LPG an underrated fuel alternative

More environmental friendly than electricity generated by fuel oils or coal, LPG is the underrated energy alternative.

The clean fuel produces less carbon dioxide than other widely-available fuels, according to Edwin Laset, general manager of Bonifacio Gas, which has become a major proponent of LPG through the extensive piped-in gas network in maintains in the rising business district of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. LPG produces only five percent of the greenhouse gases generated by electricity, according to studies. Moreover, it has a low emission of toxic air contaminants.

Nevertheless, most Philippine households have yet to fully appreciate the benefits offered by this form of alternative energy. At Bonifacio Global City, developers of condominium projects like Bonifacio Ridge, Penhurst, Serendra, and Kesington Place have realized that homeowners fully appreciate their 24/7 connection to a piped-in gas network because of the savings this affords them. When they opt to use appliances like stoves, ovens and water heaters that run on LPG rather than electricity, they spend 40 percent less on energy, notes Laset.

A Bonifacio Global City resident said he availability of piped-in gas swayed her decision to reside at Penhurst. She said residential condominium dwellers tend to be highly dependent on air-conditioning, clothes dryers and other appliances. “We have to seek ways to slash our energy bills. I have been able to do that with my LPG range, washing machine and dryer.”

Many returning Filipino residents from Singapore and Australia, where LPG is widely used for cooking as well as laundering, heating homes and to fuel cars, are creating a demand for household machines that run on this clean fuel.

Laset said in Australia, homeowners are very much aware of the energy their appliances consume. In fact, each appliance is given an energy rating. Inevitably, appliances that run on LPG have higher ratings than their electric counterparts. “It makes sense for government agencies to encourage greater use of LPG not only in transportation but also in households. It not only means savings for the user, it also means that we reduce our overall carbon footprint,” said Laset. A carbon footprint is determined by the impact of one’s activities to global warming.

He pointed out that restaurants are among the biggest users of LPG because of its efficiency. Institutional users like a top-rated medical center and a hotel group are also seriously exploring ways to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint by opting for a boiler that runs on LPG rather than diesel for its hot water and steam requirements, he adds. Both are required for food preparation, laundering and sterilization.

Given all the benefits offered by LPG, Laset believes it will only be a matter of time before the majority realize its contributions to the environment as well as to their wallets.