This article assesses the evolving role of the University of the Philippines System, which is the only national university in the country, in the transition of higher education institutions to a low-carbon economy. As national university, various initiatives have been put in place as it is duty-bound to contribute to sustainable development. Foremost is the University's Green UP program that aims to promulgate policies across the system, including green building standards, energy audits, replacement of equipment to improve energy efficiency, water, and solid waste management, monitoring of building maintenance standards, environmental management, and other related strategic initiatives in relation with climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainability.