Developing the Climate Action Plan (Memo U2324-127)

As we continue to strengthen our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship at Ateneo de Manila University, we are eager to embark on a significant initiative aimed at developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for our institution.

The CAP will codify Ateneo's commitment to addressing climate change drivers and impacts. It is intended to contain the principles, guidelines, activities, targets, and metrics for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions (climate change mitigation) and reducing the impacts of climate hazards on the community and its partners (climate change adaptation). The CAP will also map our journey to carbon neutrality by 2030. It will be co-developed with relevant stakeholders of the University and will be guided by the University’s Vision to be a force for good in seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.

This plan will be developed in alignment with and building on the existing policies and plans such as: the Sustainability Policies and Guidelines, Campus Master Plan, Energy Plan, Mobility Plan, Waste Management Plan, etc.  The CAP will address the focus area of integral ecology in the University Strategic Plan Lux in Domino 2030. Among the objectives, goals, strategies, and measures of Lux in Domino 2030 are the University’s Magis Aspirations. The CAP also seeks to operationalize and achieve part of these aspirations under Integral Ecology, which are to become a Laudato Si’ University and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan will further our commitment as a Laudato Si' University in responding to Pope Francis' call for urgent climate action in the Laudate Deum. The development of the Climate Action Plan will also address gaps identified in our performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

In line with this, I am pleased to inform the community of the creation of the Core Working Group that will craft the Climate Action Plan:

1. Fr Jose Ramon T Villarin SJ (Lead of MA Carbon Neutrality Feasibility Team; Chair of the CAP CWG)
2. Dr Maria Obiminda L Cambaliza (Member of Carbon Neutrality Feasibility Team; Department of Physics)
3. Arch Michael M Canlas (Director, CFMO) and Engr Ronald C Navarrete (Energy and Utilities Management Section Head, CFMO)
4. GHG officer to be housed by CFMO
5. Dr Emma E Porio (member of the Technical Panel of Experts of the Climate Change Commission; Department of Sociology and Anthropology)
6. Dr Philip Arnold P Tuaño (Dean of the Ateneo School of Government)
7. Dr Ma Assunta C Cuyegkeng (Department of Educational Leadership and Management, GBSEALD; founding Director of AIS)
8. Ms Virgie G Esteves (Assistant Headmaster for Formation, Ateneo de Manila Grade School)
9. Mr Lexter Gio P Rañola (MS Physics-HE student body representative)
10. Dr Leland Joseph R Dela Cruz (AVP-SDECE, ex-officio)

The Ateneo Institute of Sustainability will serve as the secretariat/convenor.

The Core Working Group (CWG) will be responsible for:

1. Defining Scope and Contents: This involves outlining the breadth and depth of the CAP, encompassing thematic areas such as carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, waste management, mobility, operations, and any other pertinent aspects vital in climate action.
2. Outlining Specific Goals, Milestones, and Implementation Strategies: The CWG will collaboratively establish clear and measurable targets aligned with our commitment towards adaptation and mitigation. This includes setting achievable milestones and proposing implementation strategies to achieve the targets.
3. Establishing Mechanisms for Monitoring University Efforts on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: A key role of the CWG will be to create a mechanism for monitoring the current and future endeavors of our University on climate change adaptation and mitigation. This mechanism will ensure accountability, track progress, and enable timely adjustments to our strategies to meet our sustainability targets.

Climate change presents one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and our proactive response is essential. We aim to craft a plan that reflects our collective vision and commitment to climate action. As an educational institution and community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and progress, we recognize the pivotal role each of us plays in shaping the future of our university. The core working group will help set the foundations and mechanisms for involving the larger University community, whose insights will help tailor strategies that align with our values and aspirations. Our collective efforts in crafting a Climate Action Plan for the University will not only mitigate our impact but also pave the way for a more resilient future.

I thank the members of the Core Working Group for their commitment and enjoin the University Community to actively engage and contribute your perspectives and expertise to this vital initiative.

Ad majorem Dei gloriam.