By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on first reading a proposed ordinance that seeks to institutionalize energy efficiency standards for buildings, marking a significant step toward sustainable urban development in the city.
The measure aims to establish the Bacolod City Energy Efficiency Code for Buildings, which sets minimum energy performance standards designed to reduce electricity consumption, cut operational costs for households and businesses, and promote climate-responsive design practices.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, the proposed ordinance addresses both national directives and local concerns, particularly the rising cost of electricity and the need for long-term sustainability.
He emphasized that improving energy efficiency is now a necessity rather than an option for rapidly growing urban centers.
The ordinance aligns with Republic Act No. 11285 and supports the national energy conservation drive under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following the declaration of a national energy emergency.
Key provisions of the measure include the mandatory use of energy-efficient lighting such as light-emitting diode (LED) systems, integration of passive cooling features like natural ventilation and shading, and the adoption of inverter-type or high-efficiency air conditioning systems.
New buildings will also be required to incorporate solar-ready features, while large establishments must conduct regular energy audits.
Government buildings, meanwhile, will be required to meet energy reduction targets and install solar power systems.
To encourage compliance, the ordinance proposes incentives such as real property tax discounts, expedited permit processing, and the granting of a “Bacolod Green Building Seal of Compliance” to qualified establishments.
The measure also calls for the creation of a Bacolod Energy Efficiency Board, which will oversee implementation, craft guidelines and coordinate with national agencies and stakeholders.
The buildings account for a substantial share of electricity use, making efficiency measures a practical approach to easing pressure on the power supply while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The ordinance is expected to undergo further deliberations before advancing to the next stages of approval./CJ, WDJ