The SWITCH-Asia “Zero Carbon Resorts” project seeks to enable tourism SMEs, such as hotels and resorts, to provide their energy services in an energy efficient, cost effective, and environmentally sound way. By providing the SMEs in Palawan and other parts of the Philippines with the access to energy-saving measures and new green technologies, the dependence on fossil fuels will be lessened.
The project applies the 3R strategy: Reduce-Replace-Redesign. The first step is to reduce the energy consumption in hotels and resorts, the second step is to replace inefficient fossil-based devices with better, greener technologies. In the Redesign stage, a showcase “Zero Carbon Cottage” will be built in Palawan, which will operate using solar- and biomass-based energy generation systems.
Engineers, building and facility managers, environmental consultants, as well as hotel/resort staff members will get chances to increase their capacities and knowledge through a series of trainings. In parallel, local production of renewable materials and green technologies will be promoted.
In March 2010 the project started with a Briefing Session tour in Palawan (Coron, Puerto Princesa and El Nido). More than 150 interested participants joined the 3 events; the project team introduced the project and the used methods. The technical experts from Europe present the basic technical concepts which will be used within the project.