Savings reported under EMB-DENR proj

Savings in energy consumption were reported by companies participating in the Green Framework of Innovative Strategy on Sustainable Consumption and Productivity (GFIS) project. The project is aimed at improving the environmental performance of participating industries in Central Luzon in the implementation of environmental programs through training and technology transfer.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr. said, the project which is being implemented by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is timely, especially now that the government is intensifying efforts to deal with the adverse impacts of climate change.

 “Energy conservation is an important part of combating climate change. Companies participating in the project reported huge energy savings by adopting energy-efficient and water conservation measures. These efforts not only reduced their operational costs but also significantly contributed in the reduction of carbon emissions in the atmosphere, which is a major cause of global warming,” he said.

In a workshop held recently in Pampanga, Villa Aida Farm, Pampanga’s Best, Mekeni Food Corp., and Fibre Sorting Inc., reported huge savings from reduced consumption of electricity, water and fuel in ten months since they participated in the project last June 2007.

For Villa Aida Farm, the company bared savings from its electricity consumption of P6,231 and water savings of 413 cubic meters per month. The company has likewise invested in its biogas digester which is seen to rake up additional savings of 3,620 kilowatt-hours or a carbon dioxide emission reduction of 167.4 kilos per month.

Pampanga’s Best also reported savings from some of the activities it has implemented to cut down energy consumption such as reduced working days and boiler operation. It has likewise re-used effluent water for watering its greens and for irrigation purposes. To date, the company has generated savings of P1.9 million in reduced energy consumption. To further sustain energy conservation efforts, Pampanga’s Best commits to use cleaner fuel such as biodiesel for its vehicles and harness solar or wind energy as an alternative power source.

Another company that generated ample savings is the Mekeni Food Corporation. Its energy savings totaled to P3.6 million. The company further commits to implement its energy conservation efforts. Similarly. Fibre Sorting Inc. reported total energy savings of 233,515 kilowatt per hour. It has also committed to further reduce its power consumption by five percent.

EMB Director Julian Amador said these industries were able to come up with a combined savings of 19 million pesos or an equivalent of 2,000 metric tons of carbon.