The commercial and industrial sectors are two of the top energy-consuming sectors in the country. These two industries rely heavily on their infrastructures and equipment for their respective operations. Most of their energy consumption will be directly affected by the infrastructure design. Thus, instituting energy-efficient design in buildings plays a vital role in reducing national energy consumption, and helps sectors save energy which can be translated to increase profit.

Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7638 or the “Department of Energy (DOE) Act of 1992”, states that it is the policy of the State to ensure a continuous, adequate, reliable, and economic supply of energy through, among others judicious conservation, renewal, and efficient utilization of energy to keep pace with the country’s growth and economic development”. Further, Section 18 of the EEC Act states that new building construction and retrofit of buildings shall comply with the minimum requirements specified in the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design on Buildings. In line with the National Economic Plan and the mandate of the government for the establishment of a framework for introducing and institutionalizing policies on energy efficiency and conservation, the Department of Energy shall spearhead the formulation of the Guidelines for Energy Efficient Design of buildings. Moreover, the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) shall support the improvements in the Guidelines on Energy Conservation Design of Buildings through revisions and/or updates within three (3) years unless sooner required: Provided that, any revision and/or update shall be indicated by the year of its effectivity.

The Department Circular (DC) shall cover both private and public establishments. Local Government Units (LGUs) shall provide measures in the building permit issuances ensuring appropriate and effective implementation of energy efficiency and conservation for new and existing buildings. New building construction and building retrofits shall comply with the minimum requirements indicated in the guidelines. These buildings include hospitals, educational facilities, exhibition centers, government offices, and military facilities among others.

In recognition of the ongoing continuous developments in energy efficiency and conservation, and renewable energy technologies, systems, and practices, the DC shall adopt future improvements through revisions and updates within every 3 years as necessary. These continuous revisions will ensure that the instituted policies are based on the latest energy-efficient practices and technologies.

The adoption of the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings will eventually lead to the adoption of energy efficiency in the building energy sector. In respect to the existing building code, the Department of Energy coordinates with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the integration of the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings in the Philippine Green Building Code. These two departments will lead the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to promote national awareness and advocacy. These IEC activities shall cover energy efficiency and conservation, capacity and capability building for LGUs, and pursue a partnership with key stakeholders for the promotion and appreciation of this Department Circular. The campaign includes the conduct of seminars, training, and programs, distribution of campaign materials such as leaflets and information booklets.