To improve the energy performance and sustainability of the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Wellness Center, a comprehensive yet practical set of strategies is proposed. These strategies balance cost, feasibility, and long-term benefits, focusing on behavioral changes, equipment upgrades, renewable energy integration, financial analysis, and institutional energy management. Together, these actions aim to lower electricity consumption, reduce operational expenses, enhance energy independence, and align BiPSU with national sustainability and clean energy goals.
1. Implement Behavioral and Operational Energy Efficiency Measures
(Short-Term, Low-Cost Action)
One of the simplest yet most effective steps toward energy efficiency is changing daily habits and operational practices. The BiPSU Wellness Center can immediately cut unnecessary energy use by enforcing strict shutdown protocols for unused equipment and lighting, scheduling energy-intensive activities during off-peak hours, and conducting awareness campaigns for both staff and students about responsible energy use.
This approach requires minimal financial investment but can deliver immediate results. Even a modest 5–10% reduction in electricity use per month could generate annual savings of approximately ₱25,000–₱50,000. These savings, though small at first, create a positive financial return without risk. More importantly, such behavioral measures help establish a culture of energy responsibility among all stakeholders. Over time, this culture becomes the foundation for implementing more advanced technological and renewable energy solutions.
2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
(Mid-Term, Moderate Investment)
A medium-term solution involves replacing outdated or inefficient systems with modern, energy-efficient alternatives. This includes installing LED lighting, inverter-type air conditioning units, energy-saving refrigerators, and smart control devices. Although this strategy requires an estimated investment of ₱500,000 to ₱1 million, it can reduce electricity consumption by 20–30% annually.
With these savings, the return on investment can be achieved within 2 to 4 years. The reduction in the building’s baseline energy demand also means that future renewable energy systems—such as solar PV—can be sized more efficiently, further minimizing their installation costs.
Beyond financial benefits, upgrading equipment demonstrates BiPSU’s commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. Students, faculty, and visitors will also experience better comfort and air quality, reinforcing the idea that energy efficiency directly improves overall wellness and productivity.
3. Integrate Solar Rooftop PV with Energy-Efficient Upgrades
(Long-Term, High-Impact Investment)
The most transformative strategy for the BiPSU Wellness Center is the installation of a solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system, integrated with prior efficiency improvements. A hybrid solar PV system capable of meeting a large share of the center’s power needs would significantly reduce dependency on grid electricity.
While this option involves a higher upfront investment—estimated at ₱3.8 million—it provides substantial long-term financial and environmental returns. Based on projections, the system could generate annual net savings of around ₱657,000, resulting in a payback period of only 5 to 6 years. Over its 25-year lifespan, it could yield a net present value (NPV) of ₱4.6 million.
Strategically, this integration not only strengthens energy resilience during grid outages but also positions BiPSU as a regional leader in sustainable campus operations. It demonstrates the university’s alignment with national clean energy objectives and serves as a practical model that other academic institutions can follow.
4. Conduct Financial Modeling and Risk Analysis
(Ensuring Sound Investment Decisions)
Before proceeding with full-scale implementation, BiPSU should conduct detailed financial modeling to optimize the design and scale of its energy systems. Using analytical tools such as HOMER Pro or PVsyst, the university can simulate multiple system configurations, assess payback periods, and forecast net present values under different economic conditions.
This step ensures that decision-makers can evaluate potential risks and rewards, including the impact of fluctuating energy prices or changes in government incentive programs. Although financial modeling costs are relatively low compared to installation expenses, the insights gained are invaluable for preventing over- or under-investment.
Strategically, this analytical approach increases stakeholder confidence, supports grant and funding applications, and ensures that BiPSU’s investments are not only technically sound but also financially sustainable and scalable for other campus buildings.
5. Develop a Long-Term Energy Management Strategy
(Institutional Transformation and Sustainability)
To sustain progress and institutionalize energy efficiency, BiPSU should develop a comprehensive Energy Management Plan (EMP). This plan should integrate renewable energy systems, equipment upgrades, and continuous energy monitoring to create a dynamic framework for managing energy use across the Wellness Center and, eventually, the entire campus.
Research on smart energy management systems has shown that combining real-time monitoring with renewable integration can cut operational costs by up to 42%, reduce environmental impact by 27%, and improve user comfort by 86% while lowering grid dependency by 33% (Athanasiadis et al., 2024).
By applying this approach, BiPSU could invest ₱200,000–₱300,000 in energy monitoring systems to track consumption patterns in real time. These data-driven insights can boost energy savings by an additional 10–15% annually. This strategy transforms energy management from a one-time project into an ongoing, adaptive process—one that continuously improves based on actual performance data.
Over time, this holistic approach would make BiPSU more resilient to future energy challenges, reduce its carbon footprint, and enhance its reputation as a model institution for sustainability in higher education. It also provides a blueprint that other state universities and colleges can replicate, extending the impact beyond the campus itself.
Conclusion
Improving the BiPSU Wellness Center’s energy performance is both an environmental necessity and a financial opportunity. Beginning with low-cost behavioral measures, followed by strategic equipment upgrades and renewable energy integration, the university can achieve significant cost savings, reduce carbon emissions, and improve operational efficiency.
By complementing these actions with financial modeling and a long-term energy management plan, BiPSU ensures that every investment is data-driven, sustainable, and aligned with national energy goals. Ultimately, these strategies transform the Wellness Center into a flagship model of sustainability, demonstrating how educational institutions can lead by example in achieving a greener and more energy-resilient future.
DOI 10.5281/zenodo.17482122
