The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has reasserted its dedication to sustainability and proactive climate engagement through the UPLB Sustainability for Climate Action (S4CA). An In-House Workshop was conducted at the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT), UPLB on December 4, 2024 titled "Advancing United Climate Action in UPLB," in collaboration with UPLB Interdisciplinary Life Cycle Assessment Laboratory (ILCAL) . The workshop aimed to strengthen UPLB’s role in sustainability and align its initiatives with global efforts toward achieving a net-zero future. Specifically, it sought to level off understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, and climate action strategies, with a focus on UPLB’s pivotal role in addressing climate challenges and contributing to a net-zero future. The workshop also aimed to foster collaboration and actionable planning by equipping S4CA members with the tools, methodologies, and a platform to develop cohesive climate initiatives.

The event commenced with a workshop introduction delivered by Dr. Rex B. Demafelis, who emphasized the importance of unified efforts in addressing climate challenges and aligning UPLB’s initiatives with global sustainability goals.
The first session, Understanding the SDGs and ESG Frameworks, led by Assoc. Prof. Maria Emilinda T. Mendoza provided an insightful overview of integrating these principles into institutional strategies. Participants learned about the practical applications of these frameworks in advancing sustainability within their respective domains.
Building on this foundation, Asst. Prof. Bernadette T. Magadia facilitated two pivotal sessions focusing on mitigating climate change and advancing toward a net-zero future. In The Need for Concerted Efforts to Mitigate Climate Change, Magadia highlighted the current climate challenges, future projections, and the critical gap between existing efforts and the necessary level of action. Her second session, Heightened Climate Actions Toward a Net-Zero Future, introduced key concepts such as carbon credit mechanisms, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and the integration of SDGs and ESG planning, providing participants with a clear roadmap for tackling climate issues.
The workshop also focused on practical tools for climate management through the session You Cannot Manage What You Cannot Measure, delivered by Engr. Anna Elaine D. Matanguihan. This session introduced participants to methodologies such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, emphasizing their importance in measuring and managing environmental impacts. Matanguihan illustrated these concepts with a case study of UPLB’s carbon footprint, empowering participants with actionable knowledge to enhance climate accountability.
In the latter part of the program, Asst. Prof. Magadia facilitated group activities and discussions on workshop mechanics, guiding the members through the process of answering the four key questions outlined in the individual task. The groups were asked to explore ongoing sustainability or climate action initiatives, identify any existing gaps, propose new initiatives tailored to UPLB's context, and envision UPLB's leadership role in championing sustainability over the next decade. The event concluded with an initial planning session, emphasizing the importance of continuous collaboration and engagement to effectively address climate challenges. Moreover, in preparation for the extensive activities in 2025, this in-house training for S4CA members is crucial to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills for the tasks ahead.