The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) yesterday announced that it has completed the energy audit of 10 companies that were selected earlier in the year as part of its energy efficiency drive.

ECCP president Hubert d'Aboville said the companies were given a free 'walk through assessment' to identify areas on where they can implement energy efficiency.

"The audit showed them areas where they can cut cost on their energy consumption.  This is just the start for them It is now their decision to follow the recommendations given.  We have ourpartners in the Energy Smart Program that are ready to assist them," d'Aboville said.

The companies were chosen from the more than 100 companies that have joined the Energy Smart Program since its launching at the 1st Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum last year.

The 10 companies are known entities from the information technology, property, hospital, SME, logistics, electronics, utility and hospitality industries.

The 'walk through assessment' was done with the assistance of the International Finance Corp (IFC) which is supporting the Energy Smart program until 2015.  An undisclosed external funding will also be provided by IFC through its partner banks in the country.

The banks will then provide collateral-free loans to the companies and appraise loan applications based on their viability. 

"We want companies to look at their energy consumption and find energy efficient solutions for their operational needs," d'Aboville said.

The Energy Smart Program team is working with company sponsors to help government agencies improve their lighting efficiency and to organize energy efficiency related public-private partnership projects.  It has also held multiple roundtable discussions, forums, and trainings on energy efficiency.

The Energy Smart Program is a long term nation-wide project that will provide companies with measures that will result in significant savings in their operations, make them competitive in the international market, and create partnerships with energy solutions providers and green financing institutions.

Source: Manila Bulletin; Business Bulletin; 16 July 2011