De La Salle University-Dasmariñas has been at the forefront of advancing sustainability initiatives for over a decade and has served as a benchmark for campuses who want to adopt their own environmental endeavors. Check out DLSU-D's journey in this timeline:
Committed to our vision-mission of producing responsible stewards of God's creation and guided by the Lasallian values of Faith, Service and Communion, we at De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) regard minimizing, if not eradicating our negative impact to the environment as one of our basic educational goals and management priorities. DLSU-D is committed to continually improve its environmental performance through Teaching by Example. Hence, as a steward of the environment, DLSU-D WILL:
Due to a comprehensive action plan being implemented within the University being used as a benchmark for schools all over the Philippines, DLSU-Dasmariñas has been handpicked by environmental organizations to receive grants to support its sustainability initiatives.
DLSU-D is one of the six institutions in the Philippines that was given a grant by Greenpeace Southeast Asia for its Sustainable Campus Project (SCP). SCP is a program that promotes sustainable use of energy and resources in schools with the aim of making the grantee a model of sustainability among schools.
DLSU-D was chosen recently to be one of the grantee institutions of Green Philippines Islands of Sustainability (GPIOS) Program of the European Union. GPIOS aims to provide training and capability building programs to selected institutions to become sustainable. As of today, various representatives under the OVCFAS and the OVCAR have been sent to the training workshops of GPIOS to implement sustainable practices in purchasing, electricity, water and waste management.
Maintaining sustainable initiatives and implementing them in a 27-hectare campus with a population of roughly 13,000 students, 400 employees, concessionaires and visitors is no easy feat. That is why the recognition received by DLSU-D in terms of its environmental programs, campaigns and sustainability policies became all the more sweeter. The list continues to grow as the years progress in time with the adoption of new efforts to integrate sustainable efforts and effect change in the habits and mindset of the members of the DLSU-D community and its environs on the essence of environmental conservation and protection, especially with the looming impact of climate change in the world.
DLSU-D currently ranks as the Philippines' #1 university in terms of implementing sustainable practices. As of the 2017, DLSU-D ranks 94th out of 619 universities in 76 countries who are part of the program. The universities are screened under six primary indicators: setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste, water, transportation, and education http://www.dlsud.edu.ph/news/2017/greenmetrics2017.htm
The Ecowaste Coalition recently commended the efforts being undertaken by the University’s Environmental Resource Management Center (ERMaC) to promote ecological awareness, responsibility and action within the campus. For more details, go to: http://www.dlsud.edu.ph/Campuslife/News/2016/ecowaste.htm
There is just no stopping to De La Salle University- Dasmariñas pursuit to promote sustainable practices in campus and share its best practices with the world – a fact that is affirmed by its rank in the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking where it placed 78th out of 301 participating schools from 61 countries worldwide. In 2016, it further improved its rankings to 50 out of 407 invited universities, making it the highest ranking university in the Philippines in terms of sustainable practices.
DLSU-D is the first academic institution in the Philippines to join the International Association of Universities - Higher Education for Sustainable Development (IAU-HESD) portal, after launching its comprehensive sustainability site outlining the University’s efforts to equitably and ecologically manage resources and promote green initiatives in and out of campus.
In 2014, DLSU-D received the Global Green Award, an initiative of the Paris-based Otherways Management Association Club (OMAC). The Award provides recognition to organizations that are innovators and trailblazers in sustainable development.
DLSU-D is the National Winner of the PLDT-SMART National Search for Most Sustainable and Eco-friendly School in the Philippines beating 15 other regional finalists.
DLSU-D is the first educational institution in the Philippines to be given a 7-year Dark Green School accreditation by the Philippine Network of Educators for the Environment in 2009. Having a Dark Green school status means that "green" practices are imbued in the University's mission, curriculum, research, guidelines and practices. For details go to: www.eenp.org.ph
Haribon Foundation – a non-governmental organization that promotes biodiversity conservation recognized DLSU-D as one of the ACADEMIC CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE (ACE) IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION in 2005.
The University's "Black Out! Green In." campaign bagged the prestigious Anvil Award of Merit for its Public Relations Program on Environment/Sustainable Development. "Black Out! Green In." is a program that aims to make DLSU-D a carbon-neutral university.
DLSU-D received in 2009 the Gawad Aguinaldo sa Kapaligiran for being a model school in Solid Waste Management.
Installation of solar lamp posts As part of the University's sustainability efforts under the award winning "Black Out! Green In." campaign, DLSU-D installed two solar lamp posts located at the left side of the University Grandstand. The solar lamp posts utilize energy coming from batteries during nighttime and are recharged by sunlight during the day, producing almost zero carbon footprint.
Funded by the cash prize received by the University from its win in the 2012-2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly schools, the measure is intended to make the University Sports Complex a showcase of sustainable energy practices. To sustain the project, the POLCA also donated additional solar lamp posts for the University Sports Complex.
The University's Oval Walk, the covered walk that transcends DLSU-D Oval Road, has also switched to solar power as part of the Black Out! Green In! Project Carbon Neutral campaign. The 300-meter stretch is now illuminated by LED lights powered by energy stored from sunlight. The move saves the University 2,000 KW of electricity per year and reduces its carbon footprint by 1,800 tons of greenhouse gases. This project is funded by income derived by ERMAC from the sale of recyclable wastes.
Shift from florescent to LEDBased on an energy audit conducted by the Environmental Resource Management Center (ERMAC), more than 10% of the University's energy consumption and carbon footprint comes from the use of florescent lamps. Aside from not being energy efficient, florescent lamps contain mercury which is highly toxic to humans, making its disposal costly and tedious. The University is currently implementing the gradual replacement all florescent lamps with the more energy-efficient LED Lamps. Since October 2011, the Warehouse office has reported that 567 the florescent lamps have been replaced by LED saving the University at least P 70,000 per month in energy cost.
DLSU-D provides a unique learning environment with a microclimate that is two degrees lower than the temperature outside its walls owing to the rich biodiversity inside the University's 27- hectare campus.
DLSU-D is home to endemic and migratory species of birds as well as 1,398 trees with a total of 64 varieties, ranging from indigenous species like narra, kamagong and ipil ipil; tropical species like the jade vine and canistel; exotic plants like Tree of Heaven and Yellowbell, as well as fruit bearing trees like mango, avocado, sampaloc and langka.Biodiversity in DLSU-D
As part of the partnership of the University’s ERMAC and the MCO to promote De La Salle Philippines’ (DLSP) project Carbon Neutral, the Black Out! Green In campaign was launched to promote practices that will help minimize DLSU-D’s carbon footprint.
The program, which was awarded as one of the top PR campaigns in the country by the Anvil Awards in 2012, encouraged awareness on climate change and the role of carbon dioxide emissions to the Earth's atmosphere. Videos, posters and even a website was developed to disseminate information on simple ways to slash carbon emissions by modifying one's habits. To learn more about the project, visit this website: Black Out! Green In
Each individual in DLSU-D produces about 20 liters of wastewater per day. Flushing the toilet, replenishing drinking water from the fountain, washing up entails the use of precious water resource. Multiplying the number to the University's population translates to the roughly 300,000 liters of wastewater per day.
The University recognizes that these wastewater should not be dumped in rivers and streams because these are considered pollutants and as such, it has become imperative to treat the University's wastewater before releasing it to the environment.
A centralized sewage treatment plant (STP) is currently being constructed to process wastewater and eventually use this to water the University's greens, reducing the cost in water consumption, save precious groundwater and prevent water pollution. At present, the STP construction is ongoing at the back of the CEAT Building.
DLSU-D Botanical GardenThe DLSU-D Botanical Garden is primarily a facility for biological research and education. Its living collection of wild and cultivated plants also function for the conservation of plant diversity, enjoyment, and benefit of the student's populace, and that of the public.
