Explore Quezon City’s bold sustainability initiatives as it confronts climate change head-on. Discover how urban farming, comprehensive climate action plans, and innovative environmental practices are transforming QC into a model green city.

As climate change and environmental deterioration take center stage as global concerns, some communities are rising to the challenge.

Quezon City (informally referred to by many Filipinos as QC) is a bustling and populous Philippine city. It is not only an economic hub but also a proving ground for sustainable living initiatives. These efforts are transforming the city into a model green city.

Delving into the heart of Metro Manila, this article will explore the innovative and multifaceted sustainable initiatives driving Quezon City towards a more sustainable future.

Quezon City’s Bold Steps in Sustainability

In 2015, the local government of Quezon City, under the leadership of Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, joined the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, a global network of cities working together to address climate change. C40 member cities are guided by an inclusive, collaborative approach to achieve a 50% reduction in their emissions by 2030.

This move aims to tackle the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change, ultimately improving the health, well-being, and economic opportunities of its citizens.

As a member of this influential group, Quezon City has forged partnerships and exchanged best practices with other cities, accelerating its sustainability efforts.

QC’s Enhanced Climate Action Plan

Quezon City’s long-term mission is to make sustainable living a core value embedded in the community’s lifestyle. To achieve this, the city has enhanced its Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP), providing a strategic roadmap to institutionalize environmental practices across all sectors, from business and education to governance.

The LCCAP prioritizes climate action through various strategies, including food security, water sufficiency, ecosystem and environmental sustainability, human security, climate-smart industries and services, sustainable energy, and knowledge and capacity development.

In the face of climate change in the Philippines, this comprehensive action plan aims to cultivate a lasting culture of sustainability within Quezon City. This empowers the city and its constituents to effectively respond to climate change impacts and seamlessly integrate climate-resilient practices into local development plans.

Urban Farming in QC Drives Sustainability

The city is accelerating its sustainability efforts, and one key example is its transformative urban farming initiatives. Programs like Grow QC and Joy of Urban Farming empower vulnerable residents by providing them with income opportunities, while also ensuring locals have access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food grown right in their city.

These initiatives go beyond addressing food insecurity. They contribute to a stronger, more accessible, and sustainable food system for Quezon City, fostering the establishment of 1,026 urban farms across the city.

Empowering Residents, Encouraging Participation

Additionally, the city government further encourages residents to participate by offering support for those who wish to establish their own urban gardens. This support includes items like seeds, seedlings, gardening tools, starter kits, and even greenhouse facilities.

By growing food locally, these initiatives help reduce agricultural emissions and contribute to a healthier environment.

Combating Waste through Incentives

While urban farming helps cultivate fresh food within city limits, the “Trash to Cashback” Program tackles another aspect of urban sustainability by offering residents a way to turn waste into valuable resources.

The “Trash to Cashback” Program is another innovative program that incentivizes residents to actively participate in waste management. Residents can trade in their recyclables and single-use plastic products for environmental points, which can be used to purchase food items like canned fish, meat, rice, eggs, sandwich spreads, bread, fruits, vegetables, sugar, and even essentials like toiletries. Environmental points can also be used to pay for electricity bills.

In Barangay Sto. Niño in Quezon City, the proceeds are used to purchase high-quality fish products like pampano, salmon, roundscad (galunggong), and packed fish fillets. This incentive-based approach has not only reduced landfill waste but has also fostered a community spirit of environmental stewardship.

Curbing Single-Use Plastics

Expanding its commitment to a waste-free future, the city government has implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags, cutlery, straws, containers, and packaging materials in hotels, restaurants, and fast-food chains.

On the other hand, local businesses like shopping malls, supermarkets, and department stores are also crucial partners in this transformation, pioneering practices like the two-peso Plastic Recovery System Fee (PRSF) on plastic bags when shopping. This fee is designed primarily to change consumer behavior rather than generate significant funds, highlighting the commitment to environmental responsibility.

