DOE requires gov’t offices to go ‘green’
The government is making bolder moves to cut power costs and embrace green technology, as all agencies are now mandated to use energy-efficient products and deploy solar rooftop systems.
The directive that requires government offices nationwide to comply with the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) was approved through a resolution of the Interagency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee, chaired by the Department of Energy (DOE).
MEPS, which is under the Philippine Energy Labeling Program, makes sure that agencies only purchase compliant products.
“By requiring energy-efficient products and prioritizing solar rooftops, we are not only reducing costs but also setting an example for every household, business, and community,” DOE Secretary Sharon Garin says.
“This is more than compliance; it’s a statement of our firm resolve to build a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable Philippines, starting with the government,” she adds.
The establishment of dedicated energy efficiency and conservation offices in local government units is also on the table, the DOE notes.
“This measure aims to empower LGUs (local government units) to design tailored energy-saving programs and give communities more control over their consumption,” it says.
The Philippines has the Government Energy Management Program or GEMP, which seeks to reduce electricity and fuel usage by at least 10 percent in agencies. This is envisioned “through the efficient use and conservation of energy and fuel, among others.”
Officials earlier said that the program needs additional funding of about P10 billion to hit the targets.
Complementing these efforts, the DOE is eyeing a package worth up to $300 million to support the rollout of rooftop solar systems and other energy efficiency efforts in public schools and hospitals.
No ‘net-zero’ targeting
While the Philippines has yet to set its net-zero targets, Garin said the government has been making great strides in renewable deployment.
“So we have a national target in a sense at our own domestic policies. We do not need to commit to any other country what we want to do for our country,” she tells reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Net Zero Conference 2025 in Taguig City.
Net zero means cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emissions that can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere.
The government has the goal to increase renewable energy’s share in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and even scale this up to 50 percent by 2040.
Currently, its contribution is only at 22 percent.
To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C—as called for in the Paris Agreement, the international treaty on climate change—emissions need to be reduced by 45 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Data from the United Nations showed that as of mid-2024, at least 107 countries had adopted net-zero pledges.
