RLC sets forth sustainability goals

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) strengthens its commitment to sustainability by defining specific environmental impact targets across its business units.

In its 2021 Sustainability Report “Thriving, Sustainable Communities”, RLC said the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for a more focused approach to sustainability. Through a clear set of goals and programs, the Company is looking to increase the impact of its sustainability  initiatives, while delivering value to the business.

Robinsons Giga Tower, RLC’s LEED Gold-certified and PEZA-registered prime office building in Bridgetowne, is 100% powered by renewable energy sourced from a hydroelectric power plant.

The leading property developer puts a spotlight on incorporating sustainable development features in all its properties to fight climate change.

“We continue to invest in creating low-carbon and resilient spaces to further reduce our  greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protect the environment, and promote efficient land use,” RLC President and CEO Frederick Go said in a message to stakeholders.

RLC is promoting responsible land use by efficiently integrating green, open, and functional spaces in all its properties. For its new projects, the Company will continue to engage green-certified contractors and/or consultants, as well as establish guidelines on landscaping, to achieve carbon  neutrality and improve resiliency.

Robinsons Place Dumaguete’s al fresco area is inspired by the works of National Artist for Architecture, I.P. Santos, who pioneered the use of indigenous plant and tree species in landscaping.

Furthermore, RLC has created its own roadmap towards a net zero carbon ambition by 2050. This  is in line with the global push to limit global warming to within 1.5 degrees Celsius.

RLC is likewise committed to harness clean and renewable energy (RE). It intends to use clean power in all its current and future mall projects, in line with its goal of shifting power requirements  to RE sources by 2035.

Cognizant of the Philippines’ target of 35 percent share of RE in the power generation mix by 2030  and 50 percent share by 2040, RLC will pursue more investment opportunities through the  Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) or the RE Market — once it is established — and engage  with clean energy providers for both Luzon and provincial areas.

In 2021, 30.24 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy was used in Robinsons Malls and Robinsons Offices nationwide.

To-date, RLC has 24 malls with solar rooftop installations, generating nearly 30 MW of clean and  renewable energy. This includes the world’s largest solar-powered shopping mall – Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga – which boasts a 2.88-megawatt system covering a 1.75- hectare roof space.

1,112.65-kW rooftop solar power plant in Robinsons Place Ormoc reduced CO2 emissions by 934.6 metric tons in 2021 alone.

“By 2030, RLC intends to divert all discarded non-biodegradable materials in our properties away from landfills and towards recycling and other waste processing facilities,” Go added.

With a growing hotel and leisure portfolio, RLC has implemented a solid campaign aimed at reducing annual food spoilage by five percent in all its properties located in tourist capitals. Starting this year, the Company will be gathering regular feedback from guests to optimize menu cycles.

RLC Residences, on the other hand, will conduct solid waste management briefings on the proper  use of facilities as part of the onboarding program of housekeeping personnel. It is also preparing to launch an education campaign on reusable materials for employees, homeowners, and residents.

“Through these programs, we will be able to better manage the volume of waste generated in our residential developments even after the units have been turned over to the homeowners. We look forward to expanding these initiatives to all RLC properties,” Go shares.

By 2025, all RLC developments – whether new or existing – will have design plans with wastewater treatment and materials recovery facilities.

USAID-assisted waste recovery program for residual plastic at Robinsons Place Las Piñas.

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