Manila Water, CEMEX sign MOU

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Water Company Inc. has teamed up with CEMEX Holdings Philippines Inc. to accelerate sustainable business practices.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to build and collaborate on initiatives that accelerate sustainable objectives on circular economy through the use of biosolids as alternative fuels.

Manila Water and CEMEX will also explore partnership in the areas of innovation on sustainable products and services, protection and rehabilitation of biodiversity, and clean energy and efficient water consumption advocacy.

With more businesses considering climate change as one of its top risks and recognizing the Philippines as one of the most vulnerable to its impacts, Manila Water and CEMEX seek to reinforce the role of business to propose better solutions, in response to the climate crisis.

In May last year, Manila Water issued the first series of its medium-term sustainability goals that outlines its progress and plans on embedding Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) into their business strategies.

The ESG goals highlight Manila Water’s belief that long-term viability is dependent on management of environmental impacts and commitment to improve social outcomes in the communities it serves.

The company’s strategy includes mid-term targets set to be achieved by 2025, which include reducing carbon emissions by 60 percent through renewable energy (RE) and wastewater treatment.

It is also eyeing to build infrastructures to satisfy service commitments and improvements, as well as allocate 15 percent supply buffer from expansion and additional raw water sources to ensure water access and security.

So far, Manila Water has started using RE. In 2021, the company utilized 13.8 million kilowatt hours (kwh) of green energy using onsite solar panels and purchasing from open access.