SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Overview

Mapúa University is committed to promoting responsible consumption and production through sustainable resource management, waste reduction initiatives, recycling programs, sustainable procurement practices, plastic reduction measures, and environmentally responsible operations. Through institutional policies, awareness campaigns, waste monitoring systems, hazardous waste management procedures, and sustainable supply chain requirements, the University works to minimize environmental impacts while fostering a culture of sustainability across its campuses. 

Waste Management and Waste Reduction

RG-CD-06-04 Waste Management and Sanitation Programs 

Effectivity Date: 01 July 2021 

Mapúa University implements its Waste Management and Sanitation Programs (RG-CD-06-04) to reduce waste generation, increase resource recovery, and minimize landfill disposal. 

The University’s waste management objectives include: 

• Expansion of recycling collection systems 

• Reduction of waste sent to landfills 

• Promotion of waste prevention, reduction, and reuse 

• Standardization of waste management practices across campuses 

• Environmental awareness and education initiatives 

The program supports the University’s sustainability objectives and environmental management commitments. 

Waste Classification and Disposal Management 

The University categorizes and manages waste streams according to their environmental characteristics and disposal requirements. 

Waste categories include: 

• Biodegradable waste 

• Recyclable waste 

• Hazardous waste 

• Clinical and medical waste 

• Electronic waste (e-waste) 

Each waste stream follows specific collection, storage, recycling, treatment, and disposal procedures to minimize environmental impacts and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 

Plastic Reduction and Disposable Item Minimization

Policy for Minimization of Disposable Items 

Effectivity Date: 04 January 2021 

Mapúa University promotes responsible consumption through its Policy for Minimization of Disposable Items, which aims to reduce dependence on single-use and disposable materials across campus operations. 

The policy encourages: 

• Reusable alternatives 

• Waste prevention practices 

• Paper reduction initiatives 

• Sustainable consumption habits 

• Resource-efficient operations 

Memo on Disposable Policy of Mapúa University 

Effectivity Date: 05 January 2021 

The University’s Disposable Policy reinforces efforts to reduce the use of disposable products and encourages students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors to utilize reusable and environmentally responsible alternatives whenever possible. 

Policy on Plastic Waste Reduction 

Effectivity Date: 15 January 2025 

Mapúa University implements a Plastic Waste Reduction Policy to reduce plastic waste generation and minimize environmental impacts associated with plastic consumption. 

The policy promotes: 

• Reduced plastic consumption 

• Responsible material use 

• Increased recycling 

• Sustainable alternatives to plastic products 

Policy on Single-Use Plastic Reduction 

Effectivity Date: 15 January 2025 

Mapúa University maintains a Single-Use Plastic Reduction Policy that supports the gradual elimination of unnecessary single-use plastics across campus operations. 

The policy encourages: 

• Use of reusable containers 

• Reduction of disposable packaging 

• Sustainable purchasing decisions 

• Environmentally responsible campus practices 

Waste Generation, Recycling, and Landfill Diversion Monitoring

Mapúa University measures and monitors waste generation across its campuses as part of its institutional waste management program. 

Solid Waste Performance 

The increase in total solid waste generation reflects the return to full face-to-face operations and expanded campus activities. Despite the increase in total waste generated, the University continues to divert substantial amounts of waste through recycling and composting initiatives. 

Residual solid waste is collected by DENR-accredited waste haulers and disposed of at accredited landfill facilities. 

The University’s waste management priorities include: 

• Expanding recycling collections 

• Increasing waste prevention, reduction, and reuse 

• Reducing paper consumption 

• Strengthening campus-wide waste management practices 

Hazardous Waste Management

RG-LM-18-01 Handling and Storage of Hazardous Wastes Generated in All ILMO Laboratories 

Effectivity Date: 12 August 2019 

Mapúa University manages hazardous waste through its Handling and Storage of Hazardous Wastes Generated in All ILMO Laboratories (RG-LM-18-01). 

The policy establishes procedures for: 

• Hazardous waste identification 

• Segregation and labeling 

• Safe handling and storage 

• Transport and disposal 

• Regulatory compliance 

• Environmental protection 

Hazardous wastes covered include laboratory chemicals, solvents, contaminated materials, expired substances, and other regulated waste streams. 

Hazardous Waste Generation and Disposal Monitoring

Mapúa University continuously monitors hazardous waste generated through its teaching, research, laboratory, and operational activities. 

Hazardous Waste Performance 

The University maintains records of hazardous waste generation, transportation, treatment, and disposal to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and continuous monitoring of hazardous waste management performance. 

