Meralco unit adopts ‘green’ way of life

The Meralco Development Center (MMLDC), located in the verdant hills of Antipolo, has been advocating a green way of life. One of MMLDC’s main advocacies as a foundation is environmental stewardship which is anchored on the center’s Quality, Environment, Safety and Health (QuESH) policy. 

MMLDC is also a zero-waste facility with an effective solid waste management program.

To further embody this advocacy, an electric jeep (e-jeep) is now roving inside the nine-hectare complex. The e-jeep is equipped with a five horsepower engine and runs solely on electricity. It can seat 17 persons and can be driven for eight hours after 10 hours of charging time.

“Aside from bringing our employees and guests efficiently around the center, the e-jeep is one of MMLDC’s instruments to stress our concern for the environment. It emits no pollution since it doesn’t require fuel to make it run,” said Agnes Fidelino, MMLDC managing director.

“All of these programs have produced major savings for the center. For example, electricity consumption per guest per day fell from 22.5 kw/hr in 2004 to only 16.5 kw/hr in 2007,” she said.

On the area of water conservation, MMLDC has been using the dual flush system and waterless urinals, and re-using the water from lagoons and ponds for watering plants. Watering of gardens is done at night to maximize water absorption. Furthermore, energy is conserved through the use of skylights/natural lighting in the academic/residence halls, and the usage of solar energy for pathway lights.

“This environmental stewardship also extends to our suppliers. MMLDC implements an environment-friendly policy on procurement by selecting products with minimum packaging – thus minimizing wastage in the long run. All these efforts are MMLDC’s contribution to protect the environment for the benefit of future generations,” added Agnes.

Reaching out to the community, MMLDC teaches communities and schools the importance of waste management and the operation of a materials recovery facility (MRF).  Schools are encouraged to maintain their own MRF with MMLDC’s own MRF as a model.

In 2007, 50 trainers were trained in two batches of Training the Trainers in Solid Waste Management. The first batch of trainers was able to orient and enlighten 100 teachers from the Sumulong Central School in Antipolo City.

For inquiries on MMLDC’s environmental advocacy programs, call the marketing Department at 632-8111 loc. 304 to 306, or e-mail: [email protected] or visit Web site: www.mmldc.org.