Hotels commit to green practices

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Philippine hotel owners have committed to adopt green practices and curb greenhouse gas emissions.

The DOT and the Hotel Owners Associations Inc. (PHOAI) pledged to abide by the Philippine Green Building Code issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Green Building Code provides a framework of standards that will enhance sound environmental and resource management, including efficient use of materials, site selection, planning, design, construction, use, occupancy, operation and maintenance of buildings without significant increase in cost.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. noted that greening the hotel industry would provide one big window of opportunity in sustaining the growth of the country’s tourism industry.

“Through our collaboration with the hotel industry, we can offer cleaner air and a greener environment to travelers and we help hotel owners bring down their electricity cost. That translates to a more competitive environment for the tourism industry,” Jimenez said.

PHOAI president Arthur Lopez added that the Green Building Code would be a top priority of hotel owners and that they would improve energy efficiency of their establishments.

In an earlier interview, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the collaboration would position the hotel industry as a major contributor in achieving the country’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) of 70 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

The Code estimates to increase energy savings by 3.9 million megawatts per hour yearly and reduce greenhouse gas emission by 1.87 million metric tons by 2030.