1 July 2024 – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a landmark agreement with the Ayala group’s ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES) to power its headquarters in Mandaluyong with 100% renewable energy. Under the agreement, ACEN RES will power ADB’s facilities with renewable energy from ACEN’s portfolio of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. This move aligns with the development bank’s push to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

“As Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, ADB is committed to lowering its carbon footprint. This includes sourcing electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind,” said ADB vice-president for administration and corporate management Bruce Gosper.

“Despite the size of ADB headquarters, we have managed to consume less energy than other buildings with the same size and occupancy levels. As part of our sustainability efforts, we have continued to source electricity from renewable sources since 2014. We’ve also done what we can to consume less in areas of water and paper while producing less waste,” said ADB director general for corporate services Lakshmi Menon.

“We at ACEN are excited to expand our collaboration with the Asian Development Bank. ADB has been instrumental in driving the growth of our renewable energy portfolio in the Philippines and around the region through sustainable financing. I’m delighted to see the partnership being extended to the supply of clean energy to ADB’s headquarters, thereby strengthening our collaboration,” said ACEN president and CEO Eric Francia.

Powered by renewable energy badge

To recognize ADB’s commitment to renewable energy, ACEN RES awarded the development bank its ‘Powered by Renewable Energy’ seal. The badge is typically given to ACEN RES customers who choose a 100% renewable energy supply.

A turnover ceremony was held at the ADB headquarters. It was attended by ADB vice president Bruce Gosper, director general for corporate services Lakshmi Menon, and director general for private sector operations Suzanne Gaboury; and ACEN representatives, including president and CEO Eric Francia, chief finance officer and chief strategy officer Jonathan Back, senior vice president for Market Transformation Tony Valdez, senior vice president and head for corporate communications and sustainability Irene Maranan, and vice president for RES operations and head of account management Sheila Mina.

 

In photo (From L-R): Andrew Clinton, ADB senior adviser; Suzanne Gaboury, director general for private sector operations; Lakshmi Menon, director general for corporate services; Bruce Gosper, vice-president for administration and corporate management; Eric Francia, ACEN president and CEO; Irene Maranan, ACEN SVP and head of corporate communications and sustainability; Jonathan Back, CFO and chief strategy officer; Tony Valdez, SVP for market transformation