THE SILLIMAN University reaffirms its commitment to a green and sustainable campus by partnering with Green Core to extend the use of renewable energy on its premises.

A memorandum of agreement was signed over the weekend by key officials of the two parties.

University President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann said SU is very pleased with the results that it periodically renews its supplier upon the approval of the Board of Trustees.

“As an educational institution with its foundations anchored in the Word of God, Silliman University takes its role seriously,” McCann said.

“Thus, the University’s stewardship is reflected in its mission to be ‘a Christian institution leading in total human development for the well-being of society and environment,’ and in its vision to be ‘responsible and accountable stewards of the environment and other resources,” she added.

SU’s Vice President for Development, Enterprise, and External Affairs, Assistant Professor Jane Annette Belarmino, mentioned that transition to renewable energy was not only driven by cost savings but also by their commitment to a ‘decarbonized and regenerative future.’

“To concretize this, with just a year’s use of renewable energy from 2020-2021, we were able to prevent an equivalent of 974.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere,” Belarmino added.

Arlene Soriano, First Gen’s assistant vice president and Power Marketing and Sales head, said while cost savings is a huge benefit, they understand that SU’s priority is to use green energy to power the campus.

“Being an institution that (helps) mold young minds, SU’s action directly impacts the younger generation to be more conscious of choosing sustainability,” said Soriano.

Since 2019, SU has been the sole university in Negros Island, and one of the country’s few universities to use only renewable energy.

In 2018, the university finalized its environment principles, policies, and guidelines, which highlight its commitment to a green and sustainable campus.

Among the prioritized initiatives are related to waste minimization, green building design and construction, renewable energy use and low utility consumption, material resource efficiency, water conservation, reduced environmental impact, eco-friendly mobility and transportation options, enhanced biodiversity, and preservation of green spaces.