MANILA – In its bid to further reduce the carbon footprint of its expressway operations, NLEX Corp. has added more electric vehicles to its fleet now comprising six EVs with eight more expected to be delivered this month.
“EVs create a lower carbon footprint over the course of their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The transition to EVs for company vehicles, which we started last year, is an impactful way to integrate sustainability into our day-to-day operations,” said NLEX Corp. president and GM J. Luigi L. Bautista.
To further facilitate the integration of EVs into the company’s transportation
network, an EV charging station is being built in its Sta. Rita office in Bulacan and is targeted to be completed by next month while another charging station will be built in its Balintawak office by the 3rd Quarter of this year. These EV charging stations will use solar energy capable of charging an e-vehicle battery from 0% to 85% in only 40 minutes.
Guided by its commitment to nation building, these initiatives are part of NLEX’s efforts to do more for its motorists and the environment, as this improves the company’s operational efficiency and promotes sustainability. This is also in line with the Metro Pacific Group’s commitment to help the Philippines meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
Shifting to an EV fleet is also part of NLEX’s sustainability efforts as an ISO
14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 50001 (Energy Management System) and Integrated Management System (IMS) certified company.
“This year, we will also broaden the use of renewable and solar energy in our premises, and we will execute even the simplest greening initiatives we possibly can, to contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future,” said Bautista.
Aside from the use of EVs, the company also advances its use of solar power roofing and solar perimeter lighting system in the parking areas of the NLEX offices. Targeted to be completed by the 3rd Quarter of this year, the tollway
company aims to reduce electricity consumption by using solar energy in its workplace.
In addition, three NLEX technical shelters are now being run by solar energy. Telecoms systems are installed in these shelters, allowing functionality of NLEX’s phones and intercoms in case of power outage.
Another significant contribution to sustainability is the construction of the six
rainwater recovery systems located in Dolores, Dinalupihan, Floridablanca,, Mabiga, Clark North and South. These can store and repurpose approximately 81,000 liters of water each that are being used in SCTEX areas.
Meanwhile, over 10,067 trees were planted through last year’s Greening the NLEX
program while 28.57 tons of residual waste was reduced through its strict implementation of proper waste segregation and prohibition of single-used plastics inside NLEX’s premises and corporate activities it has conducted. This year, the company has committed to planting another 10,000 more trees as part of this continuing program.
“There is no effort too small in trying to make a change in our environment. Even simple waste segregation makes a huge impact in rescuing our planet. We at NLEX assure the public that we will continue our journey towards a greener tomorrow,” noted Bautista.
