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% reduction in these specific areas.
In the awarding ceremony, Far Eastern University (FEU) Chairman Aurelio R. Montinola III formally and proudly received the award from Philippine Green Building Initiative’s (PGBI) EDGE Project Director Engr. Ramon Aguilo.
Engr. Ramon Aguilos (PGBI), Architect Carmelo Casas (Casas + Architects), FEU Chairman Aurelio R. Montinola III, FEU President Michael M. Alba, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs Atty. Gianna R. Montinola,
Chief Finance Officer Juan Miguel R. Montinola, and FEU Tech Senior Executive Director Benson T. Tan, Ph.D
FEU Alabang’s Director of Facilities Engr. Feben Landazabal said: “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. We are proud to be officially included in the list of environment-friendly buildings worldwide.” The Facilities Office spearheaded the application for the certification and is in charge of providing an ideal academic, and physical setting for students and associates—focusing 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, 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% in energy, 39% in water consumption, and 32% 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,” Landazabal noted.
FEU Alabang’s Executive Director Engr. 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. 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,” Avenido exclaimed.