Energy efficient buildings and its impact on developing
Cities in the Philippines
Francis Danielle B. Abalo
February 12, 2023
Submitted as coursework for EE-IPC 425, Cebu Technological University, 2023
Introduction
Energy Efficient Buildings
has been a significant impact on
cities around the world, and has
been a critical component in the
development of the urbanization
of areas. Reducing the energy
consumption of these buildings by
adopting to renewable energy such
as solar, wind and geothermal
Figure 2. Energy Efficient Building Consumption of Energy
these types of buildings are designed to decrease the consumption of non-renewable energy by
which also lessens harmful emissions and the use of fewer resources [1]. Which minimizes the
cities carbon footprint and also contribute to the improvement of air quality. And in addition to the
damages done by inefficiencies of energy
consumption, in cities buildings consume
approximately 40% of the world’s energy
and is also responsible for more than a third
of emissions around the world [2]. The
decrease in non-renewable energy use and
Figure 1. Energy Efficient Building with Renewable Energy (IMG
Source: dreamstime.com)
shifting away from fossil-based energy
sources, energy efficient buildings and zero carbon buildings are helping cities in reducing carbon
in their economies [2][3].
Challenges to the Development of Cities with Regards to high Energy Consumption
High Energy Consumption in developing cities in the Philippines has been one of the main
challenges for Philippine Cities that needs to overcome. Its significant Impacts has reached a widereaching implication for their Economic and Environmental Future. And with, High Energy
Consumption impact on the environment, through burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural
gas for electricity and heating, emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide are
released - this worsens air quality and ultimately compromises human health [4] [5]. Cities can’t
properly develop if the citizen’s health is compromised [6]. Additionally, increased energy
consumption also leads to an increase in greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.
Because of this, climate changes are becoming more extreme with floods and droughts happening
more often, disrupted ecosystems due to rising sea levels [7].
Cities that grow too quickly without adequate infrastructure for electricity, gas or water are
particularly vulnerable to these kinds of impacts, potentially facing unplanned power outages and
limited services which is not good news for citizens and migrating people. All of this goes towards
highlighting the importance of planning ahead when it comes to providing a sustainable supply of
energy to our cities and households.
Impact of Energy Efficient Buildings on Developing Cities in the Philippines
Energy efficient buildings are having a huge impact on the environment especially in the
Philippines specifically on developing cities. They use fewer materials and energy during their
construction, they reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources like natural gas and
electricity, and they keep people comfortably cool or warm using far less energy than traditional
buildings. This reduces pollution, greenhouse gases, and ultimately climate change. Plus, energyefficient buildings generally cost less to maintain due to lower heating, cooling and lighting bills.
And with advances in technology like smart thermostats and insulation that can learn and respond
quickly to changing temperature or occupancy levels, these savings can be even greater over time.
References
[1]
A. Chel et al. “Renewable energy technologies for sustainable development of energy
efficient building” 2018
[2]
Jean-Pascal Tricoire” Why buildings are the foundation of an energy-efficient future” 2021
[3]
L. Belussi et al. “A review of performance of zero energy buildings and energy efficiency
solutions” 2019
[4]
The Environmental Protection Agency “The Sources and Solutions: Fossil Fuels” 2023
[5]
EESI – Environmental and Energy study Institute “Fossil Fuels” 2021
[6]
M.A. Kuddus et al. “Urbanization: a problem for the rich and the poor?” 2020
[7]
ClientEarth Communications “Fossil fuels and climate change: the facts” 2022