The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) have opened a brand new analysis facility in Cagayan de Oro City geared toward creating technologies that might scale back electrical energy consumption in houses and industrial buildings.
The Built Environment Laboratory (BEL), inaugurated on May 28, was established by way of funding from the DOST–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) underneath its Institution Development Program.
The facility is supplied with laboratory instruments and software program designed to assist analysis on heating, air flow and air-conditioning (HVAC) techniques, indoor consolation, productiveness, and constructing effectivity.
According to USTP professor and challenge chief Richard Jayson Varela, the laboratory will assist research geared toward bettering vitality effectivity and indoor consolation in buildings, with the aim of serving to modernize present infrastructure in Cagayan de Oro City.
One of the initiatives carried out by researchers concerned the Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras Memorial Hall at USTP, the place airflow and thermal consolation points have been analyzed utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics and Building Energy Modeling instruments.
The examine discovered that redesigning the constructing utilizing passive air flow methods might scale back cooling vitality demand by as a lot as 68%.
DOST-PCIEERD deputy govt director and officer-in-charge Niñaliza H. Escorial mentioned the laboratory was established to make sure that energy-saving technologies are examined earlier than wider deployment.
“Before we bring these energy-saving solutions to a wider scale, we take the time to carefully test and validate them, to make sure they truly work in real settings. That is why the Built Environment Laboratory was established. By investing in this facility, we are not only supporting our researchers and engineers, but we are also making sure that the solutions they develop genuinely improve the comfort and everyday experience of the people who use these spaces,” Escorial mentioned.
Research actions on the facility additionally embody the event of sensible blinds that mix mechanical design, sensor-based automation, and adaptive shading techniques to assist regulate indoor temperatures and scale back reliance on energy-intensive cooling gear.
DOST undersecretary for analysis and growth Leah J. Buendia mentioned the analysis addresses sensible challenges confronted by constructing occupants.
“What stands out in this initiative is the researchers’ attention to everyday realities, how heat, airflow, and comfort affect those who use these spaces daily. Their work brings us closer to solutions that truly respond to people’s needs,” Buendia mentioned.
Data from the Department of Energy confirmed that industrial and residential buildings accounted for 54% of the nation’s whole vitality consumption in 2024. The DOE has additionally warned of doable energy provide pressures as larger temperatures and elevated electrical energy demand pressure the grid.
DOST secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. mentioned the laboratory might assist generate options to rising vitality prices and rising demand for electrical energy.
“The initiative comes at a critical time, as the Philippines continues to face increasing pressure on its power supply system driven by population growth, rapid urbanization, and heightened cooling demand during hotter seasons,” Solidum mentioned.
“With BEL, we can strengthen our capacity to generate solutions to this problem not only within the university but also communities and industries facing rising energy costs,” he added.