Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7:Affordable and Clean Energy by driving knowledge production through Scopus-indexed research in renewable energy, and low-carbon technologies. Anchored in this academic foundation and guided by the University Development Plan (UDP 2024–2028) targeting 100% renewable energy utilization by 2028, PUP translates research into practice through strict Philippine Green Building Code compliance, data-driven efficiency protocols, and solar infrastructure. The University further extends renewable and clean energy practices beyond campus by deploying solar stations like Watt-A-Ride at Sta. Maria Bulacan, and incubating low-carbon start-ups such as ElectrifAI through PUP-TBIDO.
Expanding affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy requires innovation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy security, and clean energy technologies. Research explores hybrid solar-wind systems, rooftop solar PV, solar power forecasting, energy storage, and AI-enabled energy harvesting to improve renewable energy access, grid reliability, and energy resilience, particularly in underserved and remote communities. Other studies promote low-carbon infrastructure, sustainable energy management, waste-to-energy, bioenergy, and renewable energy policy, supporting the transition toward cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
These studies advance the clean energy transition through renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, energy security, sustainable energy management, and equitable access to modern energy. They support the development of low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable energy systems, contributing to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for communities and institutions.
Research promotes renewable energy, clean energy adoption, energy efficiency, sustainable energy technologies, and resource efficiency. Studies on waste-to-energy, solar-powered systems, wind energy, and sustainable energy practices support the transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems.
These efforts contribute to renewable energy adoption, clean energy transition, energy sustainability, and innovative energy solutions, advancing SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
Expanding affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy requires advances in renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy security, clean energy technologies, and sustainable energy systems. Research explores AI-enhanced solar-wind systems, RF energy harvesting, and distributed solar PV to expand renewable energy access and address energy gaps in underserved communities.
Further studies address renewable energy integration, energy storage, grid reliability, energy management, and hybrid energy systems, while bioenergy research converts agricultural waste into affordable energy.
These initiatives advance the clean energy transition, renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, energy security, and equitable energy access, contributing to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
Advancing affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy requires energy efficiency, sustainable energy management, low-carbon infrastructure, and clean energy policy. Research on pervious concrete supports low-carbon and energy-efficient building systems, while spatial analysis and drive-cycle modeling help optimize urban energy use and inform clean energy policy.
These studies contribute to energy efficiency, sustainable energy management, low-carbon development, energy optimization, and clean energy policy, supporting the transition toward more sustainable and resilient energy systems under SDG 7.
View all PUP Scopus Publication: ttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IlfCKA2HmYBtj1VdI0Xa5Onbr3PBXHSA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111253540786016308703&rtpof=true&sd=true
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 (P.D. 1096). Through this policy, we promote sustainable design and construction practices that reduce energy consumption and support environmental responsibility across campus developments.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) installed a 50 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Engineering Science Research Center - Gymnasium to promote sustainability and reduce electricity costs.
The project supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by integrating renewable energy technology into campus operations. The solar panels supply power for gym lighting, ventilation, and auxiliary equipment, reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
Proposal on 400 kW Hybrid Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation at the NALLRC
After the installation of solar power system at the Engineering and Science Research Center (ESRC) - GYM, Dr. Ginno L. Andres, Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Engineering, spearheaded the proposal for a P46 million hybrid solar power system at the Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center (NALLRC). This initiative includes the installation of solar panels and battery storage units capable of providing energy during night time or during power outages.
This proposed system will help reduce electric bills, cut down on power interruptions, and support clean energy. It also follows the goals of the Renewable Energy Act Philippines. This project will make the Campus more sustainable and give students a chance to learn about renewable energy systems through real-life experience.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines is strongly committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability through its carbon management initiatives. Institutionalizing this commitment, PUP's Office of the Vice President for Administration has a dedicated Climate Action for 2024-2026 that targets reduction of the University's carbon footprint.
