Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba is committed to fostering a sustainable and socially responsible future through its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. For many years, the institution has continued to promote the essence of ESG to the Letran community.
Through various programs, Letran Calamba encourages students, faculty, and the community to engage in sustainability practices, support local initiatives, and uphold principles of transparency and accountability.
Renewable Energy Solutions
In 2022, Letran Calamba partnered with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions from the Ayala Group to power the school with 98% renewable energy. Through the installation of solar panels and sustainable energy solutions, the school significantly reduced its carbon footprint. This move not only helped the environment but also set a strong example for students and the community, promoting the importance of clean, renewable energy for a better future.
Waste Segregation
Letran Calamba launched its waste segregation initiative last February 2024, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability. The school introduced clearly labeled bins across the campus for recyclables, non-recyclables, and compostables, educating students and staff on proper waste disposal. As of February 2025, the total recovered waste is 50,142.50kg. Moreover, the Waste Segregation has two (2) subprojects which are:
Green Plate Project
Letran Calamba’s “Green Plate” project, is a subproject of the aforementioned. Green Plate aims to tackle food waste by collecting leftover food from the school community daily. There are assigned collectors every day that would collect food waste in every office.
Sandwich Project (Composting)
Another subproject of Waste Segregation is the Sandwich Project wherein Letran Calamba took a major step toward sustainability by turning food waste into compost for their campus gardens. By collecting food scraps from the school’s canteen and classrooms, they began composting organic waste to create nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Tree Planting and Caring
The tree planting initiative started a few years back, this project has united students, faculty, and staff in planting native trees on campus and in local communities. The school also partnered with organizations like the DENR, volunteering for large-scale environmental restoration projects. This collective effort not only helped combat deforestation but also fostered a strong sense of environmental responsibility within the Letran community. The Basic Education Department has also played a crucial part in this initiative.
Solar Street Lights
Last March 2024, Letran Calamba implemented solar streetlights across its campus, marking a significant step toward sustainability. A total of 88 solar streetlights were installed and there will be more to come. This eco-friendly initiative not only lowered energy costs but also aligned with the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Materials Recovery Credit Exchange
This is an innovative program to exchange scraps and electronic waste for money. The funds generated from this program were directly deposited to the Financial Services Department of Letran Calamba.
Written by Dr. Ma. Xenia Z. Bitera
Source: CSJL