Camp John Hay gets ASEAN Energy Award

Camp John Hay (CJH) Manor in Baguio City was bestowed the ASEAN Energy Award recently. The Awards, started in 2000, is Southeast Asia’s prestigious annual awards program that recognizes outstanding work for excellence, creativity, practicality and dedication to a cause in the field of energy.

With entries submitted from around the region, the CJH Manor emerged as second runner-up in the Tropical Building Category. The judges reviewed the merits of each building based on their energy efficiency and conservation systems and practices.

Nestled on the grand Cordillera Mountain Range and situated 5,000 feet above sea level, Baguio enjoys the benefits of cool weather all year round. As such, the entire architectural concept of CJH Manor was envisioned with natural ventilation in mind to take advantage of the mountain city’s cool air and verdant surroundings.

Designed by Recio + Casas Architects and operated as a 5-star hotel by Club Leisure Management Corporation, the bedrooms at the Manor do not have airconditioning. Instead, outdoor air is induced into the room through windows.

"The U-shape and elevation of the structure allows it to capture wind coming from the open view of the mountains on the east and west corners of the building," said Architect Carmelo Casas. "Even the public areas such as elevator lobbies, main lobby and F&B areas are provided with ample window with operable panels to let the cool air in."

Each room at the Manor was provided with individual instantaneous-type water heaters with built-in water temperature controllers to lessen the energy consumption when the units are unoccupied. The back of the house including all the kitchen areas are provided with continuous air exchange from outdoor air supply fans and exhaust fans utilizing the cold air from outdoor. This system results in an energy efficient ventilation system and tremendous energy savings since no refrigeration equipment are used to precool the outdoor air before being supplied to each area.

"We have been provided with an energy efficient structure; we are now responsible for the cost-efficient management and operation of the place," said CJH Manor general manager, Heiner Maulbecker. "Our Engineering Department ensures that all equipment and machinery are in good condition at all times, performing the regularly scheduled preventive maintenance programs."

The Manor’s chief engineer, Dante Calanog, ensures the supply and distribution of utilities in the most energy efficient way including usage of the most economic materials for repair and maintenance purposes.

"Camp John Hay Manor registers low energy consumption in the absence of air conditioning but also through strict adherence to cost-efficient and energy saving measures," added Maulbecker.