RLC values energy management to promote sustainable growth for the organization. To integrate this into the company’s operations, RLC installed off-grid rooftop solar PV (photovoltaic) panels in its malls nationwide. Through energy conservation and efficiency programs like this, RLC demonstrates its commitment to protect the environment from the adverse effects of carbon emissions, and to become an industry leader in efficient energy use. RLC held the record of having the world’s largest solar-powered facility installed on a mall’s rooftop for self-consumption.
To date, RLC has completed solar installations in 21 malls for a total of approximately 25,941 kWp (25.941 MWp) of solar panels installed. This is equivalent to about 270,268 trees planted and 16,345 tons of carbon dioxide avoided in 2020. Of the 21 Robinsons Malls with existing solar facilities, 7 are located in Luzon (Novaliches, Ilocos, Pangasinan, Palawan, Naga, Angeles, and San Fernando Pampanga), 12 in Visayas (Bacolod, Iloilo, Pavia, Jaro, Dumaguete, Roxas, Antique, Tacloban, North Tacloban, Ormoc, Galleria Cebu, and Cybergate Cebu) and 2 in Mindanao (General Santos and Tagum).
Solar panels installed last December 2020 in RLC malls in Santiago, Isabela and Iligan City will begin production in 2021. These projects will generate a combined capacity of 3,555 kWP (or 3.55 MWp). In addition, the solar plant in Butuan, with a design of capacity of 1,296 kWP, is scheduled for completion and production in the same year. Plans to roll out even more solar PV systems in both existing and future malls are already in the pipeline.
RLC recognizes the importance of intelligent use of water resources. As part of its Wastewater Conservation and Recovery Program, 31 Robinsons malls nationwide are designed with rainwater collection system, and/or wastewater treatment and recycling facilities. These technologies enable the use of 100% recycled wastewater for its toilets and irrigation requirements, resulting in zero wastewater discharge to public sewers. Aside from this, Robinsons Malls installed water-saving fixtures in its restrooms to further reduce water consumption in its establishments.
Robinsons Malls supports the move towards a more sustainable public transport system through the establishment of a modernized jeepney terminal at Robinsons Forum. Executed in partnership with the Mandaluyong Transport Service Cooperative (MTSC), the terminal services modern jeepneys that use Euro 4 Diesel Engines designed for cleaner emissions that help minimize air pollution.
Aside from promoting a more environment-friendly mode of transport, the Robinsons Malls-MTSC partnership addresses the needs of the commuting public and provides a boost to the jeepney sector, which has been greatly affected by the current health crisis. The modern jeepneys operate from Monday to Sunday to ferry passengers to and from Robinsons Forum Complex to Kalentong/JRC. In compliance with government mandated safety measures, the transport group installed plastic barriers and requires all passengers to leave their details on a safety manifest for proper contact tracing.