EVs to drive Maynilad WATERLab’s sustainability journey

EVs to drive Maynilad WATERLab’s sustainability journey | Daily Tribune

Maynilad’s WATERLab tests the quality of water distributed to the company’s 10 million customers, as well as the quality of effluents released by its wastewater treatment facilities. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments that allow Maynilad’s chemists to study compounds in water samples drawn from 1,155 sampling points throughout the West Zone, its concession area in Metro Manila.

The WATERLab adheres to Maynilad’s policy of environmentally responsible operations. Starting May 2024, the facility implemented water conservation, energy efficiency and eco-friendly practices. These include introducing flow-limiting faucets, LED lighting and inverter air-conditioning to reduce water and electricity consumption. It also eliminated single-use plastics, transitioned to reusable glassware and prioritized eco-friendly suppliers.

The efforts became instrumental in WATERLab achieving its My Green Lab Certification (MGLC), the globally recognized gold standard for sustainable laboratory practices. The achievement, gained by scoring 97 percent, the highest Green-level certification, is historic as Maynilad became the first in the Philippines to earn the prestigious MGLC.

MGL is a leading non-profit organization promoting sustainability in the scientific community.

“We chose to be certified to MGL because it is the most trusted certification for the sustainability of laboratories around the world,” Atty. Roel S. Espiritu, Maynilad’s chief sustainability officer, says, adding that the achievement affirms Maynilad’s environmental stewardship and operational excellence.

The certifier of the MGL is actually Impact Laboratories based in the United Kingdom. Impact Laboratories is the only recognized certifier of MGL program.

By leading in green laboratory practices, Maynilad reinforces its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible water management. The WATERLab continues to advance its sustainability efforts, with plans to further enhance efficiency and reduce emissions from sampling activities by incorporating electric vehicles (EV) into its fleet this year.

“We currently have eight service vehicles using fuel and plan to convert one to EV this year. The rest of the fleet will eventually be converted to EV gradually in the coming years,” Espiritu says.

He adds, “Maynilad has an overall decarbonization program that includes shifting its entire fleet of vehicles to 50 percent EVs (or around 413 units) by 2037.”

Espiritu further reveals, “We are studying alternative routes to sampling points so we can be more effective in reducing our fuel consumption. We are also adjusting schedules so we can leave earlier before rush hour.”

As a role model in lab best practices, WATERLab hopes to inspire other laboratories to integrate sustainable practices and contribute to a greener and more resilient future.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire of Metropolitan Waterworks and

Sewerage System in the Philippines in terms of customer base. Its service area includes the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue,

the northern part starting from the Districts of Holy Spirit and Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon; and the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in the province of Cavite.