Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action
Executive Summary
Caraga State University (CSU) presents this report as a testament to its deep and actionable commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. Guided by our institutional LIKHA Agenda and a formal Carbon Neutrality Commitment for 2050, CSU has embedded climate action into the core of its academic, operational, and community engagement functions.
This submission is validated by:
- Research Excellence: Production of 14 Scopus-indexed publications (2020-2024) in fields critical to climate mitigation and adaptation.
- Operational Leadership: Implementation of a 221-kW solar PV system, a University Carbon Sink Enhancement Program (4,171 trees planted in 2024), and a sustainable mobility initiative (PadyaKalikasan).
- Educational Integration: Incorporation of climate science across curricula and hosting of major regional forums, such as the 1st Regional Climate Change Action and Innovation Forum.
- Strategic Governance: Establishment of dedicated offices, Pollution Control and Environmental Management Office (PCEMO), and forging of robust partnerships with government, industry, and civil society, formalized through agreements like the Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program MOA.
CSU stands as a model of a globally connected, locally grounded university driving meaningful climate action in the Philippines and beyond.
Introduction
The global climate crisis represents one of the most profound and urgent challenges of our time, directly threatening ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. In response, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13): Climate Action calls for “urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.” This goal transcends environmentalism; it is a comprehensive mandate for systemic change, encompassing disaster resilience, policy integration, public awareness, and the mobilization of financial resources to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
Caraga State University (CSU), as a higher education institution committed to sustainable development, actively participates in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. This initiative evaluates universities based on their contributions to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience through research, campus operations, and community engagement.
CSU acknowledges that climate change is one of the most urgent global crises, affecting every sector of society, particularly vulnerable communities. Thus, CSU continuously integrates climate action into its institutional policies, programs, and research activities to promote sustainability, resilience, and environmental stewardship across the Caraga Region and beyond.
Within this global endeavor, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are not mere observers but are pivotal actors with a unique and multi-faceted responsibility. Their role extends far beyond the lecture hall, positioned at the critical intersection of knowledge creation, talent development, and societal transformation. The THE Sustainability Impact Rankings provide a crucial framework for evaluating this role, assessing universities not just on their academic research, but on their holistic contribution to the SDGs.
This report outlines how Caraga State University embraces this imperative. We demonstrate that our commitment to SDG 13 is deeply embedded in our core mission—transforming research into action, integrating sustainability into campus life, and forging partnerships that amplify our impact, thereby fulfilling our critical role in the global effort to combat climate change.
Purpose and Rationale
CSU’s engagement in SDG 13 aligns with its environmental mandate to foster climate-responsive research, education, and governance. The university aims to:
- Address climate-related hazards through adaptive and mitigative strategies.
- Reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption across university operations.
- Enhance the community’s capacity to respond to climate-related disasters.
- Contribute to national and international climate resilience efforts.
By participating in THE Sustainability Impact Rankings, CSU demonstrates its accountability in pursuing sustainable practices and supports the United Nations’ global call for urgent climate action.
SDG 13 Methodology and Metrics
Caraga State University has its fair share of SDG 13 Climate Action and is measured across four key areas:
- Research on Climate Action (13.1). The creation of high-quality, actionable research on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and impact reduction.
- Low-Carbon Energy Use (13.2). The direct reduction of the institution’s own carbon footprint through low-carbon energy, sustainable practices, and resource management.
- Environmental Education & Collaboration (13.3). The integration of climate education into the curriculum and the expansion of knowledge and capacity-building to the broader community.
- Commitment to Carbon Neutrality (13.4). Demonstrating institutional commitment through formal policies, strategic planning, and collaborative partnerships to advance broader climate action.
Through this lens, Caraga State University’s performance on SDG 13 is a strong indicator of its relevance and leadership in the 21st century. As an academic institution, CSU functions as a living laboratory for testing and demonstrating sustainable solutions; it is a catalyst of innovation that develops technologies and policies for a net-zero future; and it is a steward of talent, equipping students with the skills and ethical foundations to become agents of change in their professions and communities.
