PLDT and Smart shared how they are proactively working towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across their operations, as aligned with their support for the Philippines to realize country-level commitments to the Paris Agreement and to the global ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
During the presentation, PLDT and Smart emphasized how their sustainability roadmap is underpinned by operational initiatives that include pursuing resource optimization for energy efficiency, increasing the share of renewables in their energy mix, and leveraging innovations to reduce its Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 40% come 2030.
“PLDT’s sustainability journey is more than a vision; it’s a commitment to impactful, measurable change that resonates throughout our operations,” PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa V. Vergel de Dios.
Amid inherent challenges in achieving ambitious sustainability targets, PLDT and Smart have been effective in creating shared goals and maintaining momentum in their efforts through transparent data management, ensuring organization alignment, and partnerships with like-minded organizations.
PLDT and Smart highlighted ongoing resource optimization measures, such as the transition of multiple sites to up to 100% renewable energy, solar installations, smart power management, and network upgrades from copper to energy-efficient fiber technology. These measures lower both emissions and operating costs and GHG emissions.
Beyond energy and operational efficiencies, PLDT and Smart are also making strides in using technology to enable nature-based climate solutions to enhance carbon sequestration, climate adaptation, and conserve biodiversity in the country.
Through collaborative projects with selected suppliers and industry partners, PLDT and Smart deployed systems that leverage wireless connectivity, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud, and Machine Learning, to monitor and conserve mangrove and rainforest ecosystems. In addition, the group also pursues research partnerships with the academe on marine protected areas and peatlands to reinforce the protection of natural carbon sinks in support of the development of a carbon credit market mechanism in the Philippines.
HSBC Philippines organized the forum as part of its own journey toward net zero operations and a sustainable supply chain, highlighting PLDT’s commitment as an example for other corporations. Together, PLDT and HSBC demonstrate the critical role of partnerships in enabling meaningful progress toward a low-carbon economy, benefiting both the nation and future generations.