Glad to be Green
Unsustainable patterns of energy production and consumption threaten not only human health and quality of life but also affect ecosystems and contribute to climate change. Sustainable energy, therefore, can be an engine for poverty reduction, social progress, equity, enhanced resilience, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Sustainable energy is the form of energy obtained from non-exhaustible resources, such that the provision of this form of energy serves the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Today, there is widespread popular support for using renewable energy, particularly solar, water and wind energy, which provide electricity without giving rise to any carbon dioxide emissions.
GLAD TO BE GREEN, INC. supports and advocates for an energy sector market transformation, and does this through a range of interventions on policy, finance, capacity development and awareness creation. The objective of the Glad to be Green Project is to help develop the socio-economic context by which sustainable energy can be possible, viable and practical in its implementation of projects for Corporate Social Responsibilty;
In essence, Glad to be Green, Inc. advocates for a sustainable, responsible and clean environment.
The Green Bus
-Four-wheeled, 14-seater urban transporter
– With mounted solar panels that charges as it runs making use of the Sun’s power.
-Top speed of 50 km per hour (ideal for compact cities) and could cover 120 km before requiring a recharge.
-It does not need gas, it makes no noise, it emits no pollution, and it has no tickets because the rides will be free for everyone to enjoy.
-It will be the first its kind, and the only one in existence in Baguio and the rest of Northern Luzon.
-Manufactured by Star 8 Philippines, a leading solar technology and solutions manufacturing company
The Project
-G2BG’s largest project in terms of scale and scope.
-Product of G2BG’s passion to develop and promote the use of clean and renewable technologies
-Part of our group’s advocacy is to invest in meaningful social responsibility projects that will showcase the environmental and economic benefits of Solar Power.
-Advocacy partners:
o Star 8 Philippines
o BENECO – to provide for the driver, parking/ charging area, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Route
-In and around Baguio’s central business district with designated pick-up and drop-off points.
-Igorot Park – Harrison Road – BCNHS – BGH Rotunda – Kisad Road – Children’s Park/ Athletic Bowl – Harisson Road – Magsaysay Avenue – Bonifacio Road – SLU Rotunda
– Proposed route’s final approval will be based on consultations made with the Philippine National Police, the city government, and affected jeepney operators and drivers associations.
Quotes from Glad to be Green CEO Gladys Vergara: “We are not here to replace or compete with existing public transport systems. The Green Bus will be operating for free because we’d like to inspire people to switch to green technology and start using solar energy to power their homes, businesses, and vehicles.”
“If anything, we are here to offer a viable alternative that creates tangible value for the community.”
“We have more projects lined-up throughout the year that will not only create substantial value for the community but, more importantly, inspire people to take positive action towards adapting a more sustainable way of living. “
Quote from Mayor Mauricio Domogan: “It is good that we have a group that creates these projects and promote the use of solar energy in Baguio City.”
“This is a good start towards making Baguio the first Solar City in the Philippines.”
Benefits
1. Zero emissions. No emissions mean you significantly reduce your carbon footprint in the environment. As we know, CO2, the by-product of burning fossil fuels, is the main cause of Climate Change. If we switch to solar and electric vehicles, we help fight the adverse effects of Climate Change such as Global Warming.
2. Zero pollution. The Green Bus does not pollute the air we breathe and does not make noises like conventional engines. This only adds to the “green-conscious, eco-tourism” brand appeal of our city. Furthermore, it will also help lower the particulate matter content and improve the air quality at the central business district.
3. Third, it shows that solar and electric vehicle technology is now economically viable for the public transport sector. The costs involved are now significantly lower and it can now commercially compete with jeepneys and taxis. Just imagine drawing energy from a fuel source that is virtually free, and being unaffected by the volatile market prices of diesel and gasoline. You might ask, but what if it’s raining? Not to worry, the solar panels of the bus relies more on photons rather than direct sunlight to create energy
4. Fourth, the Green Bus will also help in the decongestion and pedestrianization of the city center. With our free rides, we hope to discourage more people from bringing their cars and contributing to the already worsening Baguio traffic. We also hope to encourage people to walk to their desired destinations from our strategically placed bus stops. Less traffic while promoting good health, what’s not to love?/G2BG-PR/FB
