Photo credit: DOE Facebook

The Department of Energy (DOE) has retained its ISO 50001:2018 certification for energy management systems (EnMS), reinforcing its position as the only Philippine government agency with department-wide compliance under the global standard.

Independent auditor DQS Certification Philippines, Inc. conducted the surveillance audit on  November 4-5, 2025.

ISO 50001:2018 provides organizations with a structured framework for improving energy performance. DOE said the certification underscores its continuing efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and embed sustainable energy management practices across all offices.

As part of its compliance, the agency has maintained measures such as a default 24°C air-conditioning setting during its four-day onsite work week, along with regular energy audits and spot checks. DOE said these measures have helped cultivate a stronger conservation culture among personnel.

Beyond internal practices, the agency reported significant gains under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), with average monthly electricity savings reaching 31.37% as of September 2025. This reflects a reduction of 35.3 MWh from the 2019 baseline consumption of 72.73 MWh.

The GEMP, implemented under the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) created by Republic Act 11285, requires national government agencies to cut electricity and fuel use by at least 10%. The latest IAEECC directive also mandates the use of energy-consuming products compliant with Minimum Energy Performance of Products (MEPP) and the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP).

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin commended the department’s personnel for sustaining the effort.

“I am pleased with the proactive engagement of our employees, whose contributions have been instrumental in the success of the Department’s energy-saving initiatives. Their dedication sets a strong example of how collective action can drive meaningful change in resource stewardship,” she said. “The confirmation of this certification ahead of the Annual National Energy Consciousness Month in December serves as an excellent prelude to the month-long celebration,” she added.

The DOE said it views the retained certification as a reaffirmation of its role in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability across both public and private sectors.

What does this renewed certification mean for broader government compliance and private-sector adoption of energy-efficiency standards? Let’s discuss.

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.