Understanding Energy Audits: How Cities in the Philippines can become more climate-friendly
January, 21 2025
Energy audits are mandated by law in order to improve the energy efficiency of cities. This guide helps to understand what they are and how they help mitigate climate change.
In the face of rapid urbanization and increasing energy demands, cities in the Philippines are seeking sustainable solutions to manage their energy usage effectively. One of the most impactful strategies is conducting an energy audit that will set a baseline for a city’s energy consumption.An energy audit is a meticulously planned and executed systematic assessment of energy use within a building or facility. It identifies how energy is consumed, where losses occur, and what can be improved. The process typically involves 4 phases including: data collection, site inspection, analysis, and recommendations.
The national government mandated the conduct of energy audits in 2019 through Republic Act 11285 or the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Act.” It defines an energy audit as “the evaluation of energy consumption and review of current energy cost to determine appropriate intervention measures and efficiency projects in which energy can be efficiently used to achieve savings.”
WWF-Philippines conducted energy audits in government buildings of 3 partner cities as part of the Cool & Solar Initiative (CSI) Project. This project, which aims to help cities understand their energy consumption and promote efficiency, also includes other components such as solar energy promotion and community engagement. The cities involved are Ormoc in Leyte, Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte, and San Fernando in La Union.
The assessment focused on the operating performance of the lighting, air conditioning units, and electrical system. The aim was to evaluate the compliance level and identify energy conservation measures for further improvement of the facility.
“An energy audit is not like a test or exam that the city government needs to pass. It is a scientific evaluation and measurement that will help a city make informed decisions that will lead towards improved energy efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced environmental sustainability,” Imee Bellen, Project Manager for CSI, said.
An energy audit identifies areas where energy is wasted, allowing cities to implement targeted improvements. These improvements can lead to significant cost savings. For instance, more efficient practices and technologies can reduce energy bills, freeing up funds for other essential services. The local government can ultimately contribute to the lowering of carbon emissions by promoting the use of renewable energy sources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2022 estimated that cities contribute about 70% of global CO2 emissions with the largest chunks coming from transportation and buildings.
“We are helping our local governments build their capacity so they will learn and adapt to the environmental challenges we are facing today. This energy audit is one tool that provides data-driven insights to enable our local city officials to make informed decisions regarding energy policies and infrastructure investments as well as explore opportunities for innovations,” Bellen said.
The results of the energy audits were presented to each of the city’s executive officials in a courtesy call. Aside from their keen interest in the possibility of future partnerships in auditing more city buildings, they were eager for the results to be integrated into the city’s future PPAs and policies. Selected city officials also participated in a capacity-building session to better craft energy policies that will lead to less fuel consumption of vehicles, less electricity usage, less pollution, and cooler environment, among others. This session aims to help the cities start developing their Local Energy Efficiency & Conservation Plan (LEECP), as mandated by the Department of Energy to all local government units in the country.
More capacity-building sessions are scheduled to be held with local government officials and different sectors in each city such as businesses and the academe. These sessions are designed to ensure that participants are well-informed and equipped with the latest scientific information on renewable energy, empowering them to make effective decisions.
The energy audits with Ormoc, Dipolog, and San Fernando (La Union) are just one component of the CSI Project. They represent the first step in a collaborative effort, involving these local governments and other stakeholders, towards a low-carbon future.