A key example of this commitment to quality is our research on nature-based solutions for climate mitigation. The study, “Modeling Carbon Storage and Sequestration in Taguibo Watershed, Butuan City, Philippines using GIS and InVEST Technology” (Bocobo et al., 2024), was published in a journal ranked in the top 10% by CiteScore. This research provides a replicable, scientific model for carbon accounting that is vital for national and local climate mitigation planning, demonstrating how CSU’s local research possesses global relevance and methodological excellence.
Furthermore, CSU’s research extends to systemic climate challenges, with publications in other high-ranking journals. Our work has been featured in leading publications such as Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, both of which are consistently ranked in the upper echelons of their respective fields. These publications address:
- The intersection of energy systems and environmental policy.
- The development of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.
This strategic dissemination ensures that CSU’s findings are accessible to policymakers, academics, and practitioners at the forefront of climate science and policy. By consistently targeting high-caliber venues for our research, CSU ensures that our academic output achieves maximum visibility, influence, and impact, solidifying our role as a producer of world-class knowledge in the critical field of climate action.
Link to CSU’s Climate Action: CiteScore
13.1 Research on climate action
13.1.1 Climate Action: CiteScore
Caraga State University (CSU) demonstrates a steadfast commitment to producing not only relevant but also high-impact research aligned with the urgent global priorities of SDG 13: Climate Action. Our performance in the CiteScore metric is a direct reflection of our strategic focus on publishing in prestigious, internationally recognized journals, thereby ensuring that our scientific contributions on climate change reach an influential audience and drive the global conversation forward.
Between 2020 and 2024, CSU has produced a significant body of work on climate action, with a notable portion appearing in the top tier of academic publishing. Our research portfolio includes 14 Scopus-indexed publications dedicated to critical areas such as climate modeling, carbon sequestration, renewable energy, and climate risk assessment. The excellence of this output is underscored by its placement in high-impact journals.
13.1.2 Climate Action: FWCI
Caraga State University (CSU) demonstrates that its research contributions to SDG 13: Climate Action are not only published in esteemed journals but are also substantively influential, as evidenced by a strong Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI). This metric confirms that CSU’s research is actively cited by the global scientific community at a rate that meets or exceeds world averages, signifying its relevance and utility in advancing knowledge and shaping solutions to the climate crisis.
An analysis of our 14 climate action publications from 2020-2024 reveals a pattern of high-impact output. Key publications have garnered significant attention, driving the influence of our entire research portfolio. Notably, the 2024 study “Risk Assessment and Policy Recommendations for a Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) System,” published in the high-impact, multidisciplinary journal IEEE Access, has already accumulated 16 citations. This rapid uptake by peers underscores the global interest in CSU’s work on innovative renewable energy technologies and its practical policy implications.
Link to CSU’s Climate Action: FWCI
13.1.3 Climate Action: Publications
Caraga State University (CSU) demonstrates a significant and sustained research output dedicated to SDG 13: Climate Action, underscoring our institutional capacity as a prolific and impactful contributor to this critical field. With a corpus of 14 Scopus-indexed publications between 2020 and 2024, CSU has established a robust research footprint that addresses the multifaceted challenges of the climate crisis, from mitigation and adaptation to policy and technology.
This volume of output is particularly notable for its thematic diversity and relevance to both local and global contexts. Our research portfolio is not concentrated in a single niche but spans the essential pillars of climate action:
Renewable Energy & Technology: Research such as “Risk Assessment and Policy Recommendations for a Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) System” (2024) and “PWM Speed Control of Brushless DC Motor for Inrush Current Regulation of Solar Water Pumping System” (2021) showcases CSU’s commitment to developing and optimizing clean energy solutions.
