The Department of Energy (DOE) has started conducting spot checks on government agencies on their compliance with the mandatory implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs.
Under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), the DOE gives each government entity (GE) a score based on applicable parameters and compliance percentage through a star rating with one being the lowest and five as the highest.
The DOE has so far evaluated the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITD); National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP) which all received the highest five-star ratings while the Department of Agriculture (DA) got three stars.
The DOE said the DOST-ITD was the first GE to be spot-checked and obtained the highest rating for setting of air-conditioning units at 24 degrees Celsius, the use of energy efficient lamps, the use of inverter air-conditioners, regular upkeep of service vehicles as well as the installation of solar streetlights and solar PV infrastructure.
The DOE said NHA and the PPP also received their five-star ratings for their full compliance to the GEMP through best practices and fuel and electricity-saving measures.
The DOE said DA failed to comply with some items but did not elaborate.
Recommendations were made so the agency can improve its compliance.
The DOE added the Energy Utilization Management Bureau will continue visiting GEs nationwide, as part of efforts to firm up the public sector’s commitment to making energy efficiency and conservation a part of our national consciousness.
Senate committee on energy chairman Sherwin Gatchalian earlier said only 1,760 offices out of a total of 7,441 or 24 percent have been compliant as of Oct. 27, 2021.
Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) moved its headquarters to the Exquadra Tower in Pasig, a building that is designed and built to improve energy and water efficiency, carbon dioxide emission reduction compliance and the promotion of an eco-friendly environment.
