To save power costs and promote the use of renewable energy, the Social Security System (SSS) plans to pilot the installation of solar panels in its central office in Quezon City.
SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Macasaet, on Tuesday said the project implementation would involve 445 solar panels with a combined capacity of 200 kilowatt-peak (kWp).
“Upon the completion of this project, we estimate to generate an average of around 18,872 kilowatt-hours per month, equating to a monthly savings of P200,798.08; and to reduce our carbon footprint by 9.57 tons, equivalent to planting 57.4 trees,” he said.
He added that SSS is also contemplating installing solar panels in all SSS branches nationwide, especially in areas that experience frequent power outages and charge higher costs of electric power.
Macasaet said the plan is in response to Executive Order No. 14 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Jan. 27, that approves and adopts the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028.
The plan, which incorporates the President’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda, is the lowering of energy costs and promoting r enewable energy sources.
“As we continue to pursue the provision of meaningful social security protection to the current and future generations of SSS members and their families and the improvement of our services, we will also adopt and implement measures to strengthen the SSS fund through prudent spending and operational efficiency, while advocating for the protection of the environment,” Macasaet said.
SSS is committed to managing and minimizing the environmental impact of its operations.
It has initiated several eco-friendly and cost-effective efforts in the past, such as digitalizing its processes through its online portals.
From 2007 to 2009, the Department of Energy, under its National Energy Efficiency Program and Conservation Program in Government Buildings, recognized the SSS as one of the highest energy efficient government offices with a rating of 94 percent.