In a groundbreaking move towards environmental stewardship, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has established the Sustainability for Climate Action (S4CA) Committee. Mandated by AO No. 309 Series of 2023, Dr. Rex B. Demafelis chairs the committee, tasked to lead UPLB towards sustainability, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. The aim is to foster a culture of sustainability, reduce the university's environmental footprint, and empower future generations to champion environmental initiatives.

Under the Office of the Chancellor, the goal of S4CA Committee is to ensure active engagement with the United Nations Net Zero Coalition and the race-to-zero (R2Z) campaign. The UPLB Interdisciplinary Life Cycle Assessment Laboratory will provide technical support, facilitating the smooth operation of the committee's initiatives. Official program of action of the committee was submitted to the chancellor on November 30, 2023.

The committee's objectives span various fronts, including formal registration for the R2Z Campaign, execution of the 5Ps (Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish, Persuade) framework, social marketing through dedicated online platforms, and raising awareness through webinars and instructional videos. Additionally, the committee aims to secure pledges from unit offices within UPLB to actively participate in sustainability efforts.

A Model Office Initiative, to be spearheaded by the CDC Building, will serve as a tangible example of carbon footprint reduction initiatives, incorporating energy conservation measures and low-carbon energy sources. Plans are underway to expand this model to other colleges within the next months.

Continuous identification and recommendation of innovative sustainability practices enhance UPLB's efforts, while comprehensive data management enables efficient progress tracking and reporting. Transparency and accountability are maintained through regular reporting on sustainability initiatives.

Strategic partnerships with external organizations amplify UPLB's commitment to sustainability, while exploring grants and financial sources sustains the university's initiatives. The creation of the S4CA Committee marks a pivotal moment in UPLB's climate action efforts, signaling a dedicated commitment to combatting climate change and creating a greener, more sustainable future.