DLSU: Still one of the world’s leading sustainable higher educ. institutions

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY ( DLSU) has been recognized anew as a leading higher education institution ( HEI) in the world for its commitment in pursuing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), according to the 2024 Times Higher Education ( THE) Impact Rankings.

For six consecutive years, the university has consistently held this distinction, landing within the 401600 bracket.

In the 2024 edition, DLSU ranked in four SDGS: “Clean Water and Sanitation” (101-200), “Responsible Consumption and Production” (201300), “Life Below Water” (201- 300), and “Partnership for the Goals” (401- 600). These underscore the university’s enduring dedication to sustainability.

In pursuit of Clean Water and Sanitation or SDG 6, DLSU measures its monthly water consumption per facility on campus to track the volume used and spillage. It has water fountains at various locations on campus providing clean potable water. It also conducts programs and various activities to increase the academic community’s awareness of the different issues affecting clean water. Also, the university and its local water concessionaire have interconnected their wastewater facilities in compliance with the Laguna Lake Development Authority.

For SDG 12 or Responsible Consumption and Production, DLSU conducted a “Waste Analysis and Categorization” study: a baseline research to determine the approximate volume and types of waste being produced on campus on a daily basis. The results served as a technical basis to establish waste- management processes, as well as partnerships with external institutions.

The HEI also implemented “Ecological Solid Waste Guidelines” for handling waste materials. Hazardous waste generated on campus was managed via a partnership with UDENNA—A third- party hazardous waste hauler and treater recognized by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources.

DLSU was also able to publish its second Sustainability Report covering 2019 to 2021. In addressing Life Below Water or SDG 14, the Brother Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center (SHORE) continues to conduct various marine studies. Among these is the “Capacity Building on Reef Assessment and Coral Taxonomy (CBRACT)-PHASE 2”— a two-year project funded by the Department of Science and Technology-philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development or DOST-PCAARRD. Headed by university fellow and eminent marine biologist Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan, the project aims to refine the “Alwan Citizen Science Methods” for reef assessment. The project also includes the development of relevant training modules and materials for the faculty of regional HEIS and their community- partners.