THROUGH its solar photovoltaic power system installed in select toll plazas, the NLEX Corporation has reduced its carbon footprint.
In its recent data, the total energy harvested for 2020 was 171 megawatt-hours, which gained carbon emission savings of 134,232 kilograms or equivalent to 4,006 trees planted.
Record shows that the Bocaue Barrier has generated the highest CO2 emission savings with 50,618 kilograms (kgs), or equivalent to 1,511 trees planted.
The Balintawak Toll Plaza came in second, as it yielded CO2 emission savings of 42,980 kgs or corresponding to 1,283 trees planted.
The tollway company first harnessed solar power in its Meycauayan southbound toll plaza in 2018 followed by the toll plazas in Balintawak, Bocaue, Mexico, Angeles, San Fernando southbound, and Harbor Link (Karuhatan) in 2019 to boost energy efficiency and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions along the expressway network.
In the coming years, NLEX is looking into installing solar power panels in more NLEX and SCTEX toll plazas to further lessen the company’s carbon footprint.
“The things we do are guided by our commitment to the greater good. We are seizing the opportunity to do more for our motorists and environment by improving our operational efficiency and promoting sustainability. This is deeply ingrained as one of our core values,” NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luigi Bautista said, highlighting that “ever since, we have been complying with our responsibilities for the environment as an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) certified company.”
Aside from using solar power, NLEX has been incorporating sustainable energy in its operations through its LED lighting or energy efficient roadway lighting systems, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and variable message signs.
Since 2006, NLEX has encouraged green practices by spearheading tree planting initiatives within the expressway. It has been implementing the “Greening the NLEX” program to mitigate the effects of global warming and environmental imbalance.
The company has also been conducting monthly cleanup drive in the Tullahan River since 2010 together with volunteers from select host communities in Valenzuela City, Quezon City, and Caloocan City.
Using renewable energy in the company’s operations is in line with the entire Metro Pacific group’s commitment to help the Philippines meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and UNSDG 13 (Climate Action).
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.