The Botanical Garden was established to serve the following purpose:
Tree PlantingThe University has actively partnered with the government and De La Salle Philippines in its tree planting activities. Right now, DLSU-D has three major adopted planting sites namely: Lian, Batangas (mangrove), Mt. Palay-palay (land-based plants) and Noveleta, Cavite (mangrove). For school year 2012 – 2013, DLSU-D has planted 45,884 trees (area of more than 40 hectares) planted by 3,885 volunteer students, faculty, staff, alumni, administrators, parents and community partners. More tree planting sites will be adopted by DLSU-D next school especially in Cavite where the lowland areas will be much affected by climate change.
Establishment of Seedling Bank for Native and Indigenous treesERMAC established the DLSU-D Seedling Bank and Nursery of Philippine Native Trees to promote the proliferation of Philippine hardwood and fruit-bearing trees, and become a source of seedlings for the University's tree planting activities to reduce DLSU-D's carbon footprint.
Manila Bay is a very important water system for the Philippines. It has an economic, historical and cultural value. The national government is currently undertaking the task of rehabilitating Manila Bay through a collaborative effort of government agencies, the private sector and the academe. DLSU-D, through ERMAC, sits as an active member of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Committee for CALABARZON representing the academe.
Our University is constantly improving its safety programs by creating university guidelines and trainings. Two of these safety guidelines are the Guidelines during Construction and Renovation of Buildings and Guidelines in the handling of stray and feral animals.
Trainings on Safety and Disaster Risk Management have also been conducted by ERMAC in coordination with NSTP, the OSS and various academic departments.
The University also participates in awareness campaigns aimed at informing members of the Lasallian community what to do in case of emergencies as demonstrated by this video: https://docs.google.com/a/delasalle.ph/file/d/0B6xmWocuqkokdUNiRkVELTcyZGc/edit?pli=1
The Green Light project aims to provide solar light bulbs to depressed communities in the city of Dasmariñas. The solar light bulbs utilize only reused softdrink plastic bottles, water and adhesive resins. The aim is to tap sunlight to enter the household during daytime thereby reducing the household's dependency on electric bulbs.
DLSU-D has been visited by numerous academic institutions and local government units to get insights on the University's environmental management programs. Some of these are La Salle Greenhills, De La Salle Santiago Zobel, Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, Tarlac State University and various barangays of the cities of Dasmarinas and Bacoor.
| Topic | Participants | |
| Workshop 1 | Clean Production | ERMAC, OVCAR |
| Workshop 2 | Material Flow Analysis | ERMAC, Warehouse Office |
| Workshop 3 | Energy Auditing and Green Purchasing | ERMAC, BFMO, Purchasing office |
| Workshop 4 | Environmental Monitoring & Green Procurement | ERMAC, Purchasing Office |
| Workshop 5 | Project Management | ERMAC, LCDC |
De La Salle University-Dasmariñas recognizes the need for the academe to integrate sustainability in the learning experience of its students.
That is why it has widened its net to offer courses with environmental majors.
Among these are:
CAVITE DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH PROGRAM (CDRP)Because of the rapid growth of the province of Cavite in terms of population and industrialization, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas has embarked on a 50-year Cavite Development Research Program (CDRP) which aims supplement the University’s Institutional Research Thrusts (DLSUD-IRT) which focuses on environmental issues, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, socio-anthropological dimensions of Cavite, communication and language, intervention programs for LGUs and innovations in instruction.
The CRDP seeks to propose sustainable solutions on the areas of water, food security, waste disposal, land use management, traffic, housing needs and adequate infrastructure which will promote sustainable development that is crucial to the province and its people.
CDRP proposes to organize quality research into four inter-related mission areas to benefit the province of Cavite’s quest for sustainable economic, social and environmental development:
| Agriculture, land use and environmental impacts – This focuses on land use, agricultural and industrial activities on the environment including emissions and carbon neutral strategies; |
| Urban systems and applied technology – which examines land use and transportation issues including earthquake sources, and lack of R and D for innovations; |
| Eco-tourism and enterprise development – which evaluates entrepreneurial product innovations, environmental friendly eco-tourism measures and corporate social responsibility; and |
| Good governance and cultural heritage analysis – which looks at ways to improve governance structure and provide better understanding of historical perspectives of Cavite province. |
To use cross disciplinary research collaborations to develop high quality research output that will contribute to economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability of the province of Cavite for the next 50 years.
