Policies Towards Climate Action
Leyte Normal University commits to advancing Climate Action by integrating climate change education, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience into its institutional policies, academic programs, research, and community extension initiatives. Guided by the principles of sustainability, adaptation, and mitigation, the University shall proactively reduce its carbon footprint, promote renewable energy and resource efficiency, and strengthen climate literacy and ecological responsibility among students, faculty, and stakeholders.
Through collaborative efforts with government agencies, local communities, and global partners, LNU shall serve as a center of action and advocacy for building climate-resilient communities, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 — Climate Action.
Our Contributions to SDG 13
Low-Carbon Energy Tracking
OUR PLEDGE TO A LOW-CARBON CAMPUS: ADVOCACY AND ACTION
Leyte Normal University is not merely adapting to change—we are leading it. We declare our unwavering commitment to forging a truly Low-Carbon University. This commitment is a core pillar of our mission to ensure a sustainable future for our students and our community.
The Challenge We Face: Understanding Our Carbon Footprint
To lead, we must first measure. LNU has established an existing and essential monitoring capacity to track our environmental impact. Our analysis confirms that the university’s carbon footprint is primarily influenced by two major, interconnected factors: electricity consumption and transportation.
We acknowledge that the daily movement of vehicles across campus—including cars, motorcycles, and essential shuttle buses—contributes significantly. Even the dedicated travel routes, covering an estimated 200 meters (0.2 kilometers) from the entrance to parking areas and back, add up. Similarly, the vehicles used for student drop-offs, which traverse the same short distances, collectively shape our emissions profile.
When these transportation activities are combined with the university’s overall electricity usage, we arrive at a clear call to action: our total estimated carbon footprint for the period of October 2024 to September 2025 is 956.89 metric tons of CO₂.
See related file: Individual contribution to the university’s overall carbon emissions from activities such as electricity consumption and on-campus transportation
LNU Leads with Low-Carbon Campus Initiative
Leyte Normal University (LNU) strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability by integrating energy-efficient devices across its facilities. The University has prioritized the use of LED lighting, inverter-type air conditioning units, and smart energy management systems to significantly reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
These initiatives form part of LNU’s broader low-carbon campus strategy, which promotes resource efficiency, climate change mitigation, and responsible energy use. By adopting technologies that minimize energy waste, the University not only lowers operational costs but also reinforces its role as a model of sustainability and resilience in the higher education sector.
Through continuous monitoring, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with partners in the energy and environmental sectors, Leyte Normal University remains steadfast in advancing a climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable learning environment for future generations.
See related stories: The Path to Sustainable Infrastructure and a Smart Campus
LNU Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
For full details on this activity, click on this link
Low-Carbon Energy Use
Leyte Normal University Energy Profile and Low-Carbon Transition
Leyte Normal University recorded a total annual electricity consumption of 4,731 GJ, reflecting the institution’s commitment to transparent sustainability disclosure. Of this total, 100 GJ was generated through the University’s solar energy systems, directly reducing dependence on the grid and advancing LNU’s transition toward a low-carbon energy mix.
The remaining 4,631 GJ was supplied through the regional grid via the local distribution utility, LEYECO II. Based on its existing power supply contracts, the cooperative’s generation mix is composed of 50% geothermal (renewable/low-carbon), 40% coal, and 5% other renewable sources such as solar and hydro power.
Using this verified energy profile, LNU’s estimated low-carbon energy share from the mixed grid supply is computed as follows:
Solar energy (100% renewable): 100 GJ
Low-carbon share of grid supply
= 55% of 4,631 GJ
= 2,547.05 GJ
Total estimated low-carbon energy consumption:
= 100 GJ (solar) + 2,547.05 GJ (grid)
= ≈ 2,647 GJ
This means that approximately 56% of Leyte Normal University’s total electricity consumption is derived from low-carbon energy sources, primarily geothermal and solar.
Through sustained investments in renewable energy infrastructure, energy efficiency initiatives, and responsible energy management practices, Leyte Normal University continues to strengthen its alignment with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The University remains committed to further increasing the share of clean energy in its operations, driving measurable progress toward long-term carbon reduction and sustainability goals.
To see full consumption report, click on this link
Utilizing the Power of the Sun
In 2024, Leyte Normal University (LNU) utilized an average of 1687 kWh per month from solar powered lights, reinforcing its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action. Building on this initiative, the University projects an increase to approximately 2317 kWh per month in 2025 with the purchase of additional solar lamps and continued efforts to enhance energy efficiency and renewable energy integration. Situated in Leyte, a major source of geothermal power, LNU remains steadfast in promoting low-carbon energy use and advancing environmental sustainability across its operations.
For more details, click on this link.
Local Education Programs on Climate
LNU Powers Resilience: Local Climate Education for Immediate Community Adaptation
LNU is actively powering regional resilience by delivering essential, localized education and early warning programs on climate change. We are not just teaching about climate risks, impacts, and mitigation; we are equipping every local citizen with the practical knowledge needed for immediate adaptation, preparedness, and impact reduction—transforming vulnerability into informed action.
