M10: Sustainable Energy

International Energy Agency (IEA)

Predicts renewables will surpass coal and gas by 2024

Countries like China, India, and those in Europe lead investments in solar and wind energy

RA 9513

PH’s Renewable Energy Act of 2008

Encourages solar and wind adoption through tax incentives and net metering

Germany

Improved its energy efficiency by 50% in 25 years—reducing consumption and dependence on unstable energy sources

Use less

Quickest and easiest solution to cut energy impact

Phantom load

Devices in standby mode continue drawing power

DOE’s E-Power Mo

PH campaign that promotes household energy conservation to reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions

Green buildings

Reduce energy use through efficient design, insulation, and renewable integration

The Passive House Standard

Focuses on insulation, airtightness, and heat recovery systems, allowing buildings to stay comfortable without traditional heating or cooling

Features: triple-pane windows, heat exchangers, well-sealed walls, and strategically placed windows.

Results: Passive buildings use only 10% of the energy of regular structures.

Incentives: Tax breaks and faster permits encourage adoption (common in Germany and parts of the U.S.).

Arthaland Century Pacific Tower in Taguig

LEED Platinum certified, showcasing Filipino green architecture

Solar energy

Fastest-growing renewable source

Germany’s solar expansion from 6 GW (2008) to 54 GW (2022) influenced worldwide adoption

Photovoltaic (PV) Cells

Convert sunlight directly into electricity using silicon cells, now reaching 20% efficiency

Wind energy

Converts moving air into electricity using turbines

Global capacity: China leads (200 GW), followed by the U.S. (120 GW) and Germany (60 GW)

Hydropower

Provides 20% of global electricity; large dams (like China’s Three Gorges) generate massive power but can displace communities and affect rivers

Small-scale “low head” hydro offers eco-friendlier alternatives

Biomass

Energy from organic matter

Ex. methane digesters convert waste into clean-burning biogas

Geothermal

Uses heat from Earth’s core

Countries like Iceland and the PH (Leyte and Albay) lead in harnessing it for electricity

DOE’s goal

35% renewable generation by 2030 through solar, wind, and hydro expansion