The University strengthened its carbon reduction and emissions mitigation efforts through the installation of a 50 kW grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system at the Gym–ESRC Building. Operational since April 1, 2024, the system generates clean, renewable electricity, reducing the university's dependence on grid-supplied power, which is partly sourced from fossil fuels. This transition to renewable energy has resulted in measurable reductions in carbon emissions, with a total estimated reduction of 15,354.20 kg CO2e in 2024, 21,576.80 kg CO2e in 2025, and 10,222.30 kg CO2e as of May 2026. These measurable reductions demonstrate PUP's commitment to lowering its carbon footprint, promoting sustainable energy management, and supporting climate action through the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
One of the university’s key programs is the observance of the 'No Vehicle Day' and celebration of Earth Day, both designed to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and encourage a culture of sustainability within the campus community. In 2025, 'No Vehicle Day' was formally designated to be observed, reinforcing PUP's continuous efforts to actively lower Scope 1 campus vehicular emissions.
To complement these vehicle-free mandates and ensure uninterrupted campus mobility, the Research Institute for Sustainable Engineering (RISE), in collaboration with the General Administrative Support Services (GASS), rehabilitated and redeployed two electric tricycles for university operations as part of its carbon reduction and emission reduction initiatives. By utilizing electric-powered mobility solutions, the project reduces dependence on fossil fuel-based transportation and supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with campus operations. The initiative also promotes sustainable resource management through the repair and reuse of existing assets, demonstrating practical approaches toward achieving a lower-carbon university environment.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) actively implements a structured energy efficiency framework anchored in its Climate Action for 2024-2026 under the Office of the Vice President for Administration (OVPA). In further support of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), the University enforces strict operational guidelines through OVPA Memorandum No. 6, Series of 2026. Issued by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Officer (EECO), this memorandum mandates all campus offices and academic units to adopt energy conservation protocols aligned with Republic Act No. 11285 (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act) and the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
To achieve measurable energy reductions, PUP continuously monitors and analyzes electricity consumption across all university facilities. The process begins with systematic monthly evaluations of Meralco billing statements to track energy usage and monitor each facility's Power Factor (PF). By aiming for an optimal Power Factor between 85% and 100%, the University identifies inefficient buildings—those falling below 85%—that require operational adjustments. Comparative energy billing analyses between 2024 and 2025 allow the administrative team to pinpoint high-consumption areas, benchmark cost savings, and optimize overall power consumption.
Complementing these administrative monitoring processes, the Research Institute for Sustainable Engineering (RISE) is conducting a university-wide energy audit to identify long-term opportunities for operational efficiency and load reduction. To further reduce reliance on the conventional power grid and advance target efficiency gains, the University is developing key clean energy infrastructure projects, including a 400 kW Hybrid Photovoltaic (PV) System Proposal for the Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center (NALLRC). Together, these policy directives, technical audits, and renewable energy investments form a comprehensive strategy for sustainable campus operations.
The University undergo energy reviews via a local app-Shine Phone application, that tracks real-time solar energy production, and identify areas where energy wastage is highest. In 2024, PUP ESRC - GYM recorded a total solar energy generation of 38,385.2 kWh through its renewable energy system. Out of this, 37,765.7 kWh was directly consumed within the campus to support its energy needs, while a minimal amount of 619.5 kWh was exported back to the grid.
The total energy consumption for the year reached 201,277.1 kWh, of which solar contributed nearly 18.9% of the total demand. This indicates that while renewable energy provided a meaningful share, the majority of the consumption approximately 163,511.9 kWh or 81.1% was still imported from the grid.
To ensure efficient energy management and identify possible areas of wastage, General Administrative Support Services submits quarterly energy consumption reports to the administration. These reports include data from both solar and grid electricity, helping the university analyze usage trends, identify peak consumption periods, and plan targeted energy-saving measures.