Through these initiatives, LNU transforms vulnerability into strategic, proactive action, ensuring that communities are not only aware of the challenges posed by a changing climate but are also prepared to respond and recover with confidence. By integrating education, early warning systems, and hands-on capacity-building, Leyte Normal University exemplifies its role as a regional leader in climate resilience, fostering a culture where knowledge becomes empowerment and collective action drives sustainable, long-term environmental security.
See related stories:
- Leyte Normal University joins Green State of Nature Assessment (SONA)
- Leyte Normal University International Biodiversity Day Celebration
- From Date to Delegation: Youth Voices for Climate Resilience in Eastern Visayas
- Leveraging Institutional Insights from University Ranking System to Strengthen Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: A Content Analysis
- LNU) joined the global observance of World Cleanup Day 2025
- CSU Benchmarks LNU’s Best Practices in General Services and Sustainability
Climate Action Plan
LNU Forges Regional Resilience
Leyte Normal University (LNU) continues to uphold its commitment to environmental sustainability through the active implementation of its Climate Action and Development Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce the university’s ecological footprint while promoting climate resilience. Recognizing that addressing environmental challenges requires collective effort, LNU has shared its initiatives and best practices with local government units and community groups, fostering a spirit of collaboration and empowering communities to participate in sustainable development.
In addition, the University has championed the creation of an Integrated Environmental Management and Resilience Policy, which provides a unified framework for environmental governance, disaster preparedness, and resource management. This policy not only strengthens LNU’s internal sustainability measures but also enhances the resilience of the wider community by integrating educational programs, sustainable practices, and climate-responsive infrastructure. Through these initiatives, Leyte Normal University exemplifies its role as a proactive leader in environmental stewardship, driving climate action and resilience both on campus and in the surrounding communities.
See related stories:
- CSU Benchmarks LNU’s Best Practices in General Services and Sustainability
- LNU Hands Over Mount Buga-Buga Tourism Study to Villaba LGU
- Promoting Shared Environmental Stewardship: LNU Unveils Collaborative Mangrove Conservation Plan
- Sustainable Tourism at San Juan by the Bay
Cooperative Planning for Climate Change Disasters
LNU at the Forefront of Cooperative Strategies for Climate-Driven Displacement
Leyte Normal University actively engages in cooperative planning for climate change-related disasters, recognizing that the impacts of extreme weather and environmental crises often transcend local and national boundaries. LNU works closely with local and regional government units, as well as community stakeholders, to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to events that may result in the displacement of people within the country or across borders.
Through collaborative strategies, shared resources, and knowledge exchange, the University contributes to building resilient communities that are better equipped to manage risks, protect vulnerable populations, and implement effective adaptation measures. By fostering partnerships across multiple levels of governance and society, Leyte Normal University strengthens the region’s capacity for climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian response, ensuring that proactive planning translates into tangible protection and recovery for affected communities.
Local
- Leyte Normal University opens doors to typhoon affected residents of Tacloban
- Youth Voices for Climate Resilience in Eastern Visayas
- Leyte Normal University demonstrated their commitment to service, resilience, and environmental stewardship through a clean-up drive and tree-planting activity
Regional
- LNU Joins Pilipinas Laging Handa
- Handa Pilipinas Visayas Leg
- LNU International Multidisciplinary Research Conference
Inform and Support Government
Leyte Normal University actively works to inform and support local and regional governments in strengthening early warning systems and risk monitoring for climate-related disasters. Through research, data-sharing, and collaborative community engagement, LNU contributes to the timely detection, assessment, and communication of climate hazards, ensuring that decision-makers and communities are well-prepared to respond effectively.
The University’s expertise in education, science, and community outreach empowers local authorities to translate information into action, enhancing disaster preparedness, adaptation planning, and rapid response measures. This initiative aligns with LNU’s Climate Action Plan and Integrated Environmental Management and Resilience Policy, underscoring its role as a proactive partner in advancing regional climate resilience and sustainable risk management.
See related stories:
- Youth Voices for Climate Resilience in Eastern Visayas
- Beyond Building Back Better: Utilizing Lessons of Resilience in Development Planning
- DRRM Practices in Tacloban City Coastal Schools: A Decade after Typhoon Yolanda
See related studies:
- Vulnerabilities in Relocating Residents within the Forty Meter Danger Zone After Supertyphoon Haiyan
- Natural Disasters Reconstruct the Self: A Thematic Analysis of Youth Survivors’ Narratives about Typhoon Haiyan
- Surviving Typhoon Yolanda ( Haiyan) In The Lens of Comtean Atruism
- Tropical Cyclones and Children During a Pandemic in the Philippines
- Mangrove Awareness Of Haiyan-Stricken Residents: Inputs For The Development Of A Communication Method
- Natural Disasters, Ecological Knowledge, and COVID-19 in the Philippines
- Go City Green Through a Community of Practice: Knowledge Management for Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Education Collaborations with NGO
LNU Builds Strong NGO Alliances for Community-Based Climate Adaptation
Leyte Normal University recognizes that effective climate action requires strong partnerships beyond institutional boundaries. In this regard, LNU actively collaborates with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to advance climate adaptation initiatives that strengthen both campus and community resilience. Through shared expertise, joint projects, and community-based programs, the University and its partner organizations work together to implement sustainable solutions, promote environmental awareness, and empower vulnerable sectors to adapt to changing climate conditions.
