How Green is the University?

An Assessment of Bukidnon State University as a Green School

RICARTE B. ABEJUELA IIIChairpersonDevelopment Communication

The Situation

• Environmental education an important tool for SD

• 2004 study: EE in Bukidnon public schools achieve only 2 out of the 5 EE objectives: Awareness and Knowledge

• Still lacks on Attitudes, Skills and Participation

The Situation (cont)• 60% of Bukidnon public school teachers

came from BSU• BSU can serve as green school to achieve

EE in Bukidnon• Practice first, before preach• Will BSU qualify as a Green school?

Green Schools

• Schools that employ an environmental management system and awards scheme that promotes and aknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment (Eco-Schools 2007)

• Environmentally healthy schools

Green Networks

• Eco-Schools Programme (1994)• COPERNICUS-CAMPUS (1993)• AASHE (2005)• PATLEPAM (1996)

Common Aims

• Raising environmental awareness• Integration of sustainable practices• Promotion of active participation among

stakeholders• Exchange of information among members

The Assessment

• Based on the Green Audit Form of the DENR

• Focused on 3 areas:– Policy– Operations– Academics

Policy

• General Policy• Personnel appraisal system• Activities• Purchasing

Operations

• Buildings and grounds management• Energy use• Water use• Equipment use• Paper use• Waste management

Academics

• Incorporation of environmental concerns in classroom

• Source materials for environmental topics

Survey Results

On Policy

• Environmental protection is not a specific objective of the school

• Concept of sustainability is part of vision statement

• No committee or office for sustainability

On Policy (cont)

• Environmental concerns are part of VPAPD

• Environment not part of employee appraisal system

• Participation in community activities encouraged but not required

• Environment not incorporated in purchasing

On Operations

• All classrooms, faculty rooms and libraries are designed for maximum use of natural light and ventilation

• Some rooms require more use of artificial lighting

• Vehicles are restricted

On Operations (cont)

• Physical greening is done through lawns and potted plants

• There are individual trees but no mini forest

Lighting

Water faucets

Cooling systems

Electricity Use

Electricity Use

• Annual ave: 36,335 kWh• Average increase: 5.52%• Largest jump, 2006-2007 with 8%• Largest consumption: September – 42,853

kWh• Lowest consumption: May – 27,360 kWh

Water Consumption

Water Consumption

• Annual ave: 5,568 cu.m• Average increase: 12.57%• Largest jump, 2004-2005: 23.29%• Largest consumption: July – 6,534 cu.m• Lowest consumption: May – 4,474 cu.m

Water and Light

Paper use

On Operations (cont)

• Recycling of used paper is minimal• Canteen not under the University,

employees’ cooperative• Disposable materials used• Waste are segregated• 15 tons generated monthly

On Academics

On Academics

On Academics

On Academics

On Academics

Integration of Envt

Information Sources

• Textbooks• Newspapers• Cable television shows

– National Geographic– Discovery Channel

Most Common Topics

• Conservation of natural resources• Potable water• Air pollution• Water pollution• Solid waste management

Envt Info Sources for Students

• Library, adequate• AV, inadequate• Existing sources are in outdated formats

– Betamax– VHS

Willingness to be trained

How Green is BSU?

• BSU has the potential to become green• A more in-depth assessment is necessary• Necessary changes must take place

What must be done?

Adapt Eco-Schools 7 Step Programme

1. Establish a green team or eco committee2. Adopt an environmental vision3. Conduct a school audit4. Create a green school action plan

Adapt Eco-Schools 7 Step Programme

5. Monitor and evaluate progress6. Integrate greening in the curriculum7. Inform, involve and celebrate

Sustainable University Model

• Leadership• Recycling• Buildings and grounds• Curriculum• Energy• Food• Transportation• Outreach

Leadership

• Examine in further detail policies, operations, research, services, and curriculum

• Create an office/r for sustainability• Recruit other schools or create a network• Link up with existing networks

Recycling

• Reduce• Reuse• Recycle• Paper recycling could be initiated

Buildings and Grounds

• Increase light penetration• Install solar panels• Use rain collectors• Use waterless urinals• Create a mini forest or park

Curriculum

• Incorporate sustainability concepts in subjects

• More attention must be given to social and economic aspects, not only biophysical

• Provide training to teachers• Utilize EECG or websites

Energy

• Put into place energy monitoring system• Utilize alternative energy sources• Policy on equipment use

Food

• Discuss with employees’ cooperative to modify operations of the canteen

• Upon establishment of university restaurant, implement policies on sustainable operations

Transportation

• Limit vehicle use on campus• Pedestrians only?• For university vehicles, convert or use

biodiesel or unleaded gas

Outreach

• Link up with outside organizations• Link up with LGUs• Spearhed community education activities

preaching sustainability concepts

“It ‘s not easy being green”

- Kermit the Frog

Thank you