TAGUIG CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) has rolled out its policy providing the guidelines on the energy conserving design of buildings, as part of the agency’s continued efforts to advance the country’s energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) agenda. 

“Transforming EE&C into a national way of life is a concerted effort. We want our future infrastructure to be resilient and energy efficient. To achieve this vision, we must start to develop a culture that integrates these principles even in the early design stages," Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said. 

He likewise welcomed the cooperation and enthusiasm of the country's design and construction professionals in helping the DOE craft the necessary policies that would help bring national EE&C goals into fruition.

Signed on 22 December 2020, Department Circular (DC) DC2020-12-0026, or the “Adoption of the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings”, will aid building designers, architects, and engineers in choosing appropriate energy efficient technologies for building envelopes and electrical and mechanical systems. 

The DC implements the mandate on the minimum standards on energy efficient building design under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11285 or the EE&C Act.  Recognizing technological developments and innovations, the DC and its Guidelines shall be updated every three years or earlier, taking into consideration the rate of advancement in energy efficient technologies and practices.

The innovative policy was a result of inclusive and multi-sectoral virtual public consultations conducted by the DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau on 15-16 September, 16 October, and 27 November 2020. The public consultations featured the active participation of representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Building Code Development Office, industry stakeholders, as well as key experts from the building construction sector.

Moreover, the DOE will also be conducting a widescale Information, Education and Communication Campaign for Local Government Units-Office of the Building Officials to increase their awareness on the integration of EE&C principles in building designs, given their role as the primary entities responsible for the issuance of building permits. 

The DC will take effect 15 days from today, after being published in newspaper of general circulation.

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