The Ateneo de Manila University is committed to the sustainable use of materials and energy from the acquisition of resources to the management of waste. To achieve these goals, the University has implemented the necessary programs to promote efficient use of materials alongside waste management, disposal, and reduction by engaging all of its stakeholders.
These measures are included in the Ateneo Sustainability Guidelines, which provide basic directions towards implementing the University’s thrust for environment and development. These guidelines highlight the interconnectedness of initiatives, the need for systems thinking, personal commitment, and the internalization of good citizenship. Ateneo believes that implementing sustainability begins with planning for systems that promote efficiency, i.e. the optimization of the use of resources and the management of waste, in any event, process, or structure.
In line with this, the University ensures that it properly adheres to the Guidelines’ explicit instructions on the disposal of hazardous waste generated by units, as well as electronic and hazardous wastes generated from office, kitchen, and lab equipment. Units within the University also observe specific protocols for disposing of other types of wastes and chemicals such as Freon from air conditioners, and mercury from fluorescent lights, and that these are properly treated and disposed of by its contractors. Just like residual solid waste, hazardous waste is selected based on their environmental and safety permits, among others. The University calls for strict compliances among various units to such measures as this involves the health and safety of not just its students, faculty, staff, and visitors—but also its stakeholders in such waste management schemes.
The Office of Facilities and Sustainability (OFS), based on the Loyola Schools, coordinates with the Central Administration’s Facilities Management and Security Office in implementing guidelines under the Hazardous Waste Management Program. Occasionally, contractors’ activities are carefully inspected from the time they collect our wastes to disposal.
All these measures are carefully recorded in Ateneo’s quarterly self-monitoring reports in compliance with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through the Environmental Management Bureau. The University’s December 2020 report includes comprehensive information such as necessary DENR documentation, data on the amount of hazardous waste generated, stored, and recycled. The report also includes a checklist on whether or not the University has accomplished actions in its environmental management plan.
Concerning waste disposal, a garbage report for June to September 2020 shows the University’s efforts towards carefully measuring and monitoring its waste output throughout different locations on the campus, such as central buildings, Residence Halls, and its affiliate buildings, among others. Based on the data collected in the report, an overall decline in the number of garbage bags collected was observed—possibly due to the suspension of classes, work, and operations on the campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All these endeavors—from waste management, recycling, and disposal—reflect the University’s commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability to further protect, restore, and promote the environment.