TO reaffirm its commitment to a fossil-free world, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines forged a partnership agreement with climate justice campaigner 350 Pilipinas.

The collaboration highlighted the need to design training programs that will help the university reach its goal to reduce carbon footprint for sustainable development.

Under the agreement, both parties will train students, faculty and employees on basic theoretical knowledge in the fundamentals of climate justice, inclusive mobility and decarbonization.

“This Memorandum of Understanding with 350 Pilipinas shows the university’s commitment for the preservation, conservation and revitalization of the environment and reduction of its carbon footprint and contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals,” Manuel Muhi, PUP president, said.

Jimmy Fernando, chief of the Center for Environmental Studies, said that the collaboration is a result of the school’s efforts to encourage the participation of students, faculty, employees and partners from civil society to turn PUP into a “laboratory for green initiatives.”

“PUP is committed to minimize our environmental impact by reducing our utilization of carbon-emitting energy and exposure to climate risks and increase our exposure to the natural environment and provide opportunities for a healthy and safe environment that is conducive to learning,” Fernando said.

Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, one of the partner-groups with 350 Pilipinas, also turned over solar home system lamps, solar panels, solar charge controllers, batteries and accessories.

These renewable energy sources will be assembled by PUP Institute of Technology students under the engineering technology program.

350 Pilipinas is part of the global climate justice movement 350.org founded in the United States. It was established through grassroots organizing efforts leading up to two important climate events—the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009 and the national climate convergence in 2014.