BPI OFFERS LOANS FOR GREEN PROJECTS
The bank said green projects are still profitable as it can lower operating and maintenance costs
Dabawenyos should invest in more ecofriendly establishments as way to create sustainable income, an executive said.
Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) head of sustainable energy finance Jo Ann Eala said during a media round-table discussion yesterday that going green can still be very profitable.
“It should be a part of a longterm planning not only for the environment, but also for businesses who want to be around for generations,” Eala said.
She added green building innovations generates savings in energy and water consumption which can promote good health and well-being among employees and at the same time lowers operating and maintenance costs.
BPI head for corporate clients segment John-C Syquia underscored the importance of gearing the country’s economic development through real estate establishments.
“We reiterate as far as the country’s progress is concerned, sustainable and responsible real estate use is integral to our economy and the standard way of living of our people,” Syquia said.
The Philippine Green Building Code (GBC), which was enacted in 2016, ensures resource efficiency in building design, construction, and operations among the code’s six components—energy efficiency, water efficiency, solid waste management, material sustainability, indoor environmental quality, and site sustainability.
Since 2008, BPI has been assisting businesses to be profitable and more environment-friendly through sustainable energy finance. As of December 2017, the BPI has disbursed more than P115 billion in loans for 151 energy efficiency projects, 79 renewable energy projects, and 61 climate resiliency projects.
For Mindanao, 25 sustainable energy finance (SEF) projects have been ongoing generating a total loan disbursement of P3.52 billion.
The energy finance head said that for Davao city, SEF projects are ongoing. Eala said that they have clients which include malls, multi-storey buildings, and mixed-use real estate establishments.