Expanding access to reliable, modern, and affordable clean energy for all, by integrating renewable sources—particularly solar power—into its campus infrastructure—reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering its carbon footprint, and modeling energy equity within an academic setting.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines ensures that all renovation and construction projects comply with energy efficiency standards by strictly adhering to the Philippine Green Building Code, a referral code of the National Building Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 1096). Through this policy, the University promotes sustainable design and construction practices that reduce energy consumption and support environmental responsibility across campus developments.
Our Sta. Mesa Campus installed a 50 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Engineering Science Research Center (ESRC) - Gymnasium to promote sustainability and reduce electricity costs. The solar panels supply power for gym lighting, ventilation, and auxiliary equipment, thereby reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and integrating renewable energy technology into campus operations.
Following the installation of solar panels in ESRC-Gymnasium, a research team spearheaded by Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) Director, Dr. Ginno L. Andres, has proposed the installation of a ₱46 million hybrid solar power system at the Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center (NALLRC). This plan would include solar panels and battery storage capable of supplying power during nighttime hours or during power outages.
This initiative aims to foster a more sustainable campus, provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in renewable energy, reduce electricity costs, minimize power interruptions, and support the country’s clean energy goals—aligning with the objectives of the Philippine Renewable Energy Act.
Committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability, Sintang Paaralan observes No Vehicle Day twice a year— on April 22nd and on the first Saturday of October. On these days, the use of private vehicles within our premises is prohibited. Employees, students, and visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transportation. Only essential service vehicles, such as those for emergencies, maintenance, and security, are permitted.
The Sintang Paaralan continues to advance its commitment for a more energy efficient institution. To do that, the University is implementing an energy efficiency plan focused on improving the performance of all campus buildings.
The initiative begins with a systematic analysis of monthly Meralco billing statements to track each building’s electricity consumption and Power Factor (PF)—a key indicator of electrical efficiency, with an ideal range of 85% to 100%. Buildings registering a PF below 85% are flagged for improvement measures.
By consistently collecting and comparing this data, the university can identify high-consumption or low-efficiency facilities and prioritize interventions.
The overarching goal is to achieve a campus-wide Power Factor of at least 90%, which will not only reduce energy costs and minimize environmental impact, but also reinforces the institution’s leadership in sustainable and responsible energy management within higher education.
To advance its energy efficiency and renewable energy integration goals under its University Development Plan (UDP), PUP targets a 100% renewable energy integration by 2028 with corresponding cumulative savings amount of ₱13 million.
As of 2024–2025, a 50 kW grid-tied photovoltaic (solar) system installed at the Gym–ESRC building in April 2024 has contributed modestly—achieving only 2% actual integration against a 10% target in 2024 and remaining at 2% in 2025 despite a 25% target—resulting in actual savings of ₱421,290.11 in 2024 and ₱731,620.88 by mid-2025. Billing analyses show that without the solar system, ESRC’s electricity costs would have reached ₱2.24 million in 2024 and ₱1.75 million by May 2025, highlighting the system’s impact.
Despite these efforts, PUP’s overall campus still spends approximately ₱30.2 million annually on electricity, with solar contributing just 2% in energy savings so far.
To scale up, proposed projects include a 400 kW hybrid PV system with 1,000 kWh energy storage for the NALLRC building and a biodigester at the PUP Lagoon to convert food waste into sustainable energy. The latter will be led by the Pollution Control Services & Energy Efficiency Deputy Office in collaboration with the Research Institute of Sustainable Engineering (RISE).
Funded by climate justice organization 350 Pilipinas and supported by the PUP Center for Environmental Studies (CES), students from the Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology (DEET)program at the Institute of Technology (ITECH) have developed the University’s first solar-powered charging station.
Inaugurated on May 14, 2024 at the ITECH building, the iSkOLAR charging station uses renewable energy generated by solar-powered batteries to charge up to ten (10) electrical devices, such as cellphones and laptops, simultaneously for 45 minutes. After that, the system will undergo a cool down period of five (5) minutes to store more solar energy for future usage, creating a sustainable cycle of eco-friendly electric consumption.
Beyond the hardware, the collaboration emphasised skills-transfer, student-led innovation and a community-centred approach. PUP students were involved in every phase, from planning the project’s timeline and sourcing materials to addressing challenges like procurement delays and weather-impacts. This hands-on experience demonstrates a practical model of renewable energy integration rooted in academic collaboration, technical education, and environmental stewardship.
By March 2025, the collaboration reached a new milestone with the launch of a second solar-charging station at PUP’s Main Building, powered by a 1.2 kW panel and 1 kW battery, capable of charging up to 20 devices simultaneously.
This story of PUP and 350 Pilipinas shows how an academic institution, together with a community organisation and committed students, can move from agreement to action from idea to tangible infrastructure while also embedding renewable-energy awareness and capacity into the campus and community fabric.
On November 19, 2024, the PUP Institute of Technology (ITECH) signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the climate advocacy organization 350 Pilipinas. Through this partnership, the Sintang Paaralan has formalized its commitment to integrate renewable-energy practices into its curriculum, research, and campus operations.
PUP-ITech Partners with 350 Pilipinas Furthering its Commitment to Renewable Energy Solutions View article
The University demonstrated its commitment to supporting low-carbon innovation with a new partnership with 350 Pilipinas. This collaboration served as a platform for students, faculty, and local advocates to design and implement sustainable energy technologies that advance a low-carbon future.
Rooted in the “Fossil-Free PUP” campaign, which envisions a carbon-neutral, renewable-powered campus, the collaboration brought together students, faculty from the PUP Institute of Technology (ITech), and 350 Pilipinas mentors to co-create practical clean energy solutions, evident to the development and installation of a solar-powered charging station, showcasing how locally generated renewable energy can meet both campus and community needs while advancing PUP’s broader sustainability goals.
PUP is advancing its energy efficiency and renewable energy integration goals under its University Development Plan (UDP), targeting 100% renewable energy integration by 2028 with corresponding cumulative savings amount of ₱13 million.
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