Learn more about our
Sustainable Development Goals Initiatives

QS Stars
3

QS Stars


QS World Ranking
88

Southeast Asia


World University Rankings for Innovation
250

Rank


Times Higher Education
1,501

Rank


Overview

Universities are incubators for innovative solutions and increased awareness for various inclusivity and sustainability initiatives. This is more pronounced for the largest state university in the Philippines, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. With at least 50,000 learners in its main campus, it is strategically situated right at the heart of the country’s capital and designed to support the larger community.

We believe that advancing an inclusive, equitable, and globally relevant polytechnic education will not only lead us towards national development and achieve our vision of becoming a leading polytechnic university in Asia. More importantly, it provides us with a holistic foundation to craft effective solutions designed to improve the well-being and quality of life of the communities that surround us.

Given this perspective, PUP took a significant step towards integrating sustainability in its governance, academic programs, research and extension, and daily operations. Executive Order No. 40, series of 2025 emphasize this institutionalization. This is ably supported by the Sustainability Policy of Sintang Paaralan, officially dubbed as “Pamantasang Umiiral ang Pag-unlad ng may Pananagutan” (trans. University where responsible development exists).
 

Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles support this policy and other relevant sustainability initiatives of the University:

  • We are committed to environmental stewardship through responsible resource management, waste reduction, and pollution prevention to minimize our environmental impact.

  • We champion social equity through sustainability initiatives that actively promote social justice, benefit all community members, and redress environmental injustices.

  • We are committed to achieving long-term economic sustainability through the comprehensive integration of environmental considerations into all financial planning and decision-making processes.

  • We are committed to transparent and accountable communication of our sustainability performance, goals, and progress to all stakeholders.

  • We maintain a commitment to continuous improvement and proactive adaptation to evolving challenges.

Commitments

Our general commitments are outlined as follows:

Operations

  • Energy efficiency
  • Water conservation
  • Waste management
  • Sustainable procurement
  • Transportation

Academics and research

  • Curriculum integration
  • Research and innovation

Community and social inclusion

  • Student engagement
  • Faculty and non-academic personnel engagement
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Community engagement

Core Objectives

To complement the work of monitoring and continued implementation, the University Center for Sustainable Development has also been established. It has the following core objectives:

Enhancement of PUP's Scholarly Reputation: By strategically positioning PUP as a leading institution in sustainability education and scholarly research, the UCSD will contribute substantively to the enhancement of the university's reputation both within national academic circles and on the international stage. This deliberate focus on sustainability is anticipated to attract a greater influx of highly qualified students, accomplished researchers, and strategic partners who share a demonstrable commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. This proactive stance underscores the university's dedication to responsible, forward-thinking education and its alignment with global sustainability imperatives.

Contribution to National Development Goals: The UCSD will enable PUP to make direct and measurable contributions to addressing critical national development challenges by cultivating graduates who are not only technically proficient but also equipped with the advanced knowledge and analytical skills necessary to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. This strategic alignment is consistent with the national development framework, which increasingly prioritizes sustainable growth, inclusive progress, and the responsible management of natural resources.

Facilitation of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The UCSD will serve as a central catalyst for fostering collaborative partnerships among PUP's diverse colleges, campuses, and academic departments. By actively promoting interdisciplinary research and pedagogical initiatives, the center will ensure the seamless integration of sustainability principles into a broad spectrum of academic programs, encompassing fields such as engineering, technology, business administration, and the social sciences.

Advancement of Innovation and Research Excellence: The UCSD will leverage the collective research capabilities of all affiliated university research institutes and centers to drive innovation in sustainable development. These centers will be dedicated to producing cutting-edge, peer-reviewed research that contributes to the development of evidence-based solutions for both local and global challenges. The UCSD will also actively pursue external research funding opportunities and cultivate collaborative partnerships with other academic institutions, governmental agencies, and private sector entities to further enhance its research impact and dissemination.

Strengthening of Community Engagement and Outreach: The UCSD will operate in close collaboration with the University's Extension Management Office, the primary unit responsible for public service and community engagement. This synergistic partnership will strengthen PUP’s connection with its surrounding communities, ensuring that sustainable development initiatives are responsive to local needs, culturally appropriate, and aligned with community-defined priorities.

Promotion of Campus Sustainability: The UCSD will spearhead comprehensive initiatives to enhance the sustainability of PUP's campuses, transforming them into living laboratories and models for other institutions seeking to implement sustainable practices. This will encompass a wide range of initiatives, including waste minimization and responsible waste management, energy efficiency improvements, water conservation strategies, and the promotion of sustainable procurement practices.

University Center for Sustainable Development

The UCSD is comprised of the following membership:

Oversight Committee

Chair University President
Co-chair Executive Vice President
Members All Vice Presidents

UCSD Committee

Chair VP for Research, Extension, and Development / Quality Management Representative
Co-Chair VP for Administration

Core Team

  Secretariat:

Monitoring and Reporting

  • International Affairs Office
  • Institutional Quality Management Office-Knowledge Management
  • Institutional Planning Office

Advocacy and Strategic Communication Campaign

  • Communication Management Office
  • Research Publications Office
  • Information and Communications Technology Office

Operations:

Office of the VP for Administration

  • Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Office
  • Pollution Control Services
  • Physical Planning and Development Office
  • Facilities and Management Office
  • Procurement Management Office
  • Disaster Resilience Institute
  • Human Resources Management Department
  • General Services Office
  • Medical Services Office

Office of the VP for Planning and Finance

  • Budget Services Office
  • Resource Generation Office
Academic and Research:

Office of the VP for Academic Affairs and Office of the VP for Campuses

  • Quality Assurance Office
  • University Teaching and Learning Development Office
  • College and Campus Representatives

OVP Research, Extension, and Development

  • Research Management and Intellectual Property Management Office
  • Research Institutes and Centers
  • Center for Environmental Technologies and Compliance

Community and Social Inclusion

OVP Research, Extension and Development

  • Extension Management Office
  • Research and Extension Chiefs/Coordinators
  • Gender Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion

Office of the VP for Student Services

  • Office of Student Services
  • Office of Counseling and Psychological Testing
  • Office of Student Fund Assistance (Scholarship)
  • Admissions Office  
  • Alumni Relations and Career Development Office

Employees’ Union and Faculty Union

SDG Focal Team (SDG Technical Working)

PUP remains committed to a prosperous and peaceful planet for people from all walks of life, anchored on partnerships that advance inclusivity and sustainability. We are hopeful that our actions, however big or small, contribute to a better quality of life for Filipinos and the rest of the globe.

sinta
 Show services menu