Carbon Sequestration & Ecosystem Management: Studies like “Modeling Carbon Storage and Sequestration in Taguibo Watershed” (2024) and “Aboveground Biomass and Carbon Stock Estimation of Falcata” (2023) provide the scientific basis for nature-based climate mitigation strategies.
Climate Resilience & Adaptation: Work including “Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment of the Major Crops” (2021) and “Analyzing the Effects of Land Use/Cover Change Simulation on Flooding” (2023) directly informs strategies to protect agricultural systems and communities from climate impacts.
Sustainable Systems: Publications like “Climate Resilient Agriculture and Enhancing Food Production” (2022) and “Socially Inclusive Valorization of Gold Mill Tailings” (2024) integrate climate action with circular economy and social equity principles.
This consistent and diverse output is a direct result of CSU’s strategic focus on empowering our faculty and researchers to tackle pressing environmental issues. The body of work evidences a vibrant research culture that is actively generating the knowledge necessary to navigate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future, solidifying CSU’s role as a key knowledge producer in the climate action landscape.
Link to CSU’s Climate Action: Publications
13.2 Low-carbon energy use (Year: 2024)
Caraga State University has a formal commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It recognizes that higher education institutions must engage in teaching, research, community engagement, and global partnerships to address major challenges: poverty, environmental degradation, climate change, etc.
CSU’s operational strategy is a testament to its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, guided by the ambitious Carbon Neutrality Commitment for 2050. This long-term vision is already being actioned through tangible, on-ground projects and systematic monitoring.
Through its “LIKHA” agenda (which stands for Launchpad for Global Talents & Innovators; Interdependent & High-impact Coalition; Knowledge, Co-creation & Technopreneurship; Hub for Academic Innovation; Advancement in Administrative Systems & Digital Transformation), CSU aligns with national and regional priorities.
Strategically, CSU’s Research, Development & Innovation Agenda (2020-2025) emphasizes environmental integrity and economic productivity in the Caraga Region: it commits to imparting STEM-based knowledge and technology to support sustainable development in the region.
13.2.1 Indicator: Low-carbon energy tracking
CSU’s commitment to low-carbon energy tracking and rigorous environmental monitoring demonstrates accountability through its mandatory quarterly Self-Monitoring Reports (SMR) and semi-annual Compliance Monitoring Reports (CMR) submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), ensuring all operations adhere to national environmental standards.
Link to CSU’s SMR and CMR Submission and Low-Carbon Energy Tracking Initiative and Other Support Programs
Key operational highlights demonstrate this commitment:
- Renewable Energy Transition: The installation of a 221 kW Solar Photovoltaic System across key buildings targets a 15% reduction in grid-based electricity consumption. This system doubles as a living laboratory for engineering and environmental science students.
- Carbon Sequestration through Reforestation: The University Carbon Sink Enhancement Program has led to the planting of 4,171 native trees in 2024 alone (2,532 in June, 1,489 in July, and 150 in September), directly enhancing the university’s carbon sequestration capacity and biodiversity.
- Sustainable Mobility: The PadyaKalikasan (Pedal for the Environment) Project was successfully launched in August 2024, establishing a bike-share system to reduce reliance on motor vehicles and actively promote a low-carbon culture on campus.
- Agricultural Emissions Reduction: The Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation project with Verde Carbon Capture, Inc., aims to reduce methane emissions from rice paddies by up to 30%, with plans to scale from 100 to 30,000 hectares by 2027.
13.2.2 Indicator: Low-carbon energy use
Here are concrete examples of how CSU is translating the commitment into action particularly relevant to low-carbon transitions.
Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency
- CSU installed a 221 kW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System across its Hinang, Masawa, and Hiraya buildings. This project is anchored in the strategic plan “Hiraya ’28” and the LIKHA agenda. It aims to reduce monthly electricity costs by up to 15 %. (edu.ph)
- The campus is expanding further: additional systems at dormitories and other buildings are in the pipeline; also, procurement of solar-powered streetlights and perimeter lighting systems. (edu.ph)
- These infrastructure moves serve dual functions: cost-savings (financial sustainability) and reduction of carbon footprint (environmental sustainability). Moreover, they act as living laboratories for students and faculty in engineering, renewable energy, and automation. (edu.ph)
13.3 Environmental education measures
Local Education Programs on Climate Change
One of the highlights of the 2024 National Volunteer Month was the webinar conducted on December 23. The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), in collaboration with the Caraga State University (CSU), conducted the National Volunteer Month Webinar, with the theme “Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Volunteering” on December 23, 2024, via Zoom Teleconferencing at 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN.
This remarkable moment forms part of the celebration of National Volunteer Month.
Link to Webinar on Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Volunteering
Cooperative Planning for Climate Change Disasters
Caraga State University’s strong commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation is truly unwavering. Mr. Vincent N. Cotoron, Pollution Control Officer and the Unit Head of the CSU-OCSS Pollution Control Unit, and Faculty Member of the College of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, has earned a spot as a member of the Proposal Development Group (PDG) under The
Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Program in the Province of Agusan Del Norte pursuant to Executive Order No. 10, s. 2025.
One of the collaborative planning outputs is the development of the Local Resilience of Agusan del Norte. This partnership with the Province of Agusan del Norte was strengthened through the Memorandum of Agreement. Signed_MOA_LRI.pdf
Collaboration with NGOs
In 2024, Caraga State University spearheaded environmental education initiatives both on-campus and off-campus. One of the notable collaborations was when the Pollution Control Officer and the Unit Head of the CSU-OCSS Pollution Control Unit, Mr. Vincent N. Cotoron, shared his time and expertise during Klima Eskwela: Science, Arts, and Action in Del Carmen, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, last May 16 to 17, 2024.
Siargao Island’s youth leaders are championing climate change and sustainability through the community-based and campus-wide campaigns and initiatives they have crafted during their participation in the workshop.
Organized by The Climate Reality Project Philippines, Klima Eskwela is a knowledge exchange program equipping youth leaders with the skills and knowledge to tackle the interlinked challenges of the climate and plastic crises. This year’s Klima Eskwela is particularly focused on training young advocates on local campaigning and movement building.
The two-day Klima Eskwela in Siargao was a collaboration between Climate Reality Philippines, the Municipal Government of Del Carmen, and Surigao Del Norte State University (SNSU).
Link to Facebook Post of The Climate Reality Project Philippines on Klima Eskwela
13.4 Commitment to carbon-neutral university
Caraga State University (CSU), as a leading educational institution in the Caraga Region and a steward of sustainable development, recognizes its responsibility to address the global climate crisis. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our mission of providing quality education, research, and extension services.
This commitment is formally issued and championed by the Office of the University President with the full support of both the Academic and Administrative Councils.
Link to Caraga State University Commitment to Carbon Neutrality
Carbon Neutrality Pathway:
CSU has initiated several flagship programs under its Carbon Neutrality Pathway, including:
- CSU Carbon Sink Enhancement Program
The CSU Carbon Sink Enhancement Program is a large-scale tree-planting initiative launched by the Pollution Control Unit (PCU) to offset carbon emissions through reforestation with native species.
Link to CSU Carbon Sink Enhancement Program
Related links:
CSU-PCEMO launches Carbon Sink Enhancement Program with 2,532 native trees
- CSU Sustainable Mobility Program
CSU Sustainable Mobility Program aims to reduce carbon emissions from transportation by promoting eco-friendly mobility, cycling infrastructure, and electric vehicle use within the campus.
Link to CSU Sustainable Mobility Program
Related links:
iKilos Bayugan, CSU launch bike-sharing program for Sustainable Mobility Program
CSU launches bike-sharing transportation for Sustainable Mobility Program