- The DLSU-Arcadis partnership produced the Philippines’ first LEED Silver® academic buildings, reducing operational costs, enhancing occupant comfort,promoting circularity and biodiversity, and setting a new sustainability benchmark for Philippine higher
- By delivering targeted CAPEX insights and late-stage design refinements, Arcadis identified strategies that elevated the project from feasible certification to LEED Silver®.
27 March 2026 – Arcadis (EURONEXT: ARCAD), the world’s leading company delivering data-driven sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets, is proud to share that De La Salle University (DLSU) Laguna Campus has achieved a major milestone in sustainable academic development. With support from Arcadis Philippines, Inc., Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall and University Hall are the first and only academic buildings in the Philippines certified under the LEED v4 BD+C: Schools rating system, earning LEED Silver®.
In 2023, with construction already approaching its final stages and architectural drawings fully completed, DLSU faced an important challenge: Was LEED certification still feasible this late in the process and what would it cost? To remove uncertainty and provide clear options, API’s Sustainability Solutions team conducted a detailed feasibility study and capital expenditure (CAPEX) analysis, establishing a clear path to certification.
According to Dr. Jonathan Dungca, Vice President for Laguna Campus, “Achieving LEED Silver certification is a meaningful milestone for DLSU Laguna Campus and a strong validation of the campus’ long-standing commitment to sustainability. It signifies that the university’s buildings meet globally recognized standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and responsible resource use.”
He added that LEED Silver is tangible proof of sustainability in action that creates a healthier learning environment for students, faculty, and staff while reducing the environmental footprint through lower energy use and more efficient water management. It also provides a living laboratory for innovation, where sustainable technologies and practices can be studied, tested, and improved.
DLSU Campus Development Office and Campus Planning Office Executive Director Engr. Maria Emilia Sevilla thanks Arcadis for their invaluable expertise and guidance throughout the certification process while helping identify strategies aligned with our educational mission and sustainability goals. “During the rigorous process, everything was handled with a collaborative approach, helping all stakeholders understand our campus' unique context, and maximize sustainable features of the project while being operationally practical.”
Initial results showed that a Certified-level was achievable. But through continued technical review, close coordination with the project team, and targeted interventions, Arcadis Philippines Inc. identified cost-efficient opportunities that elevated the project from Certified to LEED Silver®.
Throughout the process, the Sustainability Solutions team acted as a hands-on and solutions-focused partner, delivering end-to-end sustainability support. This included advanced energy modeling, daylight simulation, and LEED commissioning, enabling the team to resolve technical challenges early, optimize building performance, and ensure compliance with LEED v4 BD+C for Schools requirements.
“Our role was to give DLSU complete clarity, both technically and financially, on what was possible within their timeline. By working closely with their team and applying data driven analysis, we identified solutions that elevated the project from feasible certification to LEED Silver. This achievement reflects what strong collaboration can deliver,” said Katherine Ann Resurreccion, Service Line Director for Sustainability Solutions at Arcadis Philippines Inc.
The Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall and University Hall incorporate numerous high-performance sustainability features that contributed to their Silver certification.
- The building was designed with an energy-efficient HVAC system to reduce cooling energy demand while maintaining thermal comfort in classrooms and common
- Energy performance was maximized through appropriate system sizing, selection of efficient equipment, and integration with daylighting and lighting design.
- The building operates entirely on 100% renewable energy via an off-site renewable energy program.
- 57% of the total site area was restored using native and adaptive plant species, promoting biodiversity and reducing irrigation needs.
- Roofing materials with a high Solar Reflectance Index were utilized to minimize heat island effects and enhance occupant comfort.
- Low-flow fixtures reduced indoor water consumption by 28%, conserving resources and lowering operational costs.
- 8% of materials used in the project were sourced from recycled materials, supporting circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact.
- Indoor environmental quality was prioritized with adequate outdoor air ventilation, thermal comfort controls, and optimized daylighting and lighting systems.
This achievement reflects the strength of the Arcadis–DLSU partnership and demonstrates how design, data-driven analysis, and collaborative problem-solving can deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes. Beyond certification, the buildings now operate with reduced energy and water consumption, improved indoor environmental quality, and a performance standard that sets a new benchmark for sustainable higher education in the Philippines.
