Nestlé PHL: Collaboration key to achieving RE goals

Nestlé Philippines is working closely with the government and the private sector to achieve of its goal of shifting all its facilities to renewable energy (RE) by 2025.

“We committed that 100 percent of all our manufacturing plants will be running on RE. That is a commitment worldwide that all of our factories has to deliver by 2025,” said Nestlé PHL Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Jose Uy III in a forum.

Its factories in Luzon and main office in Makati uses 100 percent RE. This is in line with Nestlé’s commitment to achieve its global ambition of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

To further expand its RE program, the company is targeting to use RE for the operations of its factory in Cagayan de Oro. It is the only manufacturing facility outside of Luzon and the hub of Nescafé production in the country.

“We seek the help of the private sector, ECCP (European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines) and the government to help bring this into fruition because we really want to deliver our commitments,” Uy said.

As the government develops more policies and initiatives to promote clean energy use and production, private sector players are investing in RE to minimize their impact on the environment and become more sustainable. Towards increasing RE access in Mindanao, Nestlé PHL in partnership with the ECCP held a hybrid forum that gathered key stakeholders in the energy industry to discuss the important role of RE and service delivery in Mindanao as well as its current energy landscape.

Uy said a crucial mission in reducing the world’s total GHG emissions is the decarbonization of the power sector by shifting to renewable energy.

“As a food and beverage company, we protect nature because we depend on its gifts. This is why tackling climate change is a top priority for us with our Net Zero Roadmap focusing on sourcing responsibly, shaping a waste-free future, and transforming our operations.”

He noted that business-wise, switching to renewables is advantageous because it saves on energy costs, strengthens stakeholder relations, and enhances corporate sustainability.

“We can, as companies, reduce our GHG emissions by scaling up our clean energy competitiveness and innovations for a more sustainable environment. In doing so, we will help to harness the potential of renewable energy and contribute to the growth of the energy sector. It is a win-win proposition both for businesses and the planet,” he said.

Uy stressed the need for continuous collaboration between government and industry in overcoming the challenges of shifting to RE.

“There is great potential for renewable energy in Mindanao, offering timely opportunities for the energy industry. That is why we are holding this forum.”

The forum was held under the ECCP’s REPH100 Initiative, a private sector-driven effort supporting the Green Energy Option Program of the DOE.