Embracing Refill Culture

In its commitment to fostering eco-consciousness further, the city government also launched refilling stations for essential household products like washing-up liquid and laundry detergent in 2023. Residents can bring reusable containers and have them refilled at a cheaper cost with the condiments that they need.

These stations, offering cost-effective alternatives to plastic packaging, have been well-received by residents and are slated for expansion to over 6,000 convenience stores across the city.

Net-Zero Living Takes Center Stage in QC

Quezon City is forging a path toward a sustainable future, exemplified by its recent signing of memorandum of agreement with BillionBricks on a net-zero home showflat unit. Nearing completion, this innovative project is envisioned as a multi-purpose building upon its finalization, showcasing the potential of energy-efficient living.

The BillionBricks ‘Sienna’ net-zero model house is designed to be self-sufficient, producing as much energy as it consumes. This is achieved with an integrated solar roof, and through passive design principles, optimizing natural light and ventilation to minimize the need for artificial lighting and heating. This approach not only lowers energy bills but also reduces the environmental impact.

Quezon City’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this single project. Its ambitious plans, coupled with past achievements, reveal a dedication to becoming a leading example of promoting a sustainable lifestyle in the Philippines.

A Blueprint for Other Cities

This commitment is evident in its visionary leadership, active community involvement, and innovative solutions, offering a powerful blueprint for other urban areas seeking to achieve a similar balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

BillionBricks builds net-zero homes that are energy-efficient, self-sustaining, and affordable. If you have a project in mind or would like to use our home designs, we would love to hear about it and explore ways to work together. You may contact us here.

If you’re passionate about sustainable living and want to learn more, we recommend you dive into our article that’s filled with valuable insights. Take a look at Davao’s Progress Toward Net-Zero Living and Sustainable Housing.

References:

1. Ara Eugenio. QC Joins Paris, Rome in Pledge to Make World’s Cities Greener. Retrieved from https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/culture/94387/quezon-city-signs-c40-urban-nature-pledge-to-combat-climate-crisis-a4713-20210713

2. C40 Cities. Quezon City, Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.c40.org/cities/quezon-city/

3. Quezon City Council. Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP). Retrieved from https://quezoncity.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SP-8670-S-2021.pdf

4. Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department. Strategies and Priority Climate Actions. Retrieved from https://greenawards.quezoncity.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Enhanced-LCCAP-Presentation_June-3-2.pdf

5. C40 Cities. City Stories: Growing resilience in Quezon City. Retrieved from https://www.c40.org/case-studies/city-stories-growing-resilience-in-quezon-city/

6. Local Government of Quezon City. Joy Of Urban Farming. Retrieved from https://quezoncity.gov.ph/program/joy-of-urban-farming/

7. Janvic Mateo. Quezon City now has 1,026 urban farms. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/01/22/2327563/quezon-city-now-has-1026-urban-farms

8. C40 Cities. Transforming Cities: Quezon City’s waste warriors. Retrieved from https://www.c40.org/case-studies/transforming-cities-quezon-city/

9. Jon Viktor Cabuenas and Vonne Aquino. QC barangay exchanges plastic waste for fish. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/899333/qc-barangay-exchanges-plastic-waste-for-fish/story/

10.  Katie Nguyen. UNEP honors Quezon City mayor for environmental policy leadership. Retrieved from https://philippines.un.org/en/251068-unep-honors-quezon-city-mayor-environmental-policy-leadership

11. C40 Cities. Quezon City Regulates Single-Use Plastic through Policy Intervention.  Retrieved from https://www.c40.org/case-studies/quezon-city-regulates-single-use-plastic-through-policy-intervention/

12. Local Government of Quezon City. Bring Your Own Bottle (Byob) Store. Retrieved from https://quezoncity.gov.ph/program/bring-your-own-bottle-byob-store/

13. Local Government of Quezon City. Memorandum Of Agreement Signing With BillionBricks Philippines Inc. Retrieved from https://quezoncity.gov.ph/memorandum-of-agreement-signing-with-billion-bricks-net-zero-homes/