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In a bid to reduce costs and minimise environmental impact, hospitals across the Philippines are increasingly turning to technology and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This shift is facilitated by the government’s Green Energy Option Programme (GEOP), championed by the Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH enables healthcare facilities to transition to cleaner and more affordable energy without the burden of upfront infrastructure costs. By leveraging tech-driven approaches, it aims to foster sustainable development and enhance resilience in the face of evolving digital landscapes.
At a recent event organised by The Climate Reality Project Philippines in partnership with Health Care Without Harm on May 13, 2024, representatives from hospitals and healthcare facilities gathered to participate in the REalise for Hospitals: Empowering a Climate-Resilient Health Sector with Renewable Energy initiative.
Assistant Secretary Charade B. Mercado-Grande of the DOH highlighted the importance of renewable energy in building a sustainable and climate-resilient health sector, stating, “We are very excited about GEOP. We want to incorporate green initiatives at an early stage knowing that our operations are 24/7.”
Recognising hospitals as significant energy consumers with substantial carbon footprints, Engr. Jephraim Manansala of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities stressed the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy solutions. “Renewable energy is a readily accessible and increasingly cost-effective solution,” he said. “The hydropower resource alone can harness more than our peak demand.”
Moreover, GEOP not only benefits the environment but also offers hospitals financial advantages. Engr. Manansala explained, “Renewable energy has reduced the settlement price of electricity. GEOP allows hospitals to source 100% of their power from renewable sources without spending on infrastructure, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and achieving cost savings.”
Under GEOP, hospitals with a monthly peak demand of at least 100 kWh qualify for renewable energy procurement, ensuring reliable backup power from renewable sources during outages. Engr. Patrick Pondevida of ACEN Corporation, a GEOP supplier, affirmed, “We will ensure that the supply is there. The renewable energy supplier should be responsible for replacing the power for our customers.”
The Climate Reality Project Philippines is actively supporting hospitals in navigating the transition to renewable energy and understanding the programme’s benefits. According to Naszin Camille Castro of The Climate Reality Project Philippines, “Healthcare is the first focus sector. We will be targeting tourism, telecommunications, and academic sectors in the future.”
The nation is eagerly embracing technology to integrate sustainability into its digital transformation journey, keenly aware of the potential for innovative solutions to address environmental challenges.
The Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology stressed the importance of fair practices and collaboration in using science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development at the 27th session of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD).
OpenGov Asia reported that the nation, under the leadership of Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, is rapidly modernising its transportation systems, emphasising digital and technological innovations to address current and future challenges as well as sustainability.
With initiatives like the Safe, Efficient, and Sustainable Solar-Assisted Plug-In Electric Boat (SESSY E-Boat) and the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP)’s comprehensive national development program for electric vehicles, the country is pioneering eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions to promote sustainability in the transport sector.
Spearheaded by government agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Energy (DOE), these initiatives underscore the Philippines’ commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
With the GEOP initiative and other efforts, the Philippines is charting a clear path towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future, ensuring both environmental stewardship and operational efficiency in the all sectors.