Most hazardous waste produced by the University originates from laboratory operations. To minimize risks to human health and the environment, the University implements: 

• Proper segregation and labeling 

• Secured hazardous waste storage facilities 

• Laboratory safety training 

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 

• Supervised handling of hazardous substances 

• Documentation and waste tracking procedures 

• Disposal through DENR-accredited hazardous waste transporters and treatment facilities 

The University maintains Certificates of Treatment and disposal records for hazardous wastes handled by accredited treatment providers. 

Effluents and Wastewater Management

Wastewater Discharge and Effluent Management 

Mapúa University recognizes that improper wastewater discharge may result in environmental pollution, public health risks, and regulatory violations. The University therefore implements wastewater management measures designed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and responsible resource management. 

Intramuros Campus 

The Intramuros Campus is connected to the centralized wastewater treatment network operated by Maynilad Water Services, Inc. through the Tondo Sewage Pumping Plant. 

The University maintains a Certificate of Interconnection and a Certificate of Discharge Permit Exemption, confirming that campus wastewater is conveyed to a centralized wastewater treatment facility and managed in compliance with applicable regulations. 

Makati Campus 

The Makati Campus operates an on-site Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) Sewage Treatment Plant with a treatment capacity of approximately 150 cubic meters per day. 

The facility treats wastewater before discharge or reuse. Treated water is reused for: 

• Toilet flushing 

• Urinal flushing 

• Cleaning activities 

• Other approved non-potable applications 

The campus maintains separate potable and non-potable water systems to maximize water reuse while preventing cross-contamination. 

Materials Consumption and Resource Use

Paper Consumption Monitoring 

Mapúa University tracks the use of major operational materials to support resource efficiency and waste minimization efforts. 

Paper remains one of the University’s most significant material inputs due to its use in admissions, enrollment, teaching, academic records, student services, procurement activities, contracts, and administrative operations. 

Paper Consumption Performance 

The increase in paper consumption during 2024 and 2025 corresponds with higher enrollment, expanded academic activities, and the return to full campus operations. 

To address this challenge, the University continues to strengthen digital transformation initiatives through: 

• Digital enrollment systems 

• Electronic procurement processes 

• Learning management systems 

• Digital academic records 

• Electronic communication platforms 

• Paperless administrative workflows 

Digitalization and Resource Efficiency 

Mapúa University views digitalization as a key strategy for responsible consumption and production. By integrating digital platforms into academic and administrative processes, the University seeks to minimize resource consumption while maintaining educational quality and operational effectiveness. 

Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Responsibility

PCM-PR-08-00 Responsible and Sustainable Procurement Policy 

Effectivity Date: 15 July 2025 

Mapúa University integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into procurement activities through its Responsible and Sustainable Procurement Policy (PCM-PR-08-00). 

The policy applies throughout the lifecycle of goods and services, including: 

• Product design 

• Material selection 

• Manufacturing 

• Transportation 

• Use 

• End-of-life disposal 

The policy supports: 

• Environmental protection 

• Climate action 

• Waste reduction 

• Resource efficiency 

• Ethical sourcing 

• Sustainable supply chain management 

Ethical Sourcing of Food and Supplies

The University incorporates environmental and social responsibility considerations into sourcing decisions and procurement activities. 

Procurement decisions promote: 

• Ethical sourcing of food and supplies 

• Responsible supplier selection 

• Sustainable purchasing practices 

• Resource efficiency 

• Reduced environmental impacts 

• Long-term sustainability considerations 

Sustainable Supply Chain Requirements

The University requires suppliers, contractors, and outsourced service providers to support sustainable procurement objectives and comply with applicable environmental standards. 

Supplier evaluation and accreditation processes consider: 

• Environmental performance 

• Regulatory compliance 

• Sustainability practices 

• Ethical business conduct 

• Responsible resource management 

The same sustainability expectations required of the University are communicated to suppliers and contractors as part of accreditation, procurement, and contracting processes. 

These requirements extend the University’s sustainability commitments beyond campus operations and throughout its supply chain. 

Education and Awareness for Responsible Consumption

Waste Reduction and Recycling Awareness 

Mapúa University promotes education and awareness initiatives that encourage students, faculty, staff, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to adopt responsible consumption and waste management practices. 

Awareness programs promote: 

• Waste prevention 

• Proper waste segregation 

• Recycling 

• Material reuse 

• Reduction of disposable products 

• Plastic waste minimization 

• Sustainable consumption habits 

These initiatives support behavioral change and help cultivate a campus culture that values resource efficiency, responsible consumption, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship.