ISU for Sustainability

Embracing SDGs towards Quality Education and Academic Experience in the Countryside

2023 – Reports | SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY AT THE FOREFRONT OF SMART WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Isabela State University (ISU) has solidified its position as a key player in advancing water resource management through a groundbreaking collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI). This partnership harnesses nuclear techniques to complement classical hydrology studies, aiming to provide more precise solutions to pressing water management challenges.

Under the partnership, ISU will apply classical hydrology techniques while DOST-PNRI employs isotope-based methods to enhance the accuracy of the findings. Signed on March 4, 2022, the agreement extends beyond research, integrating academic initiatives to generate innovative scientific solutions for water-related issues.

At the core of this collaboration is the Smart Water Infrastructure Management (SWIM) Research Project, a DOST-funded initiative under the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program. The SWIM project will establish a university-based water research center at ISU, focusing on addressing recurring water hazards such as droughts, floods, and sedimentation. These challenges significantly impact the Cagayan River Basin, home to vital agricultural areas producing rice, corn, and sugarcane.

According to Dr. Orlando Balderama, ISU’s project leader, the university’s strategic location within Region 2 makes it the ideal hub for research and development. The center will not only produce a water resource management master plan for local government units but also provide policies, guidelines, and technical extension services.

The SWIM initiative includes four major R&D projects aimed at revolutionizing water management:

  1. Smart Water Resources Planning and Development for sustainable interventions.
  2. Integrated Assessment and Analysis for resilient flood control infrastructure.
  3. A GIS-Based Decision Support Tool tailored for smart cities like Cauayan City.
  4. Smart Water Control Infrastructures for effective irrigation management.

By anchoring this transformative project at ISU, the university reaffirms its commitment to addressing regional water challenges through innovative research, education, and capacity-building programs, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable water resource management.

2023 Updates on the ISU and DOST-PNRI Partnership
  • The SWIM Center, in collaboration with Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 02 thru the DA-Abulug Station Chief, Dr. Marilou B. Agaid, successfully installed the improvised rainwater collector. Apart from this, two staffs from the station will be trained on the maintenance and collection of rainwater. The samples will be used in the study by an MS ABE student, Engr. Christine B. Mata, to determine groundwater recharge sources, cause of salinity (if there is), and evaluate the groundwater geochemistry of Abulog River Basin.
  • The SWIM Project 1 in collaboration with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute have concluded the final field work for year 1 where they investigated the unconfined aquifer and surface water interlinkages in Region 2, inside the boundary of Cagayan River Basin. The team has employed Isotope hydrology sampling techniques in gathering water samples from series of wells, streams, springs, other water bodies in the region from the provinces of Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.
  • Smart Water Resources Planning and Monitoring: Assessment, Design and Development of Water Resources Projects and Interventions is an ongoing project approved by the DOST-PNRI for 2023 in partnership with Isabela State University together with the Water Resources managers, National Water Resources Board, and Local Government Units across the Cagayan Valley Region.

ISU’S ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES

In an effort to reduce energy costs throughout the system, the Isabela State University carries out with the implementation of its mandatory energy efficiency and conservation measures, exemplifying its commitment to SDG 7.

  • A memorandum has been issued reminding all employees to be mindful of their electricity consumption by turning off the lights and computers when not in use, adjusting the air-conditioning unit thermostat to not lower than 24 degrees, activating sleep settings on office equipment as well as keeping doors closed in air-conditioned spaces.
  • Pursuant to Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular no. 6 s. 2022, which provides flexible work arrangements in the government in the pretext of the evolving operations and service deliveries in the New Normal, ISU has adopted a four-day work scheme. This not only allows a wider adoption of emerging technologies and work arrangements, and provides an increase in the productivity and performance of employees but also supports the government’s effort for energy conservation pursuant to Department of Energy Department Circular No. DC2019-11-0014 and Administrative Order No. 103 s. 2004 of Malacañang directing the continued adoption of austerity measures in the government.

ISU’s energy conservation measures reflect a profound commitment to responsible energy consumption, driving the university forward into a more sustainable and efficient future.

ISU’S GRID-TIED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM

The Isabela State University’s Grid-Tied Photovoltaic System (GTPVS) represents a remarkable stride toward sustainability by providing affordable and clean energy solutions on campus through the development of a 20-kW roof-mounted Grid-Tied Photovoltaic System (GTPVS).

Situated atop ISU’s Climate Change Center building, GTPVS not only serves to address the heightened energy demands of the modern age but also plays a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change through sustainable energy practices.

Each day, this state-of-the-art system consistently generates between 5 and 10 kW of power, harnessing the sun’s energy from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, it has the capacity to export as much as 30 kW of surplus energy to the grid, with the peak export performance recorded in 2019, reaching a substantial 70 MWh.

The practical impact of the GTPVS is vividly demonstrated by a significant reduction in electric bills, amounting to a remarkable ₱32,677 in savings. This financial transformation was achieved by reducing power consumption from 4,736 kWh to 1,237 kWh, thus cutting the expense from ₱44,232.49 to a mere ₱11,555.45.

Since its installation on December 11, 2017, it has offset an impressive 41.71 tons of carbon emissions, a contribution equivalent to planting 112 trees, demonstrating its impact not only on SDG 7 but also on SDG 13 – Climate Action, highlighting both the economic and environmental merits of this initiative.

In January 2023, the initial investment of ₱2,000,000.00 has already been entirely recovered, only 5 years since its launch.