Telco giant – PLDT Group ensures responsible energy use and reduce carbon footprint as it submits its first report on sustainability to the Department of Energy by pushing for energy efficiency programs
The PLDT Group, which includes PLDT and its subsidiaries Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) and ePLDT, pointed out that being a conservationist is one of the key points that will ensure sustainable operations in the delivery of its products and services, and began to benchmark initiatives that aim to minimize its energy consumption.
“As greenhouse gas emissions arise from energy consumed in the operation of our business, particularly by our network, our offices and data centers, and emissions from our transport vehicles, the PLDT Group aims to do its share in protecting the environment through energy efficiency programs that will result in reducing our carbon footprint,” PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart Communications president and CEO Alfredo “Al” Panlilio said.
“The PLDT Group is conscious of its role in contributing to the planet preservation and is committed to ensuring the sustainability of our businesses including increased focus on energy efficiency in our operations,” Panlilio added.
On the other end, PLDT, will save approximately 60% from the upgrade of chillers in its facilities in Sampaloc, Ortigas, and Dansalan to maximize oil-free versions, which provide the highest efficiencies and reliability by eliminating conventional challenges brought about by oil issues.
The biggest single power consumer in any facility are chillers. Chillers typically consume 30 to 50 percent of a building’s power.
PLDT said the switch to oil-free magnetic bearing chillers eliminates the use of lubricating oil on chiller compressor bearings. This reduces bearing pressure, making the compressor more efficient and in turn, results in lower energy consumed.
The magnetic bearing adds assurance in reducing mechanical maintenance, which means the useful life of an equipment is not reduced by increased hours of operation.
Smart recently announced its attack into fuel cell-powered sites, an environment-friendly alternative that will synchronically address issues on connection in challenged-grid areas across the country.
The system is based on methanol-powered fuel, which can be combined with solar, wind and other renewable resources to present a sustainable, cost-effective eco-system.
ePLDT, the Information and Communication Technology arm of PLDT, which operates the group’s data center business, has also implemented various energy conservation programs since data centers are heavy consumers of power.
Among its programs are the replacement of old high power consumption equipment with new and more efficient machines and the installation of blanking panels that improve air flow efficiency and cold aisle containment which helps in efficiently maintaining the required temperature within the server.
With additional report: msn.com, Danessa Rivera
Image sources: TieBreaker Times, Nikkei Asia, Data Center Knowledge
