==== The installation and the run of the project: ====
[[File:Cocopeat demonstration.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cocopeat demonstration]]Cocopeat, the dust from crushed coconut shells, is a waste byproduct of coconut processing that can be used in the development of low-cost [[File:Cocopeat demonstration.jpg|thumb|right|250pxpx|Cocopeat demonstration]]wastewater management systems to improve sanitation. Cocopeat is used in the construction of biofilters, which treat septic tank or digester effluent so that it can be used safely for agriculture and landscape irrigation, or discharged into the environment. As wastewater passes through the biofilter, suspended solids are trapped, and organic matter is consumed by the microbes living in the filter, resulting in a significant reduction of pollution constituents in the final effluent.
''"The biofilter is simply a wood box sealed with fiberglass and fitted with an underdrain system to collect the treated effluent"'', explains Jet Pabilonia, Project Administrator and Chief Environmental Officer for Muntinlupa City. ''"The box is then filled with cocopeat, and covered with a layer of about 6 inches of coco coir (fibers). It took us about three weeks of labor to construct the system. We are especially excited about this technology as it requires such a small space. We only had about 20 square meters available to us for the construction of the system"''.
[[File:Coco2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cocopeat wastewater treatment]]O&M for this system is minimal. Depending on flows, the cocopeat should last at least a couple years (given the pilot nature of these studies,[[File:Coco2.jpg|thumb|right|250pxpx|Cocopeat wastewater treatment]] we still aren't really sure how long it can last, but at least a year or two for sure, quite possibly much longer), whereafter the old peat should be shoveled out (into the garbage or compost) and replaced with fresh peat. It could be adequate to simply change the peat whenever the septic tank is deludgeddesludged. The pump adds a bit more complexity to the situation if it breaks down, but given its very low usage and simple setup, it will likely outlive the rest of the unit! That means, the school can always contact the Muntinlupa environment office if any support is needed. A pump could also be avoided by excavating the biofilter into the ground, thus the septic tank effluent could just flow into it by gravity.
The system installed for the Putatan Elementary School will serve around 2,000 students and 78 teachers. The pour-flush toilets discharge to a septic tank equipped with a small pump that feeds effluent to the biofilter.
[[File:Students' show.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Students' show]]According to school principal, Rhodora V. Mandap, ''"the cocopeat wastewater project will help us to realize our dream of developing a green [[File:Students' show.JPG|thumb|right|250pxpx|Students' show]]campus filled with plants for the enjoyment of our pupils and staff. We will use the treated water for our ornamental plants, which should do quite well with this rich source of irrigation water"''. ''"Our students are also very much engaged in the project"'', said Mandap during the launching ceremony. ''"Our second graders worked up a song and dance routine entitled: Science, Technology and Low Cost Wastewater Treatment Systems"''. Dressed as microbes, the students sing about how science, technology and sanitation will improve their lives and their school.
Schools represent a bigger challenge than many other sources for wastewater technologies due to their highly variable flows. Systems must be able to function under peak flow conditions, during special events, as well as low flows during weekends and summer vacations. However, the opportunities are equally great as the schools represent an ideal entry point into a community interested in scaling up sanitation through wastewater treatment. As students learn about the technology and benefits of treating wastewater, they can teach their parents, which helps raise awareness and demand for services.
==== '''Key message:''' ====
[[File:Coco4.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Coco4]] This case study shows, how important it is to adopt a waste-water project to the the specific features of the project place, in this case to the available local materials, which helps[[File:Coco4.JPG|thumb|right|250pxpx|Coco4]] to achieve an environmentally friendly method.
==== '''Contribution to the SuSanA sustainability criteria:''' ====
Start of operation: Putatan Elementary School - Started November, 2011 and still running strong. Muntinlupa Science High School- January 2012.
[[File:Coco3.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Coco3]]
Address of project location: two schools in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Planning institution: RTI International, Muntinlupa City in the Philippines: local city environmental officer[[File:Coco3.jpg|thumb|right|250pxpx|Coco3]]
Executing institution: RTI International, Muntinlupa City in the Philippines: local city environmental officer
'''Contact:'''
[[File:RTI2.jpg|thumb|right|200px]][[File:B&M Gates.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]'''Mr David Robbins'''
Senior water and sanitation specialist at RTI and the project’s director
