SM hotel group seeks EE&C law briefing from PE2

NASUGBU, Batangas, 27 November 2019 – The Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) delivered earlier today a two-hour lecture on the new Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Act and energy efficiency financing options, as it supported SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) during its 1st SMHCC Engineering Forum, a two-day event held at the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club.

PE2 president Alexander Ablaza’s presentation included a macroeconomic overview on why energy efficiency should be tapped as mainstreamed “indigenous” resource in the country’s energy mix, and how the new EE&C Act, would help the economy meet the country’s 2040 EE&C roadmap targets. Ablaza explained that the new law would certainly accelerate the transformation of the entire economy toward a more energy-efficient future, and enable fiscal incentives and energy service company (ESCO) contracts to unlock up to PHP 8 trillion in off-balance sheet project capital for energy efficiency projects to be implemented through 2040.

Ablaza likewise described the various energy efficiency financing options which SMHCC may consider as it plans its EE&C program. Applicable options include self-financed, debt-financed, lease-financed and off-balance sheet capital flows through ESCO performance contracting.

Aside from a prominent interest in energy efficiency, the two-day forum also had discussions on water and gas conservation best practices, a 5-year engineering strategic plan across SMHCC properties, technical services audits, eco-labeling, carbon footprint calculations and sustainability program updates.

Engineering heads of SMHCC properties attended the forum. SMHCC properties include Conrad Manila, Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA and the SMX Convention Centers and Trade Halls.