Low Carbon News in Philippines in December 2013
26 November 2013
Solar energy can power Philippines through disasters: More speakers confirm to attend top-level industry conference
According to pv-tech.org, “Emerging markets in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have good potential for growth due to their economic development demands coupled with the ample sunlight all four countries enjoy. In addition, the four emerging markets named have implemented feed-in tariff subsidy policies and all four have set renewable energy targets for 2020 to 2030.”
The upcoming Solar Energy Southeast Asia conference taking place in less than two weeks time at the IMPACT Arena in Bangkok will support and accelerate the development of solar energy, both on- and off-grid in the ASEAN region.
With recent news of the Philippines typhoon disaster affecting energy supplies, development of off-grid solar particularly in rural and marginalised areas is crucial.
Source: Red Orbit, http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1113012926/solar-energy-can-power-philippines-through-disasters-more-speakers-confirm/#uWA51r2SAGlDCt28.99
30 November 2013
Department of Justice endorses adoption of Green Building Code
The Department of Justice (DOJ) gave its go-signal in order for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to proceed with its plan to adopt the green-building regulation in the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) in a bid to address the effects of massive building and construction to global warming.
In a nine-page legal opinion, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the power of the DPWH to issue implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the effective implementation of the provisions of the NBCP under Presidential Decree 1096 includes the power to amend or revise the same under the doctrine of necessary implications.
However, de Lima reminded the DPWH that any amendment or revision of the IRR of the NBCP, including the green-building regulations, must not go beyond and contradict the purposes and standards prescribed by the law.
The DPWH is eyeing to adopt the green-building regulation for a more eco-friendly environment.
Source: Business Mirror, http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/features/green/23581-doj-endorses-adoption-of-green-building-code
1 December 2013
EMB Holds Low Carbon Exhibit and Fair
In observance of the National Climate Change Consciousness Week, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, thru its Climate Change Office (CCO) organized the Low Carbon Exhibit and Fair themed “Make Low Carbon Lifestyle a Way of Life” on 26-27 November 2013 at the EMB Grounds. This aimed to enhance public awareness of a greener and low-carbon lifestyle.
The exhibit showcased low-carbon initiatives such as the Waste to Energy Project of Quezon City Integrated Disposal Facility which converts biogas emissions into electricity thereby
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help improve air, water and soil quality. Also featured was the Land Bank’s Carbon Finance Support Facility which provides clients the opportunity to join the Clean Development Mechanism program and generate additional income from the sales of the carbon credits, while also ensuring that their operations comply with environmental rules and regulations.
Source: Environmental Management Bureau, Deparment of Environment and Natural Resources, http://www.emb.gov.ph/portal/Portals/0/CC%20Exhibit%20Press%20Release%20Final.pdf
02 December 2013
Department of Energy to conduct high level symposium on renewable energy
The Department of Energy (DOE), together with the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, will be conducting a high-level symposium on renewable energy (RE) to discuss among stakeholders the developments and challenges in the RE sector.
The symposium, “Time for Renewable Energies to push through – Reaping the fruits of the RE Law”, will be held on 03 December 2013 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.
In line with the 2013 National Energy Consciousness Month, the activity aims to raise awareness and be an avenue for information exchange on the RE implementation and policy regulations, roles of different sectors in the society on RE development, and incentive mechanisms for RE developer, among others.
Source: Department of Energy, https://www.doe.gov.ph/news-events/news/press-releases/2218-doe-to-conduct-high-level-symposium-on-re
03 December 2013
Department of Energy to conduct workshop for biofuel database in East Asia
The Department of Energy (DOE), with the support of Japan’s New Energy Foundation (NEF), will host a workshop promoting the utilization of a biofuel database in the East Asia region.
The 6th Asia Biomass Energy Workshop, one of the activities under the Biofuels Database Project in East
Asian Countries will be held from December 4 to 6 at the Seda Hotel, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. The event will serve as an avenue for member-countries involved in making the database for exchanging technical information, experiences and best practices on the use and promotion of biomass energy (biofuels, biogas, etc.).
