V3I8P11

Describing the Environmental Sustainability Practices of Private Higher Educational Institutions in Pagadian City

Jean Michelle Jaculbe¹*, Marchel Jane Vibas², Trisha Ann Dumandan³, Ace Virgel Batingal⁴, and Mylene Alfanta⁵ 

Abstract

This study describes the environmental sustainability practices implemented by private higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Pagadian City. This study utilized a qualitative case study model by Meriam and Tisdell . 6 participants were chosen purposively. The findings revealed that the environmental sustainability initiatives implemented by the PHEIs in Pagadian city are waste management, tree planting, clean-up drive, water conservation, and energy conservation. The reasons for the implementation of environmental sustainability initiatives in PHEIs are environmental stewardship initiatives, compliance with government mandates, and adherence to CHED memoranda. The benefits of implementing environmental sustainability practices in private higher education institutions in Pagadian city are environmental cleanliness, integration of cleanliness into education, and enhancement of economic welfare. The challenges encountered by private HEIs in implementing environmental sustainability practices are a lack of active involvement and financial constraints. PHEIs address the challenges by involving students in environmental activities and securing available resources. The plans of PHEIs about environmental sustainability are establishing environmental advocacy and collaboration, implementing sustainable resource and waste management, and integrating sustainable practices into the curriculum. The results indicate that the institutions are progressing well, but need additional support, collaboration, and sustainability to strengthen their environmental programs, ensuring a lasting impact and offering a practical insight for management accounting students. To improve environmental sustainability, PHEIs need to incorporate sustainability into policies and curricula, administrators must dedicate resources to sustainability initiatives, faculty should integrate sustainability ideas, students should drive campaigns, and external stakeholders should offer support.

Keywords:

Environmental Sustainability; Higher Education;  Pagadian City; Triple Bottom Line; Resource Management