GUPES Green Gown Awards 2016 – Asia and the Pacific – Xavier University – Finalist

Solid Waste Management: The ATENEO Way

As a Jesuit university, Xavier participates in the Jesuit mission of reconciliation with God, reconciliation with others, and reconciliation with creation. Environmental protection is embedded in the University mission. The Solid Waste Management Program (SMW) aims to improve cleanliness of the University and to attain zero waste.

The program has achieved results that include support from top management; procurement of color-coded bins strategically located in grounds, hallways and offices; operation of Materials Recovery and vermicomposting facilities; monthly revenue from recyclable materials; initiation of information, education and communication campaign; and recognition of University initiatives at local and international level. The SWM process includes: 1) Segregation at Source; 2) Collection of solid material; 3) Cleaning, sorting and storage of Recyclable Materials; and 4) Disposal to the controlled dumpsite. Moreover, Xavier University, as an academic institution, should be a catalyst in supporting the Philippine government in its solid waste management program.

Top 3 learnings

1. Commitment - Environment protection is embedded in the University mission, thus we ensure that this is translated into actual practice and concrete activities.
2. Teamwork - We recognised that every member of the University community plays a vital role in program implementation.
3. Challenge - We are tasked by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) to become a prototype green campus for other Jesuit schools in the region.

What it means to win

"Joining the GUPES Green Gown Award signifies Xavier University's commitment towards environmental stewardship in caring for the earth, our only home. Winning the GUPES Green Gown Award is not only a testament of success but also a bigger challenge to surpass existing levels of performance in the near future."

Mr. Edison B. Sasoy,Vice President for Administration Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan

Videos

• Solid Waste Management: The ATENEO Way (click to hide)