In observance of Energy Consciousness Month, Senator Loren Legarda encouraged Filipinos to practise energy conservation measures to save on energy resources and as a way to adopt a low-carbon lifestyle.
“Energy conservation must be a way of life. It is economical and also environment-friendly. By practising energy conservation measures, we also contribute to reducing our carbon footprint, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.
“Traditional energy conservation measures remain relevant-use of low-wattage appliances, unplug electronics when not in use, turn off lights when leaving a room, open curtains for natural lighting, do all the ironing at one time, avoid frequent opening of the refrigerator door and defrost it once a week. These are simple and practical measures that all of us can do,” she added.
Legarda also filed a bill to promote energy conservation by providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to private firms implementing energy-saving practices and by requiring manufacturers and dealers to comply with the energy efficiency rating of the Department of Energy (DOE).
“This bill provides for incentives in the form of tax breaks, duty-free imports to support suppliers of renewable technology as well as non-fiscal incentives such as awards or recognition for energy efficiency and conservation and technical assistance from government agencies in the development and promotion of energy-efficient technologies,” she explained.
Under the bill, companies must conduct regular energy audits on establishments where energy consumption and costs will be assessed. Meanwhile, all government agencies and local government units shall ensure the efficient use of energy in their respective offices, facilities and transportation units by incorporating energy saving methods in their local development plans.
“Energy efficiency is the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Legarda said, stressing the need to broaden the coverage of existing energy conservation policies if we want to attain our energy efficiency roadmap goals.
The DOE, in addition to its existing mandate, shall develop a National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan and a system of monitoring the targets that are established.
Moreover, it is tasked to maintain collaborative efforts with the business sector and require manufacturers, importers and dealers to comply with the standards and make sure that their packages are labeled accordingly.
The DOE shall also conduct a fuel economy performance test for motor vehicles to ensure that vehicle manufacturers, importers and dealers comply with fuel economy performance requirements. New buildings shall also comply with the minimum requirements as specified in the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design on Buildings issued by the DOE, in consultation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“We need to institutionalize energy efficiency and conservation as a national way of life. We must work towards the efficient and judicious utilization of energy by developing and implementing energy efficiency and conservation plans and programs. This will help us secure sufficiency and stability of energy supply in the country,” Legarda concluded. (SENATE-PR)
