Yes.
The EECA provides that new building construction and the retrofit of buildings should comply with the minimum requirements specified in DOE Department Circular No. 2020-12-0026, entitled the “Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design on Buildings” (“Guidelines”).
The Guidelines pertain to the energy-conserving design of buildings to provide energy efficiency guidance in the design and construction of buildings in the Philippines, and to ensure the use of energy-efficient systems in the building sector. It applies to the design of the following:
- New buildings and their systems, with at least 112.5 kilo-volt-amperes of total connected electrical loads or with at least 10,000 square meters (m2) total gross floor area (TGFA)
- Any expansion and/or modification of existing buildings or systems designed with total connected electrical loads of at least 112.5 kilo-volt-amperes, or with at least 10,000 m2 TGFA.
It does not apply to areas with industrial/manufacturing processes.
Under the Guidelines, covered buildings shall source, initially, a minimum of 1% of their projected annual energy requirements to reduce demand for commercial power through the installation of any or a combination or all of the following:
- Renewable energy power supply systems
- Solar water heaters
- Solar cooling systems
- Solar-powered lighting systems
- Any other similar system or equipment
Compliance with the Green Energy Option Plan1 by any building would satisfy the above-mentioned requirement.
These requirements may be increased by the DOE from time to time in accordance with its mandate.
[1] The Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) empowers eligible end-users to choose renewable sources of energy. The GEOP was established under Republic Act No. 9513, otherwise known as the “Renewable Energy Act of 2008.” It allows eligible end users the option to choose renewable energy resources as their source of energy, as opposed to captive customers who must stay with their respective Distribution Utility for their electricity requirements.