Business giants have been visibly amplifying environment conservation efforts, with a lot of companies now incorporating sustainability in the way they operate their businesses. This is not just something nice to have. Sustainability has become part of Philippine companies' journey towards a more efficient and socially responsible operations.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country's largest electric distribution utility, and Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), one of the country's real estate giants, have reinforced their thrust to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions as they roll out electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and set sights on more solar collaborations in Robinsons Malls.

The two companies on October 26 officially opened to the public two EV charging stations at Robinsons Galleria-Ortigas.

Supplied and installed by Meralco subsidiary eSakay, Inc., an end-to-end EV solutions provider, the charging stations at Robinsons Galleria-Ortigas feature pods that can accommodate two-wheeled & three-wheeled EVs such as eBikes, eScooters, & eTrikes; as well as a 7.4kW AC-Type charging pod for four-wheeled EVs, such as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).

Meralco and RLC will also open an eBike charging station at Robinsons Magnolia and an AC charging station for both four-wheeled battery EVs and PHEVs at Robinsons Tagaytay, which will be the first outside National Capital Region.

The new EV charging stations are in support of the recently enacted Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which requires owners of buildings and establishments to dedicate parking slots for EVs.

"Our strategic collaboration with Robinsons Land Corporation to build EV charging stations in Robinsons Malls underscores eSakay's continuing commitment to promote the country's important transition to electrified transport. It also highlights and heightens our pledge to provide our clients with top-notch, reliable, and fit-for-purpose electric mobility solutions, from EV to charging infrastructure solutions. This is all geared towards enabling our clients to enhance their operations while advancing their sustainability agenda," Meralco Chief Sustainability Officer and eSakay President and CEO Raymond B. Ravelo said.

Besides the EV charging stations, Meralco and RLC are also strengthening their efforts to advance sustainability through renewable energy.

Currently, Spectrum, a solar subsidiary of Meralco that provides end-to-end solar solutions, is responsible for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the solar installations of Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Angeles, Robinsons Cybergate Bacolod, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, and Robinsons Palawan. Spectrum handles servicing and replacement of equipment, dismantling and reinstallation of PV modules, cleaning of system, and generation monitoring, among others. The O&M services of Spectrum have allowed the malls to maximize their solar investment and increase their solar kWh production by up to 18.5%.

It was also Spectrum that installed a 528-kWp solar system at Robinsons Palawan's expansion area, which has so far generated approximately 2,800,000 kwh of clean energy since its commercial operations in 2017. This project alone reduced Robinsons Palawan expansion's carbon footprint by approximately 2,000 metric tons, equivalent to 91,600 mature trees planted.

"We are grateful to our partners who have entrusted the O&M of their solar installations with us. Our shared goals, which are anchored on protecting the environment and improving our customers' business, have led us to advance green alternatives," Engr. Ferdinand O. Geluz, Spectrum President and CEO, said.

RLC is currently the largest solar-powered mall operator, having invested P1.6 billion for 24 Robinsons Malls for solar PV adoption to help with the reduction of carbon emissions and fossil fuel-based electricity, in line with its commitment of "Making Life Better".

RLC also invested in more energy-efficient chillers for its malls and expanded the sourcing of electricity from renewable energy by, partnering with renewable energy suppliers for its power requirements, growing its clean energy used in 2021 to 30.24 GWh, and installing rainwater collection systems in 29 Robinsons Malls and using greywater for landscaping and irrigation in 15 Robinsons Malls.

Its renewable energy sourcing alone allowed the company to avoid as much as 19,804.94 metric tons of carbon emission in its malls, translating to an increase of 35.4 percent from its 14,627.89 carbon footprint reduction in 2020.

"Driving game-changing sustainability programs is an important priority for RLC. This imperative is fully aligned with the rising call for environmental conservation and efficient use of resources to help cushion the adverse effects of climate change. Our partnership with the Meralco Group allows us to strengthen our commitment and introduce innovations that will have lasting positive impact for all our customers and for the environment," said RLC Executive Vice President and General Manager for Business Faraday D. Go.

Meralco, in turn, has been proactively supporting RLC's operations through various services including contract rightsizing that has so far allowed the property developer to save as much as P2.1 million in energy costs since November 2021.

Through MServ, Meralco conducts energy audit for 79 RLC properties, including malls, offices, and residences. The audit includes walk-through and analysis of RLC properties to determine ways to increase their operational efficiency and complement the company's sustainability agenda. This is also in compliance with Republic Act 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

In addition, Meralco recently enrolled 10 Robinsons Malls to the Interruptible Load Program, through which RLC committed to de-load a total of 31 megawatts (MW) when needed and potentially spare around 124,000 households and small businesses from the inconvenience of unplanned power interruptions.

"We, in Meralco, are committed to making our solutions as accessible and affordable to our customers while upholding the highest safety standards and quality control measures. We hope that our customers will continue with their environmental conservation journey, and we will continue to support them as we all move forward towards a cleaner and greener future," Mr. Geluz, who is also Meralco First Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, said.