The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is pushing for the incorporation of solar and renewable energy sources in an as many of its housing projects in the country.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the move is the department’s own contribution to hazards of climate change by supporting smart and green community concepts that would reduce the country’s use of coal-powered energy source.
photo: DHSUD
“Pambansang Pabahay (national housing) is not just about quantity and quality of housing, it also adopts new and green technologies to promote sustainability. More than just reaching our targets, we, at DHSUD, aim to improve the quality of living so we see to it that the communities we develop are sustainable. This is why we keep our doors open for collaboration and innovations,” said Acuzar.
"Hopefully, these innovations presented to us will come into fruition...to set higher standards in our housing sector," he added.
Pilot project
Acuzar cited d as an example, the proposal of First Dynabloc Construction and Development Corporation, in collaboration with the San Rafael, Bulacan for the local government unit's (LGU) shelter project in Barangay Caingin.
The San Rafael Housing Project, composed of 3,920 residential units on a seven-hectare development site, is touted as the first fully sustainable integrated housing project in the Philippines, incorporating latest technologies for renewable energy into its design.
The proposed plans feature solar and wind energy sources, water generating system, an integrated waste management system and transport innovations.
Based on architectural and site development plans, a PowerNEST system shall be installed on rooftops of residential buildings. The system generates renewable energy for beneficiaries using both solar and wind power and is said to be more efficient without producing noise, vibrations or any other disturbance.
In addition, the design shall also introduce a patented atmospheric water generation system known as the “GEN-L” which can efficiently produce pure drinking water from the humidity in the surrounding air. It has a built-in multi-barrier air filtration system which removes micro-particles and organic traces and adds essential minerals.
GEN-L only requires electricity to function and is already being used in military bases, villages, hospitals and off-grid settlements around the globe.
Air ventilation, garbage chutes on each residential floor and waste management facilities which are carbon emission conscious shall also be provided, along with areas for public transportation utilizing electronic shuttles.
The San Rafael Housing Project was among the six sites simultaneously launched during the “mega groundbreaking” in Bulacan province last April 19.
No added cost
Acuzar assured that the use of renewable energy sources in the housing program of the government will have no effect on the cost of the housing units.
“The developer will own and maintain the technologies which are projected to reduce the operating costs, making living more affordable and sustainable,” said Acuzar.
He said such technology boosts the Department’s commitment to ensure development of sustainable communities, as mandated by Republic Act 11201.
“As we pursue our mandate and address the housing need, integrating sustainability in our designs is paramount. Let us work together as we take on the huge responsibility to ensure that our actions today will have no negative impact on the environment so future generations could enjoy the same,” said Acuzar.