BSU is conscious of the need for energy conservation. A responsible plan of action has been engaged through Administrative Memorandum No. 010, S. 2018, calling for cost-cutting measures and systems improvement.
The adoption of energy-saving measures has been instituted or have been reviewed and enhanced in the case of previous programs prior to the memorandum.
- Transition to Energy-efficient Technologies
Measures to save on energy include the continuous monitoring and changing of existing lighting systems into more efficient technologies. LED and other naturallighting designs are being considered.
- Less is more
As in the water sustainability program, the "less is more in BSU" awareness program is being adopted for energy conservation.
*Energy Conservation
*Admin Memo on Cost Cutting
CARLESS THURSDAY
| The BLISTT (Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Tuba and Tublay) area is designated as an Airshed via DENR Administrative Order DAO 2003-04. The transportation program of BSU is enforced on this basis as well as Memorandum Circular No. 01, S. 2019 declaring the first Thursday of every month as carless day. This program envisions the reduction of carbon footprint and mitigation of climate change. |  Fig. 1, Empty parking spaces during the carless day |
PARKING POLICY
The need for efficient land use and responsible parking practices are well defined in the BSU parking policy. Land use is a consideration for sustainable development and the regulation for parking and use by owners of cars have been carefully considered as part of the transportation program of BSU.
Fig. 2, Optimizing space and safety
Solid waste and hazardous waste management has been a key focus of the BSU sustainability development program. BSU has developed its solid waste management program in line with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines (RA 9003) and the La Trinidad municipal ordinance no. 53, s. 1998.
- Waste minimization program (SWM Memo, Pollution Control Comm. , SWM Auditing Tool, BSU EWMP )
The aim of the BSU waste management program is to minimize if not totally have a 'zero waste' policy. Minimization in the context of the BSU waste management plan includes the processes of segregation, recycling, re-use, reduction. In order to meet the demands of RA 9003, BSU has taken the following initiatives:
- The creation of a pollution control committee with members from the different colleges and departments
- Designation of an accredited Pollution Control Officer by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)
- Adoption of a waste management auditing tool with partner organizations.
- Development and Implementation of a BSU Waste Management Plan
- Awareness program
In order to enjoin all BSU employees and students, awareness and information drive is regularly being conducted through:
- Seminar Workshops
- In-Service Education
- Student organization activities (Waste minimization, BSU ECO Fashion Show, NSTP Activities)
- Research
BSU encourages the integration of waste management research in different programs within the curriculum as part of knowledge production and awareness enhancement. Students as well as faculty are enjoined to conduct studies on waste management as part of the overall waste management program.
- Extension program
Clean-up drives is an annual staple for the waste management program. It covers various areas within Benguet and involves the participation of students and employees. This aspect of the waste management program intensifies awareness in communities outside the BSU campus, instills a sense of responsibility in students and employees, and encourages civic involvement and volunteerism.
- Partnerships and consultation
The continuing partnership with the LGU provides an integrated approach to the solid waste management program within and outside of BSU. The process of consultation between institutions provide a seamless transfer of knowledge that is crucial in the development of policy, project implementation and community development.
Sustainability and Conservation Program
Water is a requirement for life. It is the most essential element for ecosystems to thrive. Humans have founded their civilizations alongside water sources and have since channeled the development of culture, economy and society. The role of water from organismal survival to the homeostasis of the biosphere should not only be overemphasized but protected, nurtured, and secured for incoming generations. Protecting and managing this finite resource ensures that society and environment can co-exist under the banner of sustainable development.
Today, water security is threatened by the impacts of climate change and irresponsible human activities. The challenge to curb these impacts rely on our urgent and dedicated commitment to act and be involved.
Benguet State University has taken on this challenge.
Water Sustainability Programs
- Balili River Rehabilitation Program
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The Balili is a very important river system in Benguet. With a length of about 23.8 kilometers, it traverses Baguio city, La Trinidad and Sablan municipalities. According to the Water Body Classification and Usage of Fresh Water by The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Balili is classified as a Class C river. This means that the water quality of the river is not fit for drinking and recreation that may involve contact such as swimming and bathing. It is, however, useful for agriculture, irrigation and use for livestock. The process of rehabilitating a river requires a concerted effort from various sectors such as the Local Government Units (LGUs), the academe, private sectors, local communities, and other stakeholders. Benguet State University (BSU) involves itself on the areas of: Water Quality Management, research, revitalization, extension services, and partnership.
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 Fig. 1 Balili River |
 Fig. 2 Balili River |
- Water Quality Management and Revitalization (WQMA Action Plan, BRSRC MOA)
In line with the DAO 2013-05 designating Balili River a Water Quality Management Area, an action plan for Balili river was conceptualized and pushed for implementation. The plan identified six objectives to which Benguet State University took lead for the first two objectives, namely:
- To decrease erosion and siltation and improve vegetation along the Balili river.
- In partnership with Watershed and Water Resource Research Center (WWRRC) and Governing Board members in La Trinidad and Sablan, BSU has committed to the following program implementation:
- Tree planting activities
- Inventory of researches done at BSU
- Phytoremediation and related researches
- To restore the river biodiversity.
- Biodiversity within the Balili river area has also become a concern as many of the species growing and thriving along and within the river system are indicators of water quality and the overall health of the river. The conduct of a flora and fauna inventory is the initial phase of this program
- Research (BR Rehab, BR Article, Midland Article)
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The research program for the Balili river is a continuing endeavor for all levels of the academe. In response to already existing programs such the Water Quality Management program, researches are being oriented towards a rehabilitative approach for the Balili river. This development has established a multi-dimensional rehabilitation program by BSU. The program centers on four aspects of sustainable rehabilitation that is applicable not only to the Balili river system but to other bodies of freshwater resources as well. The four main thrusts of the research program for the Balili water resource quality management include the following dimensions:
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Fig. 3, Collection of samples in Balili river |
- Extension (BUED Clean-up Drive, Health Impacts)
Extension programs on river clean ups are initiated by the different university student organization in cooperation with faculty and other employees. Aside from river clean ups, information drives are also conducted for social awareness regarding the importance of uncontaminated water resources.
- Partnerships and memberships (BR Action Plan, BRSRC MOA)
| Part of the success of the Balili rehabilitation program is the synergy of actors working together. BSU has established memberships to relevant organizations and entered into partnerships with lead agencies and LGUs. These memberships and partnerships extend from student organizations to institutional-level agreements. The commitments forged in these partnerships have been central to the sustained development and implementation of the Balili Rehabilitation and Revitalization programs of the university. |
Fig. 4, Partnership with Balili River System Revitalization Coalition (BRSRC)
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- Adopt an Estero Program
The recognition of the need for the protection, maintenance, and management of tributaries leading to the Balili river has led BSU, the La Trinidad LGU, EMB and DENR to forge partnerships for the "Adopt an Estero" program particularly for the Bolo Creek which is a main tributary of Balili river. BSU as an adopter continues to enhance its programs in line with the success indicators for the water body program.
- The Forest is Water (Workshop with LGU(LT), Workshop - Land Use)
Water resources are not independent systems. Their quality, availability and viability rely on complex integrations with other ecological systems. Forests and ground vegetation have an impact on water systems and climate change. It is with this premise that BSU is also involved in land use planning with the local municipality of La Trinidad as well as in forest restoration activities
- Less is more
In response to the cost-cutting memorandum No. 010, S. 2018 issued by the BSU office of the president, various departments have adopted measures to cut costs on resources such as paper, energy and water. The College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology spearheaded the awareness and information drive called "Less is more in BSU."
