What is the Energy Conserving Design for Buildings?

With the enactment of Republic Act No. 11285, otherwise known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EE&C Act), the policy of the State towards the efficient and judicious utilization of energy has been strengthened further. Section 4 (b) of the EE&C Act mandates that all building constructions, new and building retrofits, shall comply with minimum requirements set in the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings.

These Guidelines address the need to provide energy efficiency guidance in the design and construction of buildings in the Philippines.

In these updated Guidelines, technical requirements were provided based on two Building Codes that impact energy performance of buildings, i.e. the National Building Code and the Philippine Green Building Code. Obligations of building owners consistent with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act were cited in this guideline. Renewable energy systems and equipment were added in line with the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Certain sections were also updated based on international standards, notably the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).