Here's a great way to teach sustainability

FEU Alabang, one of the premier Business, Engineering, and Information Technology higher education institutions in the Philippines, has been recognized as the first EDGE-certified academic building in the country. 

EDGE, which stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, is a certification system for green buildings that focuses on cost-effective strategies to reduce energy use, water use, and embodied energy in materials. To qualify for this certification, a building needs to present at least a 20 percent reduction in these specific areas.

At the awarding ceremony, Far Eastern University (FEU) chairman Aurelio R. Montinola III proudly received the award from Philippine Green Building Initiative’s (PGBI) EDGE project director Engr. Ramon Aguilo.  

“It was a challenge we are grateful to overcome as this achievement testifies to our dedication to sustainability and creating a greener future one step at a time,” said FEU Alabang’s director of facilities Feben Landazabal. “We are proud to be officially included in the list of environment-friendly buildings worldwide.” 

The Facilities Office spearheaded the application for the certification. In charge of providing an ideal academic and physical setting for students and associates, it focuses on equipment maintenance, safety and health, security, visitor management, and maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the campus.

The FEU campus, situated in the heart of Filinvest City in Alabang, utilizes sustainable structures that use the sun’s orientation and prevailing wind direction for light conservation and proper ventilation. 

An assessment of the audit report conducted by the EDGE team revealed that FEU Alabang was able to show a reduction of 30 percent in energy, 39 percent in water consumption, and 32 percent in materials’ embodied energy, reducing expenses for utilities and lessening carbon footprints.

“FEU Alabang has always been an advocate for sustainability. For instance, our building is equipped with LED bulbs with lower wattage and higher luminosity. We also continuously use environment-friendly refrigerants. We have installed VFD (Variable Frequency Device) as well for our chilled water pumps, condenser pumps, booster pumps, and AHUs,” added Landazabal.
FEU Alabang’s executive director Remelita H. Avenido also shared how this certification impacts the role of the academe in shaping the environmental consciousness of the youth. “Lead by example as they always say. It has always been FEU’s mission to preserve and care for the environment. By applying for certifications like EDGE, we continuously advocate for environmental conservation and protection,” she said.

Avenido also stressed that apart, from being a formidable step in the fight against global warming, the EDGE certification will inspire students, whatever industry they may be in, to create real-world solutions that will address environmental challenges and help build a sustainable future.

“As early as now, we want them to know the importance of sustainability,” explained Avenido. “We want to set a good example so that once they become professionals, they will continue advocating for the environment regardless of their chosen industries or line of work.”