Why switch to Euro 4?

The quality of air that we breathe is just as good as the emission standards that we follow. And so while you stroll around Metro Cebu, you will be inhaling fumes from the Euro 2 fuel that we require to run our transports. Euro 2, an emission standard implemented by our Government since January 01, 2008, contains 500ppm of toxic sulfur. This pollutant is scientifically proven to increase the chances of heart and lung diseases, cancer and premature child birth.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is now pressing for the implementation of the Euro 4 emission standards on June 2016. Euro 4 diesel and petroleum have 50ppm of toxic sulfur and was originally scheduled for implementation in 2010.

DENR has stressed that the country is years behind in implementing the Euro 4 Standards as North America and Europe have had the Euro 3 standards upgraded in 2005. Starting January 1, 2016, light duty vehicles and passenger cars in the Philippines will have to meet Euro 4 emission standards.

Although it is a known fact that pollutants greatly affect the general public’s health and wellness, the benefits of upgrading to Euro 4 are more than just saving mankind. Euro 4, which lessens toxic sulfur content by 450ppm from our present Euro 2 standards, also improves fuel economy and reduces emissions of free radicals. Euro 4 gasoline improves power by enhancing engine lubrication and restores maximum engine performance by reducing and cleaning internal engine deposits. It also minimizes the effects of ethanol which corrodes engine internals.

Euro 4 may be more expensive as this fuel requires more refinery processing to lower the toxic sulfur content. But this will not greatly affect average prices of gasoline and diesel as some independent petrol companies are now selling Euro 4 compliant fuel competitively. Euro 4 compliant cars also run greener and are more efficient due to the technological advances especially in diesel engines.

While it is welcoming news that the government has made its move in getting rid of smoke belchers and allowing only cleaner and greener vehicles to ply our roads, we should all be aware that the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the law that provided a comprehensive air pollution control policy, has had some loopholes in its implementation and enforcement.

I think the next step is to clearly specify and standardize the ruling especially to the public transport groups. This, keeping in mind that 2016 is just around the bend.