The action plans capture the priorities set by CDRP for the initial 10 years and beyond.
| Conduct workshops to enhance institutional research capacities and form advisory group |
| Draft roadmap and identify research gaps |
| Launch Cavite Development Research Program |
| Identify potential funding sources and initiate MOAs |
| Disseminate research findings to stakeholders |
| Establish research centers |
| Good governance and cultural heritage analysis – which looks at ways to improve governance structure and provide better understanding of historical perspectives of Cavite province. |
| Broaden funding base |
| International Financial Organizations ( UN, ADB) |
| Government and foreign agencies |
| NGOs |
| Private Organizations including companies |
| Commission on Higher Education |
| Improve quality of research |
| Strengthen national and international network |
| Establish endowment funds for each research thrust area |
The University prides itself in its efforts towards the promotion of studies and researches geared towards sustainability and sustainable efforts. To check out the extensive catalog of the University's research library, visit this site: www.dlsud.edu.ph/library
ERMaC was awarded as the departmet with the most number of Faculty involved in Research for 6 consecutive years (Small Department Category)
It likewise bagged recognition for being the department with the most number of completed URO-Funded research (small department category) for SY 2016-2017.
DLSU-D to host next symposium on zero waste De La Salle University-Dasmariñas will be the host of the 3rd Symposium for Schools to Adopt the Zero Waste Lifestyle (ATZWL) in January, 2020.
DLSU-D maintains position in UI GreenMetricDe La Salle University-Dasmariñas has maintained its position as the top Philippine university in the GreenMetric Ranking of World Universities conducted by the Universitas Indonesia.
Lasallian leaders come together for sustainability Young Lasallian leaders recently gathered at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas to signify their commitment to sustainability during the “LIVES 2018 : Lasallian Integrated Vision on Environmental Sustainability” summit.
DLSU-D signs pact to adopt zero-waste lifestyle De La Salle University-Dasmarinas has reinforced its commitment to sustainability when it signed the declaration of the First Symposium for Schools to Adopt the Zero Waste Lifestyle (ATZWL)"
DLSU-D's backyard gardening advocacy featured anew in ISCN DLSU-D's Agri-Tulong Drive 2017: A Backyard Gardening Advocacy for Food Sustainability of the Council of Student Organizations was recently featured in the International Sustainable Campus Journal for 2018 entitled "Sustainable Development: Educating with Purpose."
DLSU-D Stallions' Prototype Battery ranks high in Shell Eco Marathon 2018 The DLSU-D Stallions from the College of Engineering Architecture and Technology brought pride to the country by becoming the top university in the Philippines for the Prototype Battery Electric Category of the Shell Eco-Marathon 2018.
Biology Professor tapped for BPS Tech Com on 'Smart Cities' EnP Arnold B. Fonollera, PhD, an associate professor in Biology and a licensed environmental planner, was chosen by the Bureau of Philippine Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry to be part of BPS/TC 82 Technical Committee on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
DLSU-D hosts 5th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan As a leading school in sustainable practices, DLSU-D was chosen as the venue for the 5th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan, a biennial awards event and lecture series honoring Filipino heroes and heroines who have defended the environment and people’s rights.
ERMAC addresses participants of ASEAN University Youth Summit 2017 Representatives from ERMAC had the rare opportunity to address delegates of the ASEAN University Youth Summit 2017 and talked about the University's green practices. AUYS 2017 had the theme "ASEAN Youth: Advocates of Environmental Sustainability."
DLSU-D switches to renewable energy The Environmental Resource Management Center (ERMAC) has announced that over 60 percent of DLSU-D’s energy load is now powered by renewable energy.
