SM’s Alfamart unveils first solar venture
The company targets to finish the second phase of the project with an additional 100,000 watts by December 2023
Daily TribuneThe company targets to finish the second phase of the project with an additional 100,000 watts by December 2023
Solar roofdeck at Alfamart’s distribution center in Silang, Cavite is part of the retail chain's renewable energy shift. | Photograph courtesy of Alfamart
Alfamart, the community retail chain of the SM Group, has recently installed solar panels in its distribution center in Silang, Cavite.
This initiative aims to reduce the reliance of the 30,000 square meter distribution center on the community's power supply while also lessening power costs and its carbon emissions with the installation of 117 solar panels equivalent to 55,370 watts on its roof deck.
The company targets to finish the second phase of the project with an additional 100,000 watts by December 2023.
"As Alfamart continues to expand and reach out to different areas, we are cognizant of our impact on the environment and the community. We are committed to integrating sustainability in our operations as we continue to serve communities," Harvey Ong, chief operating officer of Alfamart, said.
Initiative replicated
Alfamart is also keen on replicating this initiative in its new stores depending on this initial phase. The company has a total of 1,590 stores as of September 2023.
The solar panels are designed to power the operations of Alfamart's back offices despite changing seasons of the country. Any excess of generated electricity is utilized by the 24/7 operational warehouse.
Alfamart and all of its four distribution centers in Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga and Laguna further strengthen their initiatives towards sustainability by using electric forklifts and electric movers in their operations.
The company has been using these electric forklifts and electric movers since the start of operations in 2014.
