To address the challenges of energy saving and the decarbonization of electricity supply, the Philippine Energy Forum will be held on July 10, 2012, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. Organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the forum brings together business leaders in the energy industry, including energy producers, policymakers, and consumer groups. Topics to be taken up are energy efficient technologies, energy policies, and consumer education.

Energy efficiency is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to increase the amount of energy available for use; in contrast, building new power plants is expensive and requires years of paperwork. Energy efficiency ensures the provision of the same level of energy using fewer amounts of fossil fuels. Reduced use of fossil fuels also lowers the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

Numerous other benefits of energy efficiency are seldom discussed. These include the psychological benefits of using natural lighting sources that make a home or office more comfortable, increasing worker productivity, making a retail store more appealing to clients, better ventilated buildings, food that stay fresh longer in more efficient refrigerators, and motors that run quieter.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy go hand in hand as pillars of sustainable energy. Amounts saved from greater energy efficiency can be spent on needed goods and services and on education.

We greet the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines led by its President Hubert d’Aboville and Vice Presidents Erik Moller Nielsen and Michael Raeuber, Treasurer Cyril Rocke, and Corporate Secretary Cesar C. Cruz, other Officers and Members, on the occasion of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum 2012. The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, and Officers, wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors. CONGRATULATIONS!

Source: Manila Bulletin; Views, Comments, Features; 10 July 2012