Good business sense for the environment

MANILA, Philippines - Various sectors of the country celebrated Earth Day last April 22 by spearheading and showcasing initiatives for environmental protection and conservation. 

And for good reason, too. Philippine legislation on clean air and renewable energy were enacted into law in recent years, meaning that the country now has the legal framework to pursue measures to mitigate climate change and harness clean sources of renewable energy (RE).

But beyond the pomp and circumstance — after the green confetti has finally settled — where then does society turn to as it searches for a viable solution to curb pollution and global warming? 

How do advocates shift the mindset of serious investors from traditional power generation to RE, and moreover, what roles do business and technology play in presenting a sustainable investment for the future?

Robert Bosch Inc., a local subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH in Germany, believes that technological solutions can address ecological problems, especially as the Philippines currently faces power shortages in some regions. 

And with the country’s growing need for mobility and transportation, technology can also help lower carbon emissions as well as fuel consumption.

“We believe in environmental solutions,” says Joseph Hong, managing director of Robert Bosch Inc. “It is imperative that eco-friendly standards are integrated in today’s technologies — this is key in developing solutions for generating clean sources of energy and providing mass transportation that complies with local clean air standards.”

In addition to its core business of automotive technology, which includes various developments in fuel and hybrid systems, Bosch also forays into harnessing solar, wind, geothermal, marine and hydro energy through integrated solutions.

Clean solutions: A viable investment

A reliable earth-friendly and cost-efficient solution developed by the company’s Thermotechnology Division is the solar water heater, which is widely used in Europe. 

Powered by the sun, these solar water heaters can help reduce water-heating bills by 50 to 80 percent. In 2008, Robert Bosch GmbH acquired Ersol Solar AG, Germany’s third largest producer of solar photovoltaics (PV), making good on a serious investment to harness solar power.

In the field of power generation, the upfront investments or capital expenditures in RE power plants may be higher than traditional power but the long-term operating expenses will decrease and level off in the future, as opposed to fossil fuel costs that will continuously increase.

On a larger scale, Filipinos may be surprised to find that the Bangui windmills of Ilocos Norte are manufactured by Vestas, one of the world’s big four wind technology producers and for which Bosch manufactures core components for multi-megawatt wind turbines. The Bangui wind farm effectively powers the northern grid in Ilocos Norte without consuming fossil fuels.

Toward cleaner air

As a consistent ally of organizations that uphold the Philippine Clean Air Act, Bosch continues to find ways to create a more responsible motoring community by developing solutions that allow commercial and private vehicles to meet the country’s clean air standards.

The Automotive Aftermarket Division of Robert Bosch Inc. advocates for cleaner air with its Bosch clean diesel technology. To help lessen fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the country, Bosch developed its clean diesel technology with injection components, helping motorists consume 30 percent less fuel compared to gasoline. These components also result in 25 percent less carbon dioxide emissions. 

Much of the Philippines’ air pollution can be attributed to mass transportation and commercial vehicles. Buses and jeepneys that ply the country’s thoroughfares run the risk of endangering public health as well as the revocation of their business franchise. 

Bosch believes that investing in quality fuel technology can help local transport groups comply with clean air standards and gain better fuel mileage.

“We strive to provide technological answers to ecological questions in order to help address environmental concerns, especially with the onset of climate change,” says Hong. “These initiatives not only conserve resources, they also make good business sense.”

Robert Bosch Inc. continues to be a strong player at the forefront of innovating environment-friendly technologies. With the company’s integrative approach to business, Filipinos can expect to live in greener pastures while doing their share by being more discriminating in the products they use, products that are powered by technology that cares for nature.