Note: The data reflects energy use and generation from the solar-powered buildings of PUP, and does not yet include buildings without solar installations.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines is currently developing a Divestment Policy to establish a clear and responsible framework for reviewing and managing its investments. The policy aims to align the University’s investment practices with its institutional values, sustainability commitments, and principles of responsible investment, while maintaining prudent financial stewardship.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) systematically tracks electricity consumption across all university facilities to establish operational baselines and evaluate energy management efficiency. From 2024 to 2026, campus energy data reflects operational adjustments and seasonality. In 2024, total full-year campus electricity consumption reached 2,391,885 kWh, which decreased by 1.5% in 2025 to 2,356,485 kWh following the implementation of campus energy conservation protocols. Comparing equivalent five-month operational windows (January to May), electricity demand was recorded at 1,064,750 kWh in 2024 and 926,130 kWh in 2025. In 2026, January–May electricity usage totaled 968,795 kWh—representing a 4.6% increase over the same period in 2025 due to expanded physical operations, yet remaining 9.0% lower than the 2024 baseline for the comparable duration.
Data Source: PUP General Administrative Support Services
To further strengthen evidence-based resource management, PUP is expanding its empirical baseline through external validation. In August 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) conducts a comprehensive institutional energy audit across PUP campuses. This audit will formalize building-by-building kWh/m² benchmarking metrics, pinpoint energy-intensive areas, and guide future targeted retrofits to ensure sustained energy reductions.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), in strategic partnership with the civil society organization 350 Pilipinas, drives local community education, skills transfer, and practical renewable energy adoption through student-led extension projects. Spearheaded by students from the Electrical Engineering Technology program under the PUP Institute of Technology (ITech), this collaboration bridges theoretical engineering knowledge with hands-on sustainability solutions.
The initiative began on May 14, 2024, with the inauguration of the university's first solar-powered charging station at the ITech student-holding area in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Designed to serve up to 10 devices simultaneously, the installation incorporates automated built-in timers (40 minutes active / 5 minutes rest) to optimize power usage, prevent energy wastage, and preserve battery life. Expanding on this success, the partnership launched a second solar-charging station at PUP’s Main Building in March 2025, featuring a 1.2 kW solar panel array and a 1 kW storage battery capable of charging up to 20 devices at once. Building on these stationary systems, the team launched Watt-A-Ride, in December 2025—a youth-led, mobile solar-charging station built on an electric vehicle platform that delivers off-grid clean energy directly across campus grounds and local outreach sites.
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Through strengthening its partnerships for the advancement of SDGs, Polytechnic University of the Philippines promotes a public pledge toward 100% renewable energy beyond the University with a Non-Government Organization-350 Pilipinas.
In November 2024, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Institute of Technology (ITech) deepened its partnership with 350 Pilipinas, a climate advocacy organization promoting a transition to 100% renewable energy. They signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that formalized PUP’s commitment to integrate renewable-energy practices into its curriculum, research, and campus operations.
This partnership demonstrates dedication to promoting renewable energy adoption beyond the university and among the wider community.
This external advocacy directly reinforces PUP's internal strategic roadmap. Under the University Development Plan, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has committed to achieving 100% renewable energy utilization from alternative energy sources by 2028. This commitment aims to reduce the university’s carbon footprint through the development and integration of renewable energy systems, including solar power installations, wind energy systems, and biogas digester technologies.
Read more: PUP-ITech Partners with 350 Pilipinas Furthering its Commitment to Renewable Energy Solutions
Advancing SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, the Research Institute for Sustainable Engineering (RISE) has formally submitted a proposal to the Department of Energy (DOE) for official designation as a Center for Affiliated Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and Conservation (CARE) Facility, aligned with relevant regulatory standards and institutional criteria. This proposed facility seeks to strengthen the University’s leadership in accelerating renewable energy adoption, enhanced energy efficiency, and sustainable energy conservation. Through specialized research, community extension, technical capacity‑building, and strategic multi‑stakeholder partnerships with government bodies, industry sectors, and academic networks, the initiative will drive innovation, knowledge transfer, and scalable clean‑energy solutions. It reinforces commitment to expand sustainable energy access, improve energy productivity, reduce carbon intensity, and accelerate the transition toward reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy systems.
