truth and apply it to human development and the preservation of the environment. This is present in all of the University’s endeavors, especially in all planning and development processes occurring within the campus. This is in line with Ateneo’s belief that its growth and development should not be at the expense of damaging the environment of which we are tasked to be stewards of.
The Ateneo ensures that its sustainability efforts are guided by the Ateneo Sustainability Guidelines, which contain policies and instructions on, among others, the use and conservation of materials and energy, particularly for the built environment in terms of procurement and purchasing, usage and maintenance of materials, and waste disposal. The Ateneo Sustainability Guidelines also contain policies that include integrating green tropical built environment principles for new buildings, which include extensive recommendations on rainwater harvesting and renewable energy, among others. Based on these policies, the usage and maintenance of materials, energy, and spaces must also be properly utilized and monitored based on factors like needs, function, and safety and security.
In addition to this, the Ateneo, through the Central Facilities Management Office (CFMO), have also established guidelines for contractors and workers to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive work environment within the project area and its immediate surroundings on campus. In brief, the guidelines outline various measures relating to safety, sanitation, and cleanliness—apart from ensuring compliance with necessary site inspections, communication requirements, and documentation. Proper waste management is also embodied in the Campus Construction Guidelines, which aim to reuse, reduce, and recycle all materials—including those from demolished structures.
All these are in line with the University’s commitment to its goal of sustainability and preservation of the environment.
Ultimately, the Campus Master Plan serves as the overall guide for the development of campus grounds and infrastructure.