Staff reporter
Batac CITY—The Dept. of Energy (DOE) cited Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) here among the top 10 most energy-efficient in the whole country.
The only university in this year’s Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Award, MMSU saved about PHP3.1 million in energy bills, equivalent to 412,243 kilowatt hours in 2016.
Of the 213 private and public institutions recognized this year, MMSU ranks 6th in the Top 10 most energy-efficient government agencies nationwide, Engr. Rigor Gabur, Chief of the Electrical and Electronics Division of MMSU said.
In recognition of the university’s energy saving initiatives, MMSU president Shirley C. Agrupis, along with Engr. Romeo R. Duldulao, Physical Plant and General Services Division director and Mr. Gabur, chief of MMSU’s Electrical and Electronics Services received the award in Pasay City on December 7, 2017.
Mr. Gabur said MMSU is continuously implementing energy saving measures. DOE first recognized MMSU’s energy conservation in 2008, giving the university a certification.
DOE began the energy audit in 2007.
Among the energy conservation efforts of MMSU include the procurement of inverter-type air condition units instead of the conventional ones, replacement of fluorescent lamps to LED (light emitting diode) lamps or t5 lamps, use of low-power electric gadgets and LED computers, including preventive maintenance and regular cleaning of air-con and lighting units.
MMSU, through a memo, also advised employees and students to use air condition units from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm only.
Inherent to the Ilocano culture as thrifty, Mr. Gabur said it has been a long practice of the university to conserve energy.