DOE intensifies efforts to promote energy conservation in the country By Donnabelle L. Gatdula (The Philippine Star) Updated July 23, 2011 12:00 AM

By Donnabelle L. Gatdula (The Philippine Star) Updated July 23, 2011 12:00 AM MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) is intensifying efforts to promote energy conservation which could result in a long-term savings worth P60 billion. In a report, the DOE said they will conduct a series of trainings and workshops to attain this objective, “To further educate the people on conserving energy, the DOE conducts National Training Workshops on Energy Efficiency Conservation which aims to save the country P60 billion more in terms of energy usage,” the DOE said. The energy department, so far, noted that its energy management program resulted in millions of savings. In a report, DOE said the Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards which has 61 industrial, commercial and transport companies and 39 outstanding energy managers as participants were able to save a total of 156 million liters of oil or P5 billion. It also resulted in the reduction of emissions equivalent to 269 thousand tons. Likewise, the DOE also conducts regular energy audits to make sure that government buildings and offices are using energy efficiently. Energy savings reached P24.6 million after 12 energy audits for industrial, commercial, academe and government buildings. These efforts are consistent with government’s policy to promote the judicious conservation and efficient utilization of energy resources through adoption of the cost-effective options toward the efficient use of energy to minimize environmental impact. The DOE said the primary goal of the government towards energy efficiency and conservation is to make it a way of life, increase awareness and the attainment of 229 MMBFOE total energy savings from the implementation of energy efficiency and alternative fuels programs for the period 2005-2014. It is projected that about 50.9 million tons C02 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions will be avoided for the same period. Aside from trainings and workshops, the DOE said it is implementing a number of strategies to achieve these goals. These include: intensify collaboration effort with the private sector in implementing energy efficiency programs through voluntary agreements; and continuous implementation and expansion of the appliance and equipment energy standards and labeling implementation of building energy usage standards. The DOE will also intend to integrate energy efficiency concepts in the procurement practices of the government. It will also provide technical assistance in identifying, implementing and evaluating effective measures to improve energy use efficiency.