DOE Awards 5-Star Rating to SLSU Main Campus for Excellence in Government Energy Management Program (GEMP)
On November 12, 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas Field Office, represented by auditors Engr. Robert James O. Lacandazo and Engr. Aaron F. Fider, awarded Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Main Campus a Spot Check Rating of 95.79%, achieving a 5-star rating for excellent compliance with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP). GEMP is a nationwide initiative focused on reducing electricity and fuel consumption through energy efficiency and conservation practices, including the adoption of renewable energy systems. SLSU received perfect scores of 5 on 16 of the 19 assessment indicators, a score of 4 on 2 indicators, and a score of 3 on 1 indicator.
The DOE auditors provided three recommendations to SLSU:
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Use of Inverter-Type Air Conditioning Units (ACUs) – In line with IAEECC Resolution No. 3, s. 2021, the DOE recommended converting all ACUs to inverter-type systems to enhance energy efficiency, especially in future procurements. As of November 11, 2024, 45% of ACUs on the Main Campus are already inverter-type.
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LED Lighting – To optimize lighting efficiency, the DOE recommended that all lighting be upgraded to LED in compliance with IAEECC Resolution No. 2, s. 2021. The Main Campus is already 86% compliant, with 3,135 lighting fixtures converted to LED. Current capital outlay projects are designed with green architecture, positioning the University on a path to full compliance.
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Monthly Fuel Consumption Reporting – The University was advised to complete the Monthly Fuel Consumption Reports from previous years to document fuel usage.
The GEMP implementation aligns with Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2019, and Administrative Order No. 15, issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos on January 15, 2024, which calls for accelerated energy management efforts across all government agencies.
The Energy Spot Check evaluates the institutionalization of energy efficiency and conservation initiatives, including the designation of Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Officers, the issuance of conservation policies and guidelines, and the use of the GEMP online system for energy monitoring and reporting. It also reviews the preparation and updating of EEC programs, encompassing electricity and fuel-saving strategies, motor vehicle inventory, target savings, and other actions consistent with GEMP objectives. Funding allocations from the agency’s budget are also examined to ensure prioritized implementation of energy management initiatives.
Additional EEC programs, such as the installation of rooftop solar PV systems, re-fleeting of vehicles, retrofitting of lighting, and upgrading air-conditioning systems, were also part of the assessment. The audit included interviews, observations, and a review of hard data from various reports, including Monthly Electricity and Fuel Consumption Reports, inventories of air-conditioning and lighting systems, office equipment, and service vehicles.
Despite the limited preparation time of less than a week, SLSU achieved this high rating through the dedicated efforts of its "conservation warriors," led by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, University President, alongside EEC Officers and committees from all campuses, the General Services Office (GENSO), and the administration and finance offices.
This accomplishment aligns with the University’s mission to become a smart and green University and supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
