Radisson to use environment-friendly chillers

THE Philippine Chiller Energy Efficiency Project (PCEEP) yesterday signed an agreement with Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu to replace two of its air-conditioning systems with more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly chillers.

Radisson Blu is the second hotel in Cebu to enter into a sub-grant agreement with PCEEP, a World Bank-assisted project that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing inefficient chillers, including chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based chillers.

PCEEP is a private-public partnership led by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) that grants a 15 percent subsidy to any establishment for the acquisition of new chillers utilizing environmental refrigerants.

Radisson Blu general manager Nishan Silva said that with the new chillers, they are expecting a 15-percent reduction in the energy costs, or an annual savings of up to P8.5 million in electricity bills.

“We are looking into a 15-percent energy reduction which we can use for other expenses in the hotel. We have been supporting environmental initiatives through responsible business by going green,” Silva said.

EMB assistant director Eva Ocfemia said they are encouraging more businesses and industries to take advantage of the PCEEP program.

“Business-as-usual scheme is no longer enough to justify commercial practice and economic activities at the cost of the environment. It is time for innovation to lower carbon footprint. DENR stresses that environment protection must be an integral part in business decisions,” Ocfemia said.

She said that despite the subsidy given by the government, there is still resistance from the business sector to change their chillers considering the cost of getting one.

As one of the country’s climate change mitigation programs, PCEEP targets to replace around 30,650 tons of refrigeration units  and 5.7 tons of ozone-depleting potential reduction. This means that a total of 124.7 gigawatts per hour will be saved beginning 2017.

“A 124.7-Gwh savings is equivalent to building a $10-$15 million power plant,” Ocfemia said.

Silva admitted it is not cheap to  replace outdated  chillers to more environmentally friendly air-conditioners but they are looking at the long-term benefits in energy consumption and the goal of reducing carbon footprint.

Since the start of the PCEEP project, at least 10 industries and companies have migrated to environmentally-friendly chillers. These include Manila Peninsula, BPI Buendia, Marco Polo Davao, an international school in Manila, SM City Iloilo, New World Makati, Manila Pavilion and BA Lepanto Manila.