Project Carbon Neutral featured on ISCN DLSU-D has once again been featured in the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) for the University's Black Out Green In or Project Carbon Neutral.
DLSU-D makes it to Top 10% of Greenest Universities in the World De La Salle University-Dasmariñas has moved up its ranking to 50 out of 407 invited universities in the 2016 GreenMetric Ranking of World Universities, putting it among the top 10 percent of greenest universities in the world.
DLSU-D is part of global effort against lead paints The efforts of De La Salle University-Dasmarinas to use lead free paints has been cited in the Philippines' thrust against the harmful effects of lead.
DLSU-D featured in ISCN sustainability publication DLSU-D has been featured in the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) and the Global University Leader Forum (GULF) as among the universities in the world to implement exemplary campus sustainability based on case studies submitted by 25 of the world’s leading learning institutions.
DLSU-D signs ISCN Charter De La Salle University-Dasmariñas has joined institutions around the world who have committed to promoting and implementing sustainable practices by signing the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) Charter, the first for any Philippine University.
Sustainable DLSU-D gets EU nod DLSU-D’s sustainable initiatives are continuing to earn global recognition with its recent certification from ECOSWITCH-GPIOS, a project of the European Union that certifies companies in Asia on sustainable practices.
DLSU-D is first RP university to join ISCNDe La Salle University-Dasmariñas has marked another achievement in terms of advancing sustainable initiatives in the academe as the University became the first Philippine school accepted as a member of the International Sustainable Campus Network.
DLSU-D supports Lasallian Earth Day initiativeAs part of its commitment to create values of stewardship among Lasallians, De La Salle Philippines (DLSP), together with the 16 De La Salle schools under its guidance, has launched the Lasallian Earth Day (LED) initiative declaring the first Friday of every month as LED.
ERMaC's paper tops at EENPFaculty and students from the Biological Sciences Department (BSD) and Environmental Resource Management Center (ERMaC) presented their papers at the 3rd International Environmental Education Network of the Philippines (EENP) Conference and Scientific Meeting held at the Ateneo de Davao University on Feb. 17-19, 2010.
DLSU-D Energy [R]evolution Last October 6, 2010, members of the Lasallian community at De La Salle University- Dasmarinas in Cavite, Philippines joined the world in an advance celebration of the 10/10/10 Global Work Party initiatives in support for the international call to action for the reduction of CO2 emissions to 350parts per million.
A green university goes greenerMANILA, Philippines - In an effort to combat the growing threat of global climate change, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) recently embarked on DLSU-D Project Carbon Neutral (PCN). This is in support of the initiative of the Lasallian Institute for the Environment that seeks to assess the status of DLSP schools' carbon footprint to achieve a "green" educational network.
DLSU-D bags Anvil victoryIn its bid to promote environmental initiatives geared toward combating climate change, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas' Black Out.Green In., campaign was given the much coveted Anvil Award of Merit for the PR Program- on a sustained basis, Environment/Sustainable Development Category at the 48th Anvil Awards held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
DLSU-D is regional champ for being eco-friendly DLSU-D has once again been recognized for its efforts to protect and enrich the environment and its gifts. The university has been heralded Regional Champion in the Search for the Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools 2009 by the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau, Commission on Higher Education and Smart Communications.
DLSU-D is most sustainable Eco-friendly School for 2011DLSU-D ranked in top honors during the Search for the Most Sustainable Eco-Friendly School (Tertiary Level) topping 16 regional winners that were selected by a pool of judges from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DoST) , Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and Department of Education (DepEd).
The Greenpeace ProjectAs part of the University's partnership with Greenpeace, speakers from the international environment watchdog hold talks for students on key issues regarding the environment and sustainable practices.
DLSU-D bike project launchingBikers unite! The ERMAC and the LCDC join forces to promote biking as an alternative means of transport for members of the Lasallian community to minimize the campus's carbon footprint and at the same time encourage a healthy and enjoyable activity among students of faculty living near the campus. Bike racks have been situated in strategic locations for the convenience of bikers.
