MANILA, Philippines — NLEX Corp., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., plans to install solar power panels in more toll plazas of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to further boost sustainability efforts by lessening the company’s carbon footprint.
NLEX said the company has so far reduced its carbon footprint through solar photovoltaic power system installed in select toll plazas.
The tollway company first harnessed solar power in its Meycauayan southbound toll plaza in 2018 followed by the toll plazas in Balintawak, Bocaue, Mexico, Angeles, San Fernando southbound, and Harbor Link (Karuhatan) in 2019 to boost energy efficiency and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions along the expressway network.
“The things we do are guided by our commitment to the greater good. We are seizing the opportunity to do more for our motorists and environment by improving our operational efficiency and promoting sustainability. This is deeply ingrained as one of our core values,” NLEX president and general manager Luigi Bautista said.
NLEX said the total energy harvested for 2020 in select toll plazas was 171 megawatt-hours, which gained carbon emission savings of 134,232 kilograms or equivalent to 4,006 trees planted.
Aside from using solar power, NLEX has been incorporating sustainable energy in its operations through its LED lighting or energy efficient roadway lighting systems, closed circuit television cameras, and variable message signs.
NLEX since 2006 has been encouraging green practices by spearheading tree planting initiatives within the expressway.
It has been implementing the “Greening the NLEX” program to mitigate the effects of global warming and environmental imbalance.
The company has also been conducting monthly cleanup drive in the Tullahan River since 2010 together with volunteers from select host communities in Valenzuela City, Quezon City and Caloocan City.