The University inform and supports the government in clean energy and energy-efficient technology policy development. Through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Officer (EECO), under the Office of the Vice President for Administration, issued Memorandum No. 6, Series of 2026, directing all university offices and units to strictly implement energy conservation protocols in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 114, Republic Act No. 11285 (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act), and Administrative Order No. 15, s. 2024 on the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
In response to the potential economic impacts of rising global fuel prices, the memorandum places the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) under a State of Preparedness and mandates energy efficiency measures aimed at achieving a 10%–20% reduction in energy consumption while ensuring the continued efficiency and sustainability of university operations.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines actively demonstrates its commitment in providing assistance for start-ups that foster and support a low-carbon economy/technology. This is shown through its prominent partnership with 350 Pilipinas, an organization that promotes renewable and community-owned energy systems. This partnership has bloomed into many different projects and campaigns, one of them being "Fossil-Free PUP". This campaign envisions the university's transition toward a carbon-neutral and renewable-powered campus.
These efforts are also seen through PUP's support on start-ups, like ElectrifAI, an artificial intelligence–driven system designed to enhance energy efficiency, that promote a low-carbon economy and sustainable technologies through its dedicated office- PUP PYLON Technology Business Incubation and Development Office
The University demonstrated its commitment to supporting low-carbon innovation through a strong partnership with 350 Pilipinas, a climate advocacy organization dedicated to promoting renewable and community-owned energy systems. 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.
The partnership began as part of the “Fossil-Free PUP” campaign, which envisions the university’s transition toward a carbon-neutral and renewable-powered campus. Guided by faculty from the PUP Institute of Technology (ITech) and with technical mentorship from 350 Pilipinas, students developed a solar-powered charging station — a tangible example of how clean, locally generated energy can support campus operations and community needs. Read more: PUP-ITech Partners with 350 Pilipinas Furthering its Commitment to Renewable Energy Solutions
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) actively fosters a low-carbon economy by providing incubation, mentorship, and commercialization support to start-ups through its Technology Business Incubation and Development Office (PUP-TBIDO). PUP-TBIDO launched its inaugural incubation cohort featuring nine pioneering start-ups focused on technology-driven social impact. Highlighted in this cohort is ElectrifAI, an artificial intelligence system designed to optimize energy efficiency. ElectrifAI detects energy anomalies in real time to prevent power loss and unauthorized tapping, directly empowering users to monitor and optimize their electricity consumption to reduce overall carbon intensity.
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Complementing business incubation, PUP advances low-carbon energy technologies through funded research initiatives. Commencing in April 2025 with a two-year timeline, the project titled “Optimizing Oxyhydrogen Fuel Cell Project” is supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). This initiative explores oxyhydrogen as a cleaner alternative fuel, focusing on enhancing fuel cell efficiency, boosting power performance, and replacing conventional fossil fuel-based systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
View the Research: https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202672003002
To ensure sustainable scaling and wider application of these technologies, PUP conducts regular strategic coordination across university leadership, research bodies, and civil society partners. On January 21, 2026, PUP-TBIDO convened a multi-stakeholder strategic planning meeting with the PUP Institute of Technology (ITech) Dean and faculty, the PUP Santa Maria Bulacan Director, and climate advocacy leaders from 350 Pilipinas. The session established institutional pathways to scale student-led low-carbon innovations, expand incubation support, and transition clean energy prototypes into viable community and market solutions.
Read more on: At the Core of Renewable Energy in Our Communities
The installation of the 50 kW grid-tied Photovoltaic (PV) system at the Gym–ESRC Building—energized on April 1, 2024—serves as PUP’s core low-carbon generation facility. Over the first half of 2025 (January to June), the system generated a cumulative 7,022.95 kWh of zero-emission electricity. Generation steadily escalated from 1,131.29 kWh in January to a peak of 1,274.35 kWh in May 2025, mirroring increased solar irradiance during summer months before moderating slightly to 1,231.11 kWh in June. While representing an initial scale within PUP's total annual campus demand, on-site low-carbon generation yields substantial local operational savings. For the Gym–ESRC facility alone, solar generation displaced grid electricity consumption by 18% to 19% producing ₱310,330.77 in realized savings from January to May 2025 and cumulative savings of ₱731,620.88 since initial energization. Across the broader campus infrastructure, solar generation contributed an overall 2.0% reduction in grid power reliance, providing a verified quantitative baseline for future utility-scale solar expansions.
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