ROBINSONS Land Corp. (RLC) plans to expand rooftop solar installations at its malls while rolling out weekly energy-saving measures under a new partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE).
Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, president and CEO of RLC, said nearly half of Robinsons malls, or 27 out of 57 properties, already had rooftop solar facilities, with the firm looking to add more as part of long-term sustainability efforts.
“We want to increase our renewable energy reliance,” Aragon-GoBio told reporters during the launch of the DOE’s “O.N.E.: Oras Natin sa Efficiency” campaign.
The campaign encourages households, businesses and institutions to switch off non-essential lights and reduce electricity consumption during a coordinated one-hour energy-saving window every Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
As part of the initiative, Robinsons malls nationwide will dim or shut off non-essential lighting, including decorative and accent lights, while maintaining normal mall operations and safety measures.
Maria Kristina Real-Lim, deputy general manager for Robinsons Malls, said the lighting reduction could lower lighting-related energy consumption in a mall by around 20 to 25 percent during the designated hour.
“For the lighting, [there is a] 20- to 25-percent reduction,” Lim said.
Aragon-GoBio said the partnership reflected the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible energy use.
“At a time when responsible energy use has become increasingly critical, we recognize the role of the private sector in translating sustainability goals into practical, everyday action,” she said.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said energy efficiency should be a shared responsibility among households, businesses and communities.
“Through O.N.E., we hope to inspire Filipinos to embrace simple yet meaningful practices that contribute to a more energy-efficient nation,” Garin said.
The property developer said it was also working with affiliate Verdeo to identify additional opportunities for solar power expansion.
The DOE has been pushing conservation initiatives following recurring yellow and red alerts in parts of the country’s power grid amid high electricity demand and power plant outages.
The company’s shares slipped P0.42, or 2.46 percent, to close at P16.42 each on Tuesday. Philippine financial markets were closed on Wednesday for a holiday.
