In affirming its commitment to sustainability and climate action, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) recently partnered with a Japanese sustainability solutions provider to promote decarbonization in the country’s ecozones.

PEZA deputy director general for Policy and Planning Anidelle Joy Alguso and Shintaro Suzuki, managing director and head of Asia Pacific Regional Business, Zeroboard (Thailand) Co. Ltd., signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the PEZA Head Office, which aims to enhance sustainable industrial development and global competitiveness by enabling PEZA-registered export-oriented enterprises to measure, visualize, and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Using the cloud-based Zeroboard platform, participating companies will be able to manage their emissions data in alignment with international frameworks, including the Carbon Disclosure Project, Science-based targets, and the International Sustainability Standards Board.

Focused on four areas

Under the MoU, the collaboration focuses on four key areas: calculating and visualizing GHG emissions of PEZA-registered companies; developing Green Transformation (GX) training programs to build sustainability-focused talent; co-creating a Green SEZ certification system to recognize low-carbon operations; and selecting model ecozones for pilot decarbonization projects.

According to PEZA, the project is expected to provide a practical foundation for the country’s broader decarbonization strategy, building an ecosystem of GX solution partners and accelerating the Philippines’ transition toward net-zero emissions.

Currently used by over 13,000 companies globally, Zeroboard brings cutting-edge capabilities that will be localized and leveraged to support green transformation within PEZA zones.

“This move further affirms our commitment to sustainability and climate action. We shall continue to strengthen our sustainability initiatives and intensify our efforts to transform our ecozones into smart and green mixed-use developments where both workers and investors can live, learn, and play,” said PEZA Director General Tereso Panga.

He said that with the strategic partnership, PEZA aims to establish a leading decarbonization model within ASEAN, strengthening green supply chains and supporting the Philippines’ climate commitments.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Moreover, the PEZA chief said they are on their way towards addressing and meeting the globally embraced position of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which will be part of their plan to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent in 2030, as stated in the Philippines’ United Nations-National Determined Contribution target.

“Ultimately, our ecozone decarbonization strategy can be a big boost for the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination, particularly for MNCs that value a clean and green production agenda following our adherence to the SDG, ESG, and EID frameworks,” according to the PEZA chief.