Group pushes energy efficiency

CEBU, Philippines – As global warming worsens, the ASEAN Center for Energy pushes for energy efficiency and conservation especially among business establishments, which are among the biggest consumers of energy.

ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE), an intergovernmental organization established by ASEAN member countries, in cooperation with the Department of Energy, yes-terday conducted a seminar workshop among government agencies and corporations, private companies and schools.

ACE's main objective is to initiate collective activities on energy development policies in harmony with economic growth and environmental sustainability in the ASEAN region.

Jesus Anunciacion, assistant director of the Energy Utility Management of the DOE, said it was the first time that they conducted the seminar in Cebu. He added they held the same activity in Manila five times already.

According to him, business establishments in the country should promote energy efficiency especially in their buildings.

"There is really a need to promote energy efficiency for we are now facing major global warming problem," said Anunciacion.

He is hoping that the seminar, which was attended by at least 70 participants from different companies like Metropolitan Cebu Water District, Cebu Normal University, NEDA, Philippine National Bank, Aboitiz Group of Companies, University of San Carlos, among others, will help promote and disseminate best practices in energy manage-ment demonstrated in buildings and industries among ASEAN countries.

Anunciacion revealed they are also working now on the filing of a bill that would ensure energy conservation for the buildings in the country.

"As of now the bill is still in draft form," he told The FREEMAN, adding the Energy Commission Bill will carry penalties, particularly criminal, that would be im-posed against those who violate the law.

The Enercom Bill is being supported and drafted with the coordination of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), which is into energy conservation and law development.

Anunciacion said the bill, once approved into law, will encourage all sector participation in adopting and implementing innovative and creative energy management approaches.

In line with this, he announced there is a regular tilt among ASEAN countries called "ASEAN Best Practice Competition for Energy Management in Buildings and In-dustries," which is held yearly to choose which companies and buildings has the best practice in energy conservation. (FREEMAN)