The country’s largest fully integrated telco has begun a new round of energy performance audits, starting with facilities in Pampanga and Batangas, with succeeding inspections scheduled for sites in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational resource efficiency—aimed at boosting network reliability and customer experience while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Why it matters
According to PLDT vice president and head of network facilities & field operations Alvin Ilano, network infrastructure remains one of the group’s most resource-intensive segments.
“In 2024, our network sites and facilities accounted for 86 percent of the PLDT Group’s total energy consumption. These audit sessions are crucial in generating targeted improvements that reduce our overall usage and directly impact both network reliability and cost-effectiveness,” Ilano said.
How the audits work
Audit teams conduct site inspections to assess various factors that influence energy efficiency, including:
Beyond technical assessments, the sessions also aim to equip PLDT and Smart field personnel with practical energy management skills—helping them analyze performance data, identify inefficiencies, and take proactive steps to improve operations.
“By gathering firsthand insights from the field and engaging directly with employees, we gain a more accurate view of operational realities and craft more responsive strategies,” Ilano added.
The big picture
PLDT and Smart are working toward deploying a comprehensive energy management system aligned with global standards, strengthening the Group’s long-term sustainability roadmap.
PLDT and Smart chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios said the effort supports the group’s goals of reducing operational GHG emissions.
“Efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand. Every improvement in energy use not only boosts performance and lowers costs—it also reduces emissions and supports our commitment to a low-carbon future,” she said.
The PLDT Group is targeting a 40-percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, driven by initiatives that lower fuel and energy use and increase reliance on cleaner energy sources. These programs support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
