DOST-PCIEERD, USTP open built environment laboratory in Northern Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines (USTP) inaugurated the Built Environment Laboratory (BEL) on May 28 at the USTP Cagayan de Oro campus.

The facility will serve as a research center for studying, developing, and testing building designs and construction materials suited to tropical climates. The laboratory aims to support efforts to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy consumption in academic and urban structures.

Project leader Engr. Richard Jayson Valera said the laboratory seeks to address increasing energy demands for cooling amid rising temperatures.

“Ang atuang main goal dinhi, e-relate natu sa current nga sitwasyon sa kalibutan, is para e-minimize gyud natu ang consumption sa air conditioners. If ma-minimize natu ang consumption sa air conditioners, magamay ang consumption sa university,” he said.

(Our main goal here, relating it to the current situation of the world, is to really minimize the consumption of air conditioners. If we can minimize the consumption of air conditioners, the consumption of the university will decrease.)

Valera said the laboratory will use engineering tools and localized weather data to study passive cooling strategies, climate-responsive building systems, and technologies that help regulate indoor temperatures while reducing energy use.

He added that the research outputs from the facility will support the university’s operations and provide data that local government units and private developers can use to plan and design energy-efficient buildings in Mindanao.

The project is part of the collaboration between DOST-PCIEERD and USTP to advance research on energy-efficient and climate-responsive infrastructure in Northern Mindanao. It supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for climate resilience, energy efficiency, and science-driven innovation as part of the country’s sustainable development agenda. (IJBD/PIA-10) Irene Joy B. Dayo)