Unilever, First Gen ink renewable energy pact

Unilever Philippines has signed an agreement with Lopez group power arm First Gen Corp. through its licensed Retail Electricity Supplier, First Gen Energy Solution Inc., for the supply of renewable energy to Unilever’s Paco and Pasig facilities. 

The power purchase agreement between the two companies, signed last May 2, 2017, will enable the entire Unilever Philippines’ operations to be powered by clean and sustainable sources of energy.

The switch to renewable sources of energy for its Paco and Pasig facilities provides Unilever with sustainable, secure and stable energy.

“The partnership between Unilever and First Gen underscores our commitment to sustainable manufacturing operations. We continually improve the way we manufacture, distribute, and operate so that we can positively impact our customers, communities, and the environment,” Unilever Philippines Chairman and CEO Benjie Yap said.

Unilever Philippines and First Gen earlier signed a power purchase agreement for Unilever’s Cavite facility that is 100 percent powered by geothermal energy.

These measures are part of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, which includes a bold ambition to be carbon positive in its operations by 2030, with 100 percent of energy requirements coming from renewable sources.

“I admire the strategic stance taken by Unilever because it takes a steadfast, long-term vision and discipline to stay the course—committed to sustainability in a world where shareholders, competitors, and other stakeholders place so much short-term pressure on revenues, returns, net income, and share prices,” First Gen Chairman Federico Lopez said. RIZA LOZADA