As the world’s demand for energy continuously increases through time, people have been making conscious efforts in developing resources that can satisfy this growing need. Fossil fuels which are currently the main source of energy are not only limited, but also cause an immense negative effect on the planet. Having this situation in hand, the call to find resources that are available widely, reusable, and environmentally friendly must be answered now. This is where the encouragement of using sustainable energy resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and ocean energy comes in; for these are extensive energy sources that are beneficial to the environment.
In support to this advocacy, Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) has been creating little steps of its own towards becoming eco-friendly. Usage of inverter air-conditioning in classrooms and offices, LED lights installation within its premises, and putting up drinking fountains around the University to lessen the use of plastic bottles are some of the University’s small efforts.
Until recently, OLFU has decided to take a huge leap in becoming an eco-friendlier institution as it acquired 556 solar panels from Solar Grid Alternative, Inc. The 1,050 square metered solar panels now power the Valenzuela campus’ College of Medicine building and a portion of its College of Arts and Sciences building. These became fully operational as of 1 April 2019.
Using sustainable energy instead of non-renewable resources will reduce the University’s carbon footprint which is a major contributor to global warming. The CO2 emission of the University is predicted to be reduced by around 110,000 kg every year. The project is an initiative of OLFU’s administrators spearheaded by the General Services Department Head, Albert I. Alberto. Plans of reflecting this movement to the other OLFU campuses are in the works as well.