In a bid to curtail expenses and mitigate environmental impact, hospitals across the Philippines are increasingly adopting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, propelled by a government initiative.
The Department of Health (DOH) is spearheading the promotion of the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), advocating for healthcare facilities to transition to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives. Through GEOP, hospitals can procure renewable energy from accredited suppliers without the need for initial infrastructure investments.
Highlighting the significance of renewable energy in fostering a sustainable and climate-resilient healthcare sector, Assistant Secretary Charade B. Mercado-Grande of the DOH expressed enthusiasm for the program’s potential impact.
“We are very excited about GEOP,” Assistant Secretary Mercado-Grande remarked. “We want to incorporate green initiatives at an early stage knowing that our operations are 24/7.”
Recognizing hospitals as major energy consumers with a substantial carbon footprint, Engr. Jephraim Manansala of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities emphasized the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy solutions.
“Renewable energy is a readily accessible and increasingly cost-effective solution,” stated Engr. Manansala.
Moreover, the program offers financial benefits to participating hospitals, as Engr. Manansala explained, “Renewable energy has reduced the settlement price of electricity… GEOP allows hospitals to source 100 percent of their power from renewable sources without spending on infrastructure, significantly reducing their carbon footprint as well as achieving cost savings.”
Under GEOP, hospitals with a monthly peak demand of at least 100 kWh qualify for participation, ensuring access to backup power from renewable sources during outages.
Engr. Patrick Pondevida of ACEN Corporation, a GEOP supplier, reassured hospitals of a reliable energy supply, stating, “The renewable energy supplier should be responsible for replacing the power for our customers.”
Assisting hospitals in navigating the transition process, The Climate Reality Project Philippines is facilitating awareness and education on the benefits of GEOP, with a focus on the healthcare sector.
“Healthcare is the first focus sector,” affirmed Nazrin Camille Castro of The Climate Reality Project Philippines. “We will be targeting tourism, telecommunications, and academic sectors in the future.”
With GEOP paving the way for a sustainable and cost-effective future, hospitals in the Philippines are poised to lead the charge towards environmental stewardship and economic efficiency.
