The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) excelled in an energy audit conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Line 2 Depot on March 11-12, 2024, achieving an impressive score of 90.6%, equivalent to a 5-star rating. 

The LRTA achieved perfect scores in electricity conservation by maintaining room temperatures at 24°C or higher, optimizing air conditioning usage by setting units to “Fan mode” during lunch breaks, managing lighting and equipment efficiently, promoting stair usage over elevators, and maintaining accurate inventories of listings, air conditioning units, and office equipment.

Additionally, the agency showcased its commitment to office policy by designating an Enercon Officer and issuing office memoranda on energy conservation. 

In terms of fuel conservation best practices, the LRTA demonstrated excellence by implementing a Fuel Conservation Program, conducting preventive maintenance on official service vehicles, avoiding engine idling during wait times, keeping detailed inventory lists, assigning government service vehicles to specific officials, monitoring the daily entry and dispatch of service vehicles from the motor pool, and maintaining trip ticket records for each service vehicle. 

The energy audit was part of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), a nationwide initiative to enhance energy efficiency and reduce monthly electricity and fuel consumption. The Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) oversees the GEMP, requiring all Government Entities (GEs) to comply with the program under IAEECC Resolution No. 1, s. 2020. 

Atty. Hernando T. Cabrera, Administrator of the Light Rail Transit Authority, expressed pride in the LRTA’s outstanding performance, highlighting the agency’s dedication to energy efficiency and conservation. He reaffirmed the LRTA’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices to lower energy consumption and promote a greener future. 

The LRTA’s success in the energy audit emphasizes the importance of adopting energy-efficient measures and policies to advance an environmentally friendly and cost-effective government transport sector.