The coverage of existing energy conservation policies must be broaden to attain energy efficiency roadmap goals, adding that the energy should not only be produced and used in a manner that will promote sustainable development, but at the same time, it must contribute to the countryโs overall economic competitiveness and minimize negative impacts to the environment.
Republic Act No. 9513 or Renewable Energy Act must be effectively implement to reduce harmful emissions and achieve economic development while protecting health and environment. Renewable energy is an essential part of the countryโs low emission development strategy and is vital to addressing challenges of climate change, energy security and access to energy.
Moreover, through the Republic Act 11285 or Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, the government recognizes the need to โinstitutionalize energy efficiency and conservation as a national way of life geared towards the efficient and judicious utilization of energy by formulating, developing, and implementing energy efficiency and conservation plans and programs.โ
The law mandates companies to comply with the energy efficiency rating of the Department of Energy (DOE) by conducting regular energy audits on establishments where energy consumption and costs will be assessed. Meanwhile, all government agencies and local government units shall ensure the efficient use of energy in their respective offices, facilities and transportation units by incorporating energy saving methods in their local development plans.
This also provides incentives in the form of tax breaks, duty-free imports to support suppliers of renewable technology as well as non-fiscal incentives such as awards or recognition for energy efficiency and conservation and technical assistance from government agencies in the development and promotion of energy-efficient technologies.
This way, it would โsecure sufficiency and stability of energy supply in the country to cushion the impact of high prices of imported fuels to local markets and protect the environment in support of the economic and social development goals of the country.โ
Energy efficiency is the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It involves a whole-of-nation approach to achieve a low-carbon development pathway and national goals and targets for climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. Moreover, it is vital in fulfilling the countryโs commitments under the Paris climate agreement to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
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