PE2 urges PCCI members to step up EE action in environment forum
TAGUIG CITY, 31 July 2025 - Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) president Alexander Ablaza encouraged members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to accelerate the identification, preparation, and implementation of energy efficiency improvements in their facilities. The appeal was made during a PE2 presentation on energy efficiency (EE) and decarbonization in the commercial and industrial sectors through the energy service company (ESCO) business model, as part of the PCCI Environment Forum held at the PCCI office earlier today.
Ablaza said, “I imagine that all PCCI members, ranging from medium-sized firms to the large corporates, are designated establishments in the commercial, industrial, and transport sectors under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act. While many of you are driven to decarbonize your operations, there is a more urgent imperative to reduce your energy footprint and costs through scaled-up energy efficiency interventions.”
The PE2 head explained the obligations of designated establishments (DEs) and how the Department of Energy (DOE) cast a wider net when it lowered the energy consumption threshold for all DEs in December 2023 to capture more businesses consuming at least 50,001 kWh in fuel and electricity annually.
“Fortunately, RA 11285 likewise serves to strengthen the ESCO sector, which is seen to catalyze more EE technology deployment and capital outside the balance sheets of DEs. The number of ESCOs registered and certified by DOE continues to rise, and many of these companies have started to embrace more innovative ESCO business models such as shared savings performance contracts and even cooling-as-a-service (CaaS).”
DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino delivered a video message on the EE law before Ablaza’s talk.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director John Edward Ang and a representative from the DENR Forest Management Bureau likewise gave talks on environmental policy updates for the industrial sector and advancing sustainable forest management, respectively.
PCCI Excellence in Ecology and Economy (E3) Awardees Wilhelmina S. Garcia, Founder and Principal Designer, Junk Not Eco-creatives, and Bienvenido B. Cruz, FVP-Strategy & Business Development, Filinvest Land, both shared best practices on environmental management to inspire action through industry leadership.
The PCCI Environment Forum was opened with the welcome address of PCCI Secretary-General Ruben J. Pascual. PCCI Environment and Climate Change Committee Chairman Jose P. Leviste, Jr. (left) and Co-Chair Jesus G. Reyes led the annual forum, which serves as a platform for meaningful discussions, collaboration, and knowledge sharing on the latest environmental regulatory requirements and the best practices of PCCI E3 Awards winners. The PCCI Environment and Climate Change Committee continues to play a vital role in shaping the narrative and strategy for environmental responsibility within the Philippine business sector.
