Business competitiveness is not only measured by income and market share. Companies also try to excel in terms of positive contributions to society. Such efforts are recognized by award-giving bodies.
This year, another round of accolades from these organizations await companies with the best corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability practices. The same organizations awarded last year 33 companies and non-government organizations for their impactful environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs. Their ESG programs will serve as a benchmark and inspiration for other businesses to earn their own sustainability awards this year, some of which are as follows.
The Department of Energy (DoE) held its first Sustainable Energy Award (SEA) on 12 December. In the second edition of the SEA, energy companies can vie in three award categories: Energy Management in Industries, Renewable Energy (RE) Projects in On-Grid Areas, and Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards.
The first SEA winners were Tagum Water of the Manila Water Philippines Ventures for its Artificial Recharge Technology, a low-energy water extraction process; ACEN of the Ayala Groups for its North Luzon Renewables wind project in Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and SM Prime Holdings for its widespread use of LED lights, building management systems and insulation in its shopping malls.
The International Association of Business Communicators Philippines, Deloitte and the Makati Business Club gives out the Triple P Sustainability Awards (TPSA) every year to companies with outstanding ESG compliance and outcomes. Last 11 November, Maynilad Water Services Inc. and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) received the 2024 TPSA Excellence in Environmental and Social Sustainability Awards while the company’s chief sustainability officer, Raymond Ravelo, was adjudged ESG Thought Leader of the Year.
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation claimed the Triple P Award, Best ESG Program and Best Internal Communications Award for its Gabay Kalikasan environmental program and employee engagement towards sustainability.
Light Rail Manila Corporation was conferred the Excellence in Social Sustainability for Mass Transportation Award for incorporating inclusivity in its sector.
On 14 November, 17 big names in banking and investments, healthcare, telecommunications, real estate, utilities and food and beverage bagged honors in sustainability, work and community-centered categories at the 2024 Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards organized by Malaysian-based MORS Group, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable growth and leadership excellence in Asia.
BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Gcash, SM Investments Corporation and Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. were named Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia for their CSRs that focus on community engagement, environment and social empowerment.
Ayala Land Corporation and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) were the ACES Top Green Companies in Asia while San Miguel Global Power and Development Bank of the Philippines bagged the Green Initiative Awards.
Out of the eight awardees in the Top Community Centric Companies in Asia category were Aboitiz InfraCapital and Foundever for their outreach activities.
Mining plant Nickel Asia Corporation, outsourcing giant Isupportworldwide, and Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. were awardees in the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia category for promoting sustainable approaches towards natural resources beyond regular compliance.
Globe Telecom was the Best Workplace in Asia.
Metro Pacific Iloilo Water and Cebu Landmasters, Inc. received the Sustainability Rising Star Awards.
In June, Enterprise Asia will hold the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) to recognize and honor deserving Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible business practices. The AREA has the following categories: Green Leadership, Social Empowerment, Health Promotion, Investment in People, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Responsible Business Leadership.
At the 2024 AREA held last September in Taipei, Taiwan, SM Store won in the Social Empowerment category for its Shop&Share Movement while EDC stood out in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting category.
The AREA 2024 awarding ceremony was also held in the Philippines last month with the Master Entrepreneur Award going to Ronnie Siasoyco, founder, chairman and CEO of the Trion Group, Philippines in recognition of his leadership, resilience and innovation in the highly competitive electrical and electronics sector. Trion was also awarded the Fast Enterprise Award for demonstrating rapid growth in revenue, market share, user base, profit and/or brand recognition.
The Malaysia and Singapore-based organizer of AREA is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting responsible entrepreneurship across Asia.
CSRWorks International, a Singapore-based sustainability services firm specializing in advisory, training, and thought leadership, organizes the annual Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (ASRA). In the 2024 ASRA edition, Meralco and Maynilad Water Services Inc. were recognized for their comprehensive sustainability reporting practices, reflecting their dedication to transparency and corporate responsibility.
To those vying for awards, good luck.