More than just heavy consumers of fossil fuels, the country’s 330 operating ecozones comprising 3,582 locator companies under the Philippine Export Zone Authority, or PEZA, are slowly implementing quality environmental policies into their company systems to lessen dependence on fossil fuels and minimize usage of the remaining natural resources.

In accordance with the PEZA-GTZ (a German NGO) Eco-Industrial Development Model, areas that have been highlighted are energy efficiency, effective environmental management, waste water management and water disposal, and hazardous waste management— all leading to improved performance by individual companies.

According to Tereso Panga, PEZA Deputy Director General, the PEZA has also established linkages with the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (ECCP) by way of the PEZA Energy Savings Program which focuses on several other categories.

These are the raising of interest on energy efficiency as a competitive advantage in the market; promotion of pro-active energy savings, conservation, power cost reduction, and other energy-related revenue generation measures; recognition honors for proper implementation of such programs; and the development of a supportive network of energy efficiency organizations and suppliers ala Vendors Catalogue.

Panga also cited the PEZA Board Resolution No. 15-239 dated May 2015 which gave incentives to Ecozone Locators’ Tax and Duty-free Importation of Energy Efficient Equiment/ Products, specifically solad and LED lighting systems for self-usage; plus the sale of Ecozone Manufactured Solar Panel and LED Lighting System to other locators (constructive exportation.)

PEZA has also linked up with the Department of Energy for the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEECAP) which aims to reduce at least 10 percent of all government offices’ monthly consumption of electricity and transport petroleum products, plus another 10 percent reduction in each sector (transport, residential buildings, commercial buildings, agriculture) by next year.

Panga spoke during the Energy Efficiency forum hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

Source: Expat Philippines