Mandaue inks sustainability MOU

Concern over climate change, the City of Mandaue signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Daikin Philippines Inc. to partner in the cause in Osaka, Japan.

"We are lucky to find such a good partner trying to achieve progress for the people of Mandaue. We share your vision of a green and progressive city," Daikin president Takayoshi Miki said.

He reiterated the company's commitment to providing all the necessary information needed by the City of Mandaue in its advocacy for pushing for a more livable, sustainable environment.

In a livestream statement, Mayor Jonas Cortes described the MOU as " groundbreaking" as it zeroes in on technology cooperation for sustainable urban development.

"This MOU is a pact that signals our joint dedication to forging a more sustainable urban landscape. We are diving into challenges like traffic management, waste control, environmental protection, and flood resilience, head on. Daikin Philippines Inc. with its cutting-edge air-conditioning solutions and strong devotion to energy efficiency becomes an invaluable partner in our quest for a city that's not just livable but sustainable," the mayor stressed.

He expressed optimism for the partnership, saying that Daikin's expertise and technology will be able to help Mandaue City significantly elevate its urban development practices.

Cortes said Mandaue aims not only to withstand urban challenges but to be a " shining model of sustainable development" envisioning a city that thrives in harmony with its environment.

"We have this very comprehensive technology that is available. We can help Mandaue first to be an example," said Daikin Cebu branch manager Joseph William Barriga.

Mandaue City's Green Building Ordinance 163-2023 is aligned with the BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) program developed by PhilGBC.

The ordinance standardizes the built environment which not only enhances the quality of living but also positions Mandaue City as an attractive investment destination. It also grants tax incentives to those who construct buildings in the city that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the impact of buildings on health and the environment.

Daikin's Technology and Innovation Center in Japan is the first office building to have been certified LEED Platinum in 2016. It remains to be a model for a Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB) workplace. Some of the innovations in the building are its effective utilization of heat (heat trunk line, water-cooled VRV, solar heat collection), effective utilization of renewable energy (solar trackers), and ultra-high air-conditioning efficiency (VRV, Desica), among others.