World Plastic Bag Free Day 2012In an effort to emphasize the negative impact of using plastic to the environment, students performed a freeze mob at the square canteen to the delight of students and faculty partaking of their afternoon snacks.
21st Biodiversity SymposiumThe 21st Biodiversity Symposium entitled Forests Sustaining Life, was hosted by DLSU-D in April, 2012 in partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines. The event was co-hosted by Flora and Fauna International.
On climate change and renewable energyPersonnel from the ERMAC hold talks for students on the issue of climate change and alternative and clean sources of energy.
ICT Creates Opportunities for NatureWith the theme, ICONtribute! ICT Creates Opportunities for Nature, the ICTC, a proud partner of the ERMAC in its Project ICON initiative, focused its ICT Week activities on building awareness on the responsible disposal and management of electronic wastes that can be harmful to the environment.
From internal organizations to external linkages, the University continues to widen its network of partners to spread the essence of environmental protection and conservation in daily life as well as in the academe. More and more are pitching in.
Marketing Communications Office The office promotes not only the Academic advantages of the University but is also instrumental in the promotion of sustainable initiatives being undertaken by DLSU-D. Case in point, its award winning Anvil victory in the Public Relations.
Lasallian Community Development CenterFrom seminars to community mobilization, from awareness drives and fund raisers, the Lasallian Community Development Center (LCDC) has been a proud partner of the Environmental Resource Management Center (ERMAC) in promoting and implementing sustainable solutions within and outside campus.
Project ICONProject ICON (ICT Creates Opportunities for Nature) is a drive initiated by the Information and Communications Technology Center (ICTC) to encourage and promote the responsible disposal and management of electronic wastes that can prove to be harmful to human health. Proceeds from the project are used to purchase and plant seedlings for the benefit of the One Million Trees and Beyond Project of De La Salle Philippines.
WishcraftWishcraft, which stands for We Integrate Scholarship Through the Use of Recyclables and Frequently Generated Trash, mobilizes students to bring in and donate their recyclable wastes to support scholars who deserve a good education, and at the same time encourage proper waste management practices among members of the Lasallian community.
LIFE: One Million Trees and Beyond The Green for LIFE: One Million Trees and Beyond Project serves to provide a venue for more pro-active responses to environmental issues through tree-planting activities and reforestation programs that promote the propagation and caring for indigenous species. The goal is to plant and nurture one million trees by the year 2011. The target has been met and continues to grow as more and more members of the community join the program.
GreenpeaceAs a leading environmental watchdog in the world, Greenpeace's Southeast Asia actively collaborates with the University in its sustainable campus drive and encourages community members to join the energy (r)evolution against climate change.
DENR Whether its partnering the national government's greening drive as well as campaigns to clean up bodies of water like the Manila Bay, or promoting a sustainable campus, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the University share resources and knowledge on promoting and implementing sustainable programs in and outside campus.
DLSU-D is a bona fide Lifetime Member of the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines (PCAPI) since 2009.
DLSU-D has become the first Filipino university to be a member of the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), which is a global forum for universities pursuing sustainability (by employing sustainability principles and measures in) their educational and research missions, and operations. Founded in 2007, ISCN at present has over 60 members representing top-tier colleges and universities from 26 countries worldwide including Harvard University, Yale University and Massachussets Institute of Technology.
Joining ISCN in 2014, DLSU-D has pledged to support the ISCN /GULF Sustainable Campus Charter, which basically comprises sustainability principles for all ISCN members to adhere to.
Being environment-friendly can be done with simple measures and slight changes to habits in resource consumption. It can be done by anyone and here's how:
DLSU-D promotes the use of bikes as a healthier and more environment friendly means of transport to and around campus and as such, ensures that the University is a conducive venue for cyclers.
De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
DBB-B City of Dasmariñas Cavite Philippines 4114
Trunkline no: (046)481.1900 to 1932
Manila line: (02) 779.5180
DLSU-D Official Website: www.dlsud.edu.ph