Robinsons Malls intensifies carbon reduction commitment

MANILA, Philippines — As the country undergoes an energy transition to a low carbon future, Robinsons Malls demonstrates its environment, social and governance (ESG) commitment by growing it solar energy portfolio to nearly 30 megawatts (MW) to further cement its position as the country’s largest mall operator powered by solar.

This year, the mall operator installed solar rooftop projects in Robinsons Place Santiago in Isabela and in Robinsons Place Butuan in Agusan del Norte as the 22nd and 23rd malls powered by solar.

Meant to serve the mall’s energy consumption, the solar project helps ease power demand from the distribution system of the Isabela I Electric Cooperative Inc. (ISELCO I) which can be used to power up more crucial establishments amid the pandemic.

Robinsons Place Santiago’s solar project has an installed capacity of 2,091.26-kilowatt-peak (kWp), a total of 5,598 units of solar panels and 37 units of inverters. Since the mall is located at the center of fields, solar is the best alternative power source.

The Santiago solar project, which started operations in April, has since generated a total of 519,871.28 kW-hr—equivalent to 368.44 metric tons (MT) of avoided CO2 emission or 6,092 trees planted.

Meanwhile, Robinsons Place Butuan has an installed total capacity of 1,296.00-kWp. The mall is located at the center of commerce and trade at the CARAGA Region which comprises of Agusan Del Norte, Agusan Del Sur, Surigao Del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands.

The mall operator embarked on a journey to shift to clean energy in 2015 to reduce its energy consumption and to lower its dependence on the grid by generating its own electricity through the solar rooftop projects, which will then lower its carbon footprint and generate efficiencies for the company in the future.

Instead of buying electricity from a distribution utility, the mall operator can power its facilities by harnessing solar energy during the day, thereby relieving the burden on the grid especially during peak hours and helping government address instances of power shortage.

Starting its operations in June, the Butuan solar project has a total of generated 317,536.25 kW-hr, translating to 225.04 MT of avoided CO2 emission, which is equivalent to 3,721 trees planted.

While the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine measures and strict social distancing restrictions, which forced businesses to temporarily close, this did not deter the company from pursuing its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to government efforts to shift to clean energy.

Even at the height of COVID-19 pandemic, Robinsons Malls continued with the installation of solar projects in eight malls in Jaro (Phase 2), Pavia, Ormoc City, Antique Expansion, North Tacloban, Naga City, General Santos City and Iligan City in 2020.

To date, Robinsons Malls has installed solar power projects in its 23 malls which total 30.79 megawatts (MW) in capacity.

In its latest sustainability update, Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC)—the operator of Robinsons Malls—was able to generate P210 million in savings from its solar power portfolio last year.

Robinsons Malls’ growing solar energy portfolio demonstrates the property firm’s commitment to protect the environment from the adverse effects of carbon emissions, and to become an industry leader in efficient energy use.