The Quezon City (QC) government announced that three buildings in the City Hall are now solar-powered under the city's Solarization Program.
In line with the city government’s environmental initiatives for energy conservation and reduction, the local government is extensively implementing the QC Solarization Program to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy for all city-owned buildings, hospitals, and schools through the use of solar energy, and to promote climate action initiatives among QCitizens.
“In QC, we aim to prioritize reducing energy demand through efficient building solutions and transitioning to renewable energy sources in all of our city-owned infrastructures," QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Almost 600 photovoltaic solar panels are currently installed inside the city hall’s major buildings.
The 15-floor high rise main building has 180 panels, while the legislative building has 108, and around 290 panels were installed in the treasury building.
According to City Engineer Dale Perral, the three buildings were equipped with solar panels that can save up to P1.5 million electrical expenses.
He said this initiative will reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 125 tons.
The city government also estimated that the savings from the solar-powered buildings can be used to maintain and rehabilitate six day care centers or four healthcare centers annually.
This year, more than 1,000 solar panels will be installed in city-owned hospitals and schools, particularly the Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Quezon City General Hospital.
The city government also targets to solarize the Culiat Elementary School, Culiat High School, Judge Feliciano Belmonte Senior High School, New Era High School, and Tandang Sora Elementary School this year.
“We assure the public that all infrastructure projects under Mayor Belmonte's administration are top of the line in terms of quality and following the highest engineering standards," Perral said.
The QC government and Meralco plan to establish a one-stop-shop inside the City Hall to ease the adoption of solar energy and net-metering applications for residents.
Meanwhile, the local government is urging the private sector to adhere to and support the city's Green Building Ordinance to contribute to a more sustainable and green city.