Government pitches Mandaue as low carbon model town

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is pitching Mandaue City as one of the contenders in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) low carbon model town (LCMT) initiative that promotes low-carbon technologies to manage the rapidly increasing energy consumption.

Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson said Mandaue City was chosen in this round given its “comprehensive plan involving land use, green building and transportation.”

Ayson noted the local government of Mandaue City has a clear target for reducing its carbon dioxide emissions and  has long been crafting measures to establish a sustainable city to address air pollution and traffic congestion.

Mandaue City’s proposed project consists of developing green growth areas and interconnecting these areas within Metro Cebu, while an ordinance calls for the promotion of disaster-resilient buildings in the city, Ayson said.

The APEC Energy Working Group will provide the necessary technical assistance to the winning candidate.

“If you’re chosen to be the low carbon model town, the APEC will provide assistance, like for feasibility studies for the different plans you may have for your town so you will be able to pursue them,” Ayson said.

The winner will be announced during the APEC’s 12th Energy Ministers Meeting to be held in Cebu.

Launched in 2010, the LCMT project is part of the ‘Green Growth’ initiative for APEC 2011, which envisages addressing climate change by promoting climate-friendly, low-carbon and energy efficient technologies.

Results of the studies will then be disseminated as best practices among APEC member economies to meet goals in reducing CO2 and energy efficiency.

In 2011, Yujiapu financial district, Tianjin, China was initially chosen as the test case for the LCMT project.

Nomination started in 2013 where Samui Island in Thailand emerged as the winner due to its proposal to utilize solar, wind and small hydro power, its  reliance on electric vehicles and reforestation and protection of existing forests.

The island also adapted green technologies for resort and hotel developments such as solar water heaters, solar panels on rooftops, biomass power generation of kitchen waste and increased ventilation for natural cooling.

The city of Da Nang in Vietnam was then named the winner in 2014, which implemented an innovative system of electric motorbikes and charging facilities.