Sunday, September 8, 2013

Biz leader mulls energy efficiency policy for Davao

By Reuel John F. Lumawag
Sunday, September 8, 2013

A BUSINESS leader in Davao City said they are planning to come up with an energy efficiency policy and a green building incentive program for the city.
Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Daniel Lim said in a phone interview that they are partnering with not only the local government unit but also with different groups to come up with energy efficiency programs and policies.
"Energy efficiency is being pushed nowadays and Davao City needs a energy efficiency policy or an educational or advocacy program," Lim said.
Lim said he is looking at partnership with the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (IIEE) and the Department of Energy to come with an advocacy program.
Aside from the advocacy program, he hopes that through the chamber, in partnership with non-government organizations and the local government, they could come up with a green building incentive plan.
"Through this incentive program, when someone comes up with a green building they are given incentives like tax incentives," Lim said.
However, he was quick to add that there is still a long way to go before plans like these can be materialized.
"We have to work from the ground up. We will not be the first city to have an energy efficiency policies or green building incentive plans. Quezon City was the first in the country to establish a green building incentive program while Makati is in the process of enacting it. I foresee that it will be round one to two years time until we have it in Davao," said Lim.
Currently, there are no policy on energy efficiency and green buildings in the city. Lim said that it is more of a voluntary effort by the companies or individuals.
He said they are currently working with Davao Light and Power Company, DOE, and Energy Regulatory Commission on net metering.
Lim explains the process wherein a business is using solar energy and have an excess in the energy generated, it can be sold to the grid.
During the evenings where there is no sunlight, they can buy it back from the grid.
Businesses having a green building or becoming energy efficient is a whole comprehensive approach.
Lim was a guest during the Schneider Electric: Xperience Efficiency 2013 Agenda that was held at Marco Polo Hotel on Thursday. The event brought together business, government and community leaders to engage, learn and drive change in today's energy and sustainability challenges.
"[Through the event] we have a unique opportunity to discuss the very problems we are all trying to solve. And these solutions will deliver energy management, energy access, and business process performance answers right across the energy chain, whether at home, work, across the grid, or in towns and cities," said Ian dela Rosa, Schneider Electric country sale manager for the Philippines.   source

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