Execs share energy/resources saving tips
Baguio Water District (BWD) General Manager Salvador Royeca, City Building and Architects Office (CBAO) head Johnny Degay and City General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan share with the public the energy and resource saving initiatives in the workplace.
Benguet Electric Cooperative’s (BENECO) Engr. Melchor Licoben, City Environment and Parks Management Officer Atty. Rhenan Diwas and other heads of offices follow suit with comments and suggestions.
This is an offshoot of a legislative status report in 2021 on Ordinance 12, 2013 as to a public utilities monitoring program for government offices/buildings and providing incentives for efficient use and reduction in resources and energy.
According to Royeca, the energy and water saving initiatives are implemented at BWD, to help mitigate the effect of climate change, which is now felt globally.
For office buildings, larger windows are installed to allow natural light and ventilation, lessening energy consumption for light source and air conditioning. Lighting facilities are reduced from the 40 watts fluorescent to 18 watts LED lights; lights are switched off during lunch breaks; and electrical devices and equipment unplugged after office hours, weekends and holidays, Royeca added.
To raise awareness on water conservation, handwashing and water conservation; tips have been posted in all their office lavatories and restrooms. Flyers on handwashing and water conservation are also distributed in the workplace for workers and their clients, Royeca added.
As to BWD’s pumping facilities, a regular activity of downsizing of equipment is done to reduce power consumption without compromise to required demand of output, the last which was done in 2018. Antiquated facilities are also upgraded to increase capacity and efficiency while reducing operational expenses on power.
Other conservation initiatives for water supply operation and maintenance, according to Royeca, includes immediate repair or quick response to reported leaks or busted pipe; replacement of deteriorated pipelines; monitoring of pressure gauges in areas with high system pressure; utilization of Sto. Tomas Rain Basin and the planned use of the Busol Rainwater Harvesting Facility Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) which prevents and controls over-water extraction from underground sources, reduces system pressure which causes excessive strain on the piping system, and reduces power consumption were installed at the Irisan and Tam-awan deepwell which generates savings, Royeca said.
To facilitate water recycling and catch run-offs, a sewage treatment plant and infiltration galleries were recommended to be built.
At the CBAO, Engr. Degay mentioned the use of LED lighting fixtures for city hall and affiliated offices, use of solar power at the Baguio Athletic Bowl swimming pool, and use of low wattage equipment in offices.
Eco-flush system in toilet fixtures, automatic shut-off faucets, centralized printing station, regular maintenance check, regular cleaning of inlet valves and use of rechargeable tools or equipment are shared by Degay for energy saving in the workplace.
In an earlier issued Department of Energy (DOE) directive, the Government Energy Management Program and other memorandum and orders from responsible national line agencies; at least 10 percent savings should be realized with the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures in all government entities.
For the legislative evaluation, letters were sent to heads of concerned offices; which they responded with recommendations and suggestions for resource and energy-efficiency.
General Services Officer Buyucan informed the legislative monitoring team that a semi-annual report of electricity and water consumption, and a comparative summary have been furnished concerned officers regularly. Wise consumption and conservation of electricity and water in the offices has always reminded workers, Buyucan said.
BENECO’s Engr. Licoben cited The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, and a DILG Memorandum Circular as their references in monitoring and possible actions as to energy savings.
Then City Schools Division Superintendent Carolyn Verano commented on the decline in energy consumption in public schools as distance learning was imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
CEPMO’s Atty. Diwas said a water efficiency program and audit shall be prepared to analyze the conditions; calculation of costs, potential saving and payback period; with the CBAO, sanitary engineers, and possible assistance from BWD and private professional organizations. A legislative action may be based on the audit, Diwas said. – Julie G. Fianza
