June 17, 2024

Quezon City Hall Goes Green with Solar-Power

In a significant stride towards sustainable urban governance, the Quezon City government has completed the installation of a rooftop solar array across three major buildings within its City Hall complex. This initiative marks a key milestone in the city’s ambitious QC Solarization Program, aimed at transitioning public facilities to renewable energy and reducing dependence on the grid.

Quezon City Hall Goes Green with Solar-Power Infrastructure

Nearly 600 photovoltaic panels now harness solar energy atop the city’s administrative heart. According to project details, the Treasury Building hosts the largest installation with 290 panels, while the 15-story Main Building is fitted with 180 panels, and the Legislative Building is equipped with 108. This initial phase is projected to generate substantial financial and environmental returns, with the city anticipating annual electricity savings of up to ₱1.5 million. Furthermore, the Mayor’s Office estimates this clean energy switch will cut the city’s carbon footprint by 125 tonnes per year.

City Engineer Dale Perral highlighted the project’s economic foresight, noting that any surplus energy generated can be sold back to the local utility, Meralco, creating a potential revenue stream and a return on the city’s investment.

A City-Wide Renewable Energy Expansion

The City Hall project is just the beginning of a much broader sustainability effort. The QC Solarization Program is set to expand with the installation of over 1,000 additional panels on other city-owned properties, including public hospitals and schools. Future facilities slated for solar retrofitting include the Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Quezon City General Hospital, which together will see nearly 800 new panels.

The education sector will also see a significant green transition, with solar arrays planned for Culiat Elementary and High Schools, Judge Feliciano Belmonte Sr. High School, New Era High School, and Tandang Sora Elementary School. This expansive program is supported in part by the United Kingdom government’s Urban Climate Action Programme.

Fostering a Culture of Sustainability

Quezon City’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond its own buildings. In collaboration with Meralco, the city has established a solar ‘one-stop shop’ at city hall to streamline solar adoption and net-metering applications for its residents, making clean energy more accessible to the public. This initiative is particularly timely, as the national Department of Energy has previously raised concerns over the country’s power supply stability.

This solar push is part of a holistic environmental strategy. In 2019, the city enacted an ordinance banning single-use plastics, and in 2023, it partnered with Greenpeace on the “Kuha sa Tingi” program, which promotes reusable container systems in local sari-sari stores. Recognized for its progressive urban planning, Quezon City also received the Cycling Gold award in 2023 for its investment in bike-friendly infrastructure, reinforcing its status as a model for sustainable development in the region.

Sources

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Quezon City Hall Goes Green with Solar-Power