Solar panels now power three buildings in the Quezon City Hall complex, a milestone in the city’s drive to shift to renewable energy and to achieve self-sufficiency in energy for all its infrastructures.
Quezon City Hall Solar-Powered Buildings
Solar panel installations were completed across three major buildings. The Main Building was fitted with 180 panels distributed across 15 floors, while the Legislative Building received 108 panels. The largest installation took place at the Treasury Building, where 290 panels were mounted.
Quezon City Hall adds solar panels to three buildings, aiming for full solar transition.
These installations could save Quezon City up to ₱1.5 million in annual electricity costs, which could be redirected toward maintaining public services such as daycare and healthcare centres. The Mayor's Office estimates that the programme will reduce the city's annual carbon emissions by 125 tonnes.
Financial and Environmental Benefits
As noted by City Engineer Dale Perral, excess energy can be sold to Meralco, the city's electrical power utility. This could lead to a return on investment for Quezon City. The project is part of a larger effort to make Quezon City more sustainable by installing over 1,000 solar panels in city-owned public hospitals and schools.
These future sites designated to have solar panels are Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Quezon City General Hospital.
Furthermore, Culiat Elementary School, Culiat High School, Judge Feliciano Belmonte Sr. High School, New Era High School, and Tandang Sora Elementary School will soon go solar. This solar transition is supported by the United Kingdom government's Urban Climate Action Programme (2021-22).
Support and Collaboration
Quezon City's government has collaborated with Meralco to establish a solar 'one-stop shop' at city hall to assist residents with solar adoption and net metering applications. This solar energy initiative comes at a crucial time, as the Philippines faces nationwide power supply challenges. In April, the Department of Energy advised Filipinos to reduce their use of energy-intensive devices due to supply concerns, which also led to several class suspensions because of extreme heat.
Quezon City has a long-standing commitment to green policies. In 2019, Mayor Belmonte signed an ordinance banning single-use plastics in hotels, restaurants, and similar establishments. To further these efforts, Quezon City, in partnership with Greenpeace, launched the "Kuha sa Tingi" program in July 2023. This initiative encourages sari-sari store owners to provide reusable alternatives to single-use polythene sachets.
Next year, the initiative will be expanded to include 1,000 stores, aiming to further improve the city's environmental sustainability practices. Quezon City's commitment to sustainability extends to transportation as well. In 2023, the city was awarded the Cycling Gold award from the Mobility Awards for its efforts in implementing bike-friendly policies and infrastructure.
Green Policies and Initiatives in Quezon City
Quezon City has set a national standard for environmental leadership. In September 2019, Mayor Joy Belmonte signed a groundbreaking ordinance banning single-use plastics in hotels, restaurants, and similar establishments. This pioneering legislation aims to reduce plastic waste and promote the use of more sustainable alternatives, aligning with the growing national and local movement toward plastic reduction and environmental responsibility.
Quezon City is also at the forefront of the renewable energy movement. Recently, solar panels were installed across three buildings in the Quezon City Hall complex. Funded by the Urban Climate Action Programme from the United Kingdom government, this project aims to make all city-owned infrastructure energy self-sufficient.
It is hoped that the installation of solar panels across hospitals and schools on the city-owned grounds will provide enough green energy for all future city offices. This makes Quezon City a leader in the planet’s fight against climate change.
Quezon City's approach to promoting renewable energy, environmental sustainability and active transport serves as a model for other cities to follow. Through these current and planned initiatives, the city is paving the way for sustainable development that promises both economic and environmental benefits for its residents.