WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7638 or the "Department of Energy (DOE) Act of 1992", states that it is the poliy of the State to ensure a continuous, adequate, reliable, and economic supply of energy through, among others judicious conservation, renewal, and efficient utilization of energy to keep pace with the country's growth and economic development.

WHEREAS, Sections 4 and 5 of the DOE Act of 1992 as amended, mandates for the formulation of policies for the planning and implementation of a comprehensive program for the efficient supply and economical use of energy consistent with the approved national economic plan, and the provision for a mechanism for the integration, rationalization and coordination of the various energy programs of the Government with a preferential bias for environment-friendly, indigenous, and low-cost sources of energy;

WHEREAS, Section 3 of the Republic Act No. 11285 or the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act” (EEC Act) provides for the establishment of a framework for introducing and institutionalizing fundamental policies on energy efficiency and conservation, including the promotion of efficient and judicious utilization of energy, increase in the utilization of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, and the delineation of responsibilities among various government agencies and private entities;

WHEREAS, Section 18 of the EEC Act states that new building construction and retrofit of buildings shall comply with the minimum requirements specified in the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design on Buildings;

WHEREAS, Section 57 of Department Circular No. DC2019-11-0014 or the "Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EEC Act” (EEC-IRR) provides that Local Government Units (LGUs) shall implement measures in the building permit issuances to ensure appropriate and effective implementation of energy efficiency and conservation for new and existing buildings for commercial and industrial use such as hospitals, educational facilities, exhibition centers, government offices, and military facilities;

WHEREAS, conservation and efficient utilization of energy are among the major strategies of the Government to realize energy self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impacts of energy generation and utilization as instituted in the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) and the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP);

WHEREAS, the adoption of the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings will lead to the adoption energy efficiency in the building energy sector;

WHEREAS, a Call of Comments on the draft “Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design for Buildings” was posted in the DOE Website and comments were received until the conduct of each Virtual Public Consultations; and

WHEREAS, the DOE conducted Virtual Public Consultation attended by various stakeholders nationwide on 15-16 September 2020, 16 October 2020 and 27 November 2020 on the draft “Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design for Buildings”.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing premises and pursuant to its mandate under the EEC Act and EEC-IRR, the DOE hereby orders the following:

Section 1. Title. This Department Circular shall be known as the “Adoption of the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings.” Attached is the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings, 2020 Edition.

Section 2. Continuous Improvement. Recognizing the continuous advancements in the energy efficiency and conservation, and renewable energy technologies, systems and practices, the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) shall support the improvements in the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings through revisions and/or updates within three (3) years unless sooner required: Provided That, any revision and/or update shall be indicated by the year of its effectivity.

Moreover, EUMB shall coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways – National Building Code Development Office (DPWH – NBCDO) for the integration of Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings in the Philippine Green Building Code.

Section 4. Information, Education and Communication Activities. Pursuant to Section 85 of the EEC IRR, the EUMB in partnership with DPWH – NBCDO shall develop and undertake a national awareness and advocacy program covering energy efficiency and conservation, capacity and capability building for LGUs, and pursue partnership with relevant stakeholders for the appreciation of this Department Circular.

Section 5. Repealing Clause. The provisions of other circulars, orders, issuances, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Department Circular are hereby repealed, amended, modified or superseded accordingly.

Section 6. Separability Clause. If for any reason, any section or provision of this Department Circular is declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 7. Effectivity. This Department Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. A copy of this Department Circular shall be filed with the University of the Philippines Law Center - Office of the National Administrative Register.

Issued at Energy Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

SIGNED

ALFONSO G. CUSI
Secretary

22 December 2020

Click to view file/download PDF file: DC2020-12-0026 | Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Building - 2020 Edition

Date signed : 22 December 2020
Date of Effectivity : 06 March 2021
Date Published : 19 February 2021
Published at : Business World and Manila Times