PLDT, Inc. and its subsidiaries have embarked on energy efficiency initiatives to ensure sustainability in the delivery of their products and services.
In a press release on Wednesday, the group said it recently submitted its annual energy efficiency and conservation, and yearly energy utilization reports to the Department of Energy (DoE) in compliance with Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
The PLDT group, which includes Smart Communications, Inc. and ePLDT, said the reports cover more than “10,000 cell sites and 200 offices, business centers, and data centers, and will serve as a baseline from which progress from energy efficiency initiatives will be measured.”
The group said PLDT now operates oil-free chillers in its Sampaloc, Ortigas and Dansalan facilities. It said the upgraded chillers provide the highest efficiencies and reliability.
“The switch to oil-free magnetic bearing chillers eliminates the use of lubricating oil on chiller compressor bearings. This reduces bearing pressure, making the compressor more efficient and in turn, result in lower energy consumed,” the group said.
Smart, PLDT’s wireless arm, recently announced its foray into fuel cell-powered sites, which are described as an “environment-friendly alternative” that will help address connectivity issues in grid-challenged areas across the country.
The group added that its information and communication technology arm ePLDT embarked on several energy conservation programs, including the replacement of old high-power equipment with new and energy-efficient machines.
Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart president and chief executive officer, said: “As greenhouse gas emissions arise from energy consumed in the operation of our business, particularly by our network, our offices and data centers, and emissions from our transport vehicles, the PLDT Group aims to do its share in protecting the environment through energy efficiency programs that will result in reducing our carbon footprint.”
PLDT and Smart’s energy efficiency projects are aligned with the group’s commitment in helping the country achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Angelica Y. Yang