Source: Department of Energy, https://www.doe.gov.ph/news-events/news/press-releases/2223-doe-to-conduct-workshop-for-biofuels-database-in-east-asia
10 December 2013
BPI-IFC climate change efforts noted
The International Finance Corp. (IFC), partner of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) for its Sustainable Energy Finance Program, has been recognized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) last Nov. 21 at Warsaw, Poland for its SEF program in the Philippines.
BPI’s contribution to the program has reached a loan portfolio of almost P11 billion, helping the private sector finance more than 100 energy efficiency and renewable projects.
UNFCCC, which launched the Kyoto Protocol with 192 countries in 1995 to strengthen the global response against climate change, has selected 17 inspiring projects as 2013 Lighthouse Activities under the Momentum for Change initiative.
The Philippines and five other countries were recognized for their successful financial innovations to support investments in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The 17 activities were showcased at special events during the UN Framework on Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) Conference on Parties – 19 (COP-19).
Source: Philippine Star, http://www.philstar.com/banking/2013/12/10/1266084/bpi-ifc-climate-change-efforts-noted
12 December 2013
Court blocks Palawan DMCI coal plant
A Regional Trial Court has blocked the construction of the controversial DMCI coal-fired power plant in Palawan after receiving a complaint filed by locals.
Judge Ambrosio de Luna, the environmental court judge of Palawan, issued an order on December 12 to extend a 72-hour temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) against the proposed coal plant.
The order prevents the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) from granting a special permit to the project that will allow the Consunji-led DMCI Power Corp to start the construction of the facility.
Residents of Aborlan town, the proposed location of the coal plant, questioned the legality of an endorsement given by their local officials for the facility. The endorsement of the local government unit is a requirement for the construction of power plants in Palawan. The residents complained DMCI Power Corp and the local officials did not hold proper public consultation.
Source: Rappler, http://www.rappler.com/nation/45792-court-blocks-palawan-dmci-coal-plant
12 December 2013
Groups to Lacson: Tap renewable energy for Yolanda areas
Communities in the Visayas are facing the possibility of spending Christmas without electricity after Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck.
So what put them in this particularly helpless situation? It’s their reliance on the centralized power grid, said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Amalie Obusan during a press conference on Thursday, December 12.
Green groups are therefore urging rehabilitation czar Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to install renewable energy systems instead of restoring old power lines that depend on the national power grid.
Decentralized renewable energy, an overlooked alternative, will make communities more energy-independent, the groups said.
Source: Rappler, http://www.rappler.com/nation/45780-decentralized-renewable-energy-yolanda-areas
13 December 2013
Groups to Aquino: Demand Haiyan redress from fossil fuel companies
Green groups point their fingers to the top fossil fuel companies reaping profit as they emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing global warming.
For this reason, President Benigno Aquino III should demand compensation for Yolanda’s devastation from these fossil fuel companies.
This was the call of environmental group Greenpeace during a December 12 press conference more than a month after the super typhoon barreled into the Philippines causing more than 6,000 deaths and billions worth of damage.
Source: Rappler, http://www.rappler.com/nation/45853-pnoy-haiyan-compensation-fossil-fuel-companies
PUBLICATIONS
The World Bank (2013). GETTING A GRIP… on Climate Change in the Philippines
Contributing to the foundation and ensuring the future for a low-carbon, climate resilient society through the Philippine Climate Public Expenditure and Institutional Review
Link: http://www.worldbank.org/content/dam/Worldbank/document/EAP/Philippines/Final%20ExReport.pdf
Asian Development Bank (2013). Maximizing Access to Energy for the Poor in Developing Asia.
Despite years of sustained economic growth and enormous technological progress, energy poverty in the Asia and Pacific region remains at unacceptably high levels. Addressing energy poverty is an ADB priority. This publication highlights recent and ongoing projects which contribute towards that goal, through focused efforts and innovative solutions aim to bring the benefits of access to modern energy to all.
Link: http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/pub/2013/maximizing-access-energy-poor-developing-asia.pdf
International Labour Organization (2013). Providing clean energy and energy access through cooperatives
This publication is a collection of case studies on cooperatives in energy production, distribution and consumption as a contribution to the on-going search for ways in which the goal of sustainable Energy for All can be turned into a reality.
Link: http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/green-jobs/publications/WCMS_233199/lang–en/index.htm