RLC’s Renewable Energy: Mall Solar Facilities

RLC values energy management to promote sustainable growth for the organization and has embarked on a renewable energy program to install off-grid rooftop solar PV (photo voltaic) panels on its malls nationwide. This demonstrates RLC’s commitment to help the environment from the adverse effects of carbon emissions and to be an industry leader in efficient energy use alongside its other energy conservation and efficiency programs. RLC holds the record of having the world’s largest solar-powered facility installed on a mall’s rooftop for self-consumption.

To date, a total of approximately 16,100 kWp are installed in 15 RLC projects located in Palawan, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Roxas, Antique, San Fernando Pampanga, Angeles Pampanga, Novaliches, Tacloban, Bacolod, Jaro, Tagum, Galleria Cebu, and Cybergate Cebu. This is equivalent to about 370,000 trees planted and 14,300 tons of carbon dioxide avoided. With 8 on-going projects, plans to roll out even more solar PV systems in both existing and future malls are underway.

Wastewater Recovery Program

RLC recognizes the importance of the intelligent use of water resources. Through this program, wastewater is treated, filtered, and reused; leading to zero wastewater discharge to public sewer. Several RLC hotels and malls now use 100% recycled wastewater for their toilets and irrigation requirements. Good water quality is ensured through monthly testing by RLC’s Corporate Laboratory which is accredited by DENR and recognized by DOH. In addition to this, several malls collect rainwater for the mall’s use.

R-Love Soap for Hope Project

RLC through its Robinsons Hotels and Resorts Division launches, “R-Love Soap for Hope” project, an initiative to recover, recycle, re-process and donate used bar soaps to local communities. The project's objectives are three-fold: to provide a means of livelihood for local communities through teaching a new skill; to help hotels reduce waste by recycling used or discarded soap and eventually to save lives by promoting a cleaner and healthier environment through provision of a cheaper alternative soap. In 2018, a total of 200 Kg of Soap were reprocessed and donated. Beneficiaries were Don Bosco Pugad, Makati, and Holy Trinity School in Brgy. Haraan, Indang, Cavite. The reconstituted soaps are then used as part of the partners’ livelihood projects as well as a promotion of hygiene to school children. This project creates shared value for all parties involved – the local business, the customers, local organizations, and the local communities.

Robinsons Malls Recycling Market

The Robinsons Malls Weekend Recycling Market provides a waste-recovery system through a once-a- month recyclable-buying fair involving Robinsons’ tenants, customers, other business establishments, schools, religious groups and city residents. The project helps make city residents and businesses responsible stewards of the environment while providing additional income for households and organizations. Through this project, waste-to-landfill diversion activities are achieved through campaign of segregation and recycling practices, and giving incentive mechanism by trash-for-cash conversion.

Robinsons Place Ilocos, Robinsons Place Malolos, Robinsons Town Mall Malabon, and Robinsons Novaliches actively promoted the initiative, with more than 100 tons of solid waste recyclables consisting of cartons, PET bottles, papers, tin, aluminum, cans and even old appliances brought to the Weekend Recycling Market. The project is in partnership with the respective Local Government Units, and DENR’s Environment Management Bureau.

Robinsons Malls Weekend Recycling Market contributes to the multiple solution approach in waste management by creating public awareness on the importance of the preservation of the environment and promoting the REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE attitude in the malls’ respective communities, a very real example of creating shared value for all stakeholders involved – the local business, the customers, local organizations and the local communities.