This collaboration supports the goals outlined in the University’s Climate Action Plan and Integrated Environmental Management and Resilience Policy, ensuring that adaptation strategies are inclusive, science-driven, and community-centered. By working hand in hand with NGOs, Leyte Normal University reinforces its role as a leader in regional climate resilience, transforming partnerships into powerful instruments for long-term sustainability and environmental justice.
See related stories and files:
Leyte Normal University (LNU) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship through a clear and measurable goal — to become a carbon-neutral university by 2035, in alignment with the standards set by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocols. This target underscores LNU’s dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all university operations, including energy consumption, waste management, transportation, and procurement practices.
To achieve this vision, the University will continue to implement science-based emission reduction strategies, expand its use of renewable energy, and strengthen carbon offset initiatives through tree planting, green spaces, and sustainable land management. Progress will be tracked and reported transparently following GHG accounting frameworks, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Through this commitment, Leyte Normal University aspires to lead by example in the higher education sector — demonstrating that academic institutions can drive transformative change toward a sustainable, carbon-neutral, and climate-resilient future.
Our Commitment Towards Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2030
Through continuous monitoring, the University aims to implement energy-efficient technologies, promote low-emission transportation, and transition toward cleaner fuel alternatives to significantly minimize its carbon footprint. This initiative supports LNU’s overarching goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and reinforces its leadership in sustainable campus operations.
By addressing direct emissions at their source, Leyte Normal University demonstrates its proactive commitment to climate accountability, operational sustainability, and responsible environmental management.
This commitment is supported by the following:
- LNU Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP)
- LNU Integrated Environmental Management and Resilience Policy (IEMRP)
- LNU Strategic Plan 2022-2026
- Inventory of Energy Efficient Appliances
- Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Program
To reduce this dependency, LNU is expanding the integration of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar power systems, and implementing energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and building designs.
Together, these initiatives advance LNU’s overarching commitment to sustainability and support its target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. By addressing both direct and indirect emissions through innovation, efficiency, and renewable transition, Leyte Normal University demonstrates its leadership in climate action, setting a model for responsible and sustainable higher education in the region.
This is supported by the following:
LNU recognizes that true sustainability extends beyond campus boundaries; therefore, it integrates green procurement policies, waste reduction initiatives, carbon-conscious travel guidelines, and stakeholder engagement programs to address these indirect impacts.
By placing a strong focus on Scope 3 emissions, Leyte Normal University demonstrates its deep understanding that meaningful climate action requires shared responsibility and systemic change.
This is supported by the following:
- LNU Carbon Footprint Monitoring
- LNU Recycling Program for University Waste
- Budget Monitoring for Sustainability Efforts
Leyte Normal University affirms its strong commitment to climate leadership by adopting the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard as the University’s official framework for measuring, managing, and transparently reporting institutional emissions. This standard guides the University in accounting for Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (purchased electricity), and relevant Scope 3 (value chain) emissions, ensuring that LNU’s climate disclosures remain aligned with internationally recognized methodologies and national reporting expectations.
The University has formally set a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, an accelerated and ambitious goal that demonstrates LNU’s strategic intent to lead the higher education sector in transitioning toward low-carbon and climate-resilient operations. This target underscores our commitment to reducing emissions at source, expanding renewable energy use, improving energy performance across facilities, and embedding sustainability into institutional governance and resource planning.
To operationalize this commitment, LNU has initiated and continues to strengthen a suite of climate-responsive programs, including: Expanding on-campus solar energy infrastructure to increase renewable energy generation and reduce dependence on grid-based electricity;Implementing advanced energy-efficiency and building management practices, supported by systematic monitoring of consumption patterns and reduction opportunities; Promoting low-carbon mobility, sustainable waste management, and green procurement, consistent with circular economy principles and national environmental policies;Institutionalizing annual GHG accounting and climate performance reporting, fully aligned with GHG Protocol methodologies and national MRV expectations;Building internal capacities and engaging stakeholders to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, climate awareness, and collective action.
Setting a 2035 carbon neutrality goal positions Leyte Normal University at the forefront of SDG 13 (Climate Action) implementation and contributes proactively to the broader objectives of the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This commitment reflects LNU’s dedication to transforming its operations in ways that support a sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-secure future for the communities and regions it serves.
This is supported by the following:
