The ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability Southeast Asia Secretariat (ICLEI SEAS) last 11 June 2021 presented the results of the energy use assessment of the Bohol provincial capitol, as well as the technical and economic potential of installing solar photovoltaic systems on the capitol’s rooftop and parking lot. The studies are supported by the European Union-funded Access to Sustainable Energy Programme – Clean Energy Living Laboratories (ASEP-CELLs) as part of ICLEI-SEAS technical assistance to partner local government Bohol Province.
Building energy modeling (BEM) or the assessment of building energy use is a software-aided process that simulates energy performance in order to identify potential energy-saving measures and determine sources of wasteful energy use. Meanwhile, the solar PV study estimated the possible capital requirements and analyzed the needed technical specifications for a solar PV system that is optimized for the capitol’s energy needs.
The studies were conducted and presented by ICLEI-SEAS consultant Engr. Isabelo Rabuya with the help of his research assistants from the University of San Carlos Cebu, engineers Mark Cabilo, Melissa Libres, Lanie Calabio, and Carlito Baco, Jr.
Engr. Cabilo first showed a comprehensive figure of the capital’s annual consumption which stands at 1,038,707.20 kWh. To reduce this consumption while not affecting the work and comfort of the capitol’s staff, the study recommends adjusting the air conditioners’ temperature settings to 25 degrees Celsius and to increase the building shading.
These recommendations are expected to produce a total savings of PhP 3.41-million. Moreover, these energy reduction measures are estimated to match a total of 12,400 trees in terms of carbon sequestration.
For the potential of an on-site renewable energy system for the capitol, Engr. Rabuya shared that a rooftop, grid-tied solar PV will generate a total annual electricity of 445.9 mWh.
ICLEI-SEAS also invited Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA) Programme Manager Niel Chadder to explain CDIA’s virtual clinics, a program intended to assist cities preparing bankable infrastructure projects, as it can further support the realization of Bohol’s energy programs.
The event was graced by the Bohol Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Romulo Cepedoza; Provincial Administrator Atty. Kathyrin Fe Pioqiunto; and Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Atty. John Titus Vistal. Members of the multi-stakeholder Bohol Energy Development Advisory Group and representatives from the ASEP-CELLs consortium and EU ASEP also attended the presentation.