Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), the property development arm of the Gokongwei group, plans to continue expanding the installation of solar power generation panels across its malls, particularly amid the ongoing energy crisis.

Through Robinsons Malls, the company has been installing solar power generation panels in malls with suitably flat rooftops, with nearly half of its 57 malls nationwide already equipped with the systems.

“We’re partnering with our affiliate, Merbau Corp. They want to keep on increasing their capacity. We offer our rooftops,” said RLC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio.

Merbau, the renewable energy (RE) arm of JG Summit Holdings Inc., serves as the primary solar energy provider of Robinsons Malls.

Through its partnership with RLC, Merbau installs rooftop-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on malls and industrial warehouses to support daily operations using clean energy.

Aragon-GoBio added: “On our own, if there are opportunities for us to keep on expanding our capacity, then we do so, because we want to increase our RE reliance, rather than on the conventional sources of energy.”

Meanwhile, in support of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) power-saving campaign, RLC said it will voluntarily switch off non-essential lights and reduce unnecessary electricity consumption in all its 57 malls nationwide for one hour every week.

“Sustainability remains an important part of how we operate and engage with the communities we serve,” said Aragon-GoBio, emphasizing the role of private-sector participation in promoting energy-saving practices.

RLC recently partnered with the DOE to launch “O.N.E.: Oras Natin sa Efficiency” at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, a nationwide advocacy campaign encouraging Filipinos to adopt practical and consistent energy-saving habits.

“At a time when responsible energy use has become increasingly critical, we recognize the role of the private sector in translating sustainability goals into practical, everyday action. Through our partnership with the DOE, we are proud to support initiatives that encourage awareness and participation in energy-efficient practices across communities nationwide,” Aragon-GoBio said.

The O.N.E. campaign encourages households, businesses, institutions, and public establishments to participate in a coordinated weekly energy reduction window every Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Through Robinsons Malls, RLC said it will support the campaign by safely shutting down or dimming non-essential lighting across its properties nationwide during the designated hour.

These include decorative, accent, and display lighting, as well as lights in areas not actively in use, provided that safety and essential operations are maintained.

“At Robinsons Malls, we recognize that sustainability must be translated into everyday operational practices across our developments. Our participation in the DOE’s O.N.E. campaign reinforces our commitment to reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort and service for our customers,” said RLC Executive Vice President and Group Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Malls and Robinsons Destination Estates Faraday Go.

Robinsons Malls Deputy General Manager Maria Kristina Real-Lim said the initiative is expected to reduce electricity consumption by 10 to 25 percent through the dimming or shutdown of non-essential lighting and equipment.

“This will be done every week and we can extend it from this year until next year,” she added.

Apart from the campaign, Aragon-GoBio said Robinsons Malls, together with other retailers under the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), has also agreed to shorten mall operating hours to help conserve energy during the oil crisis.

“We’re also adopting a lot of other measures to make sure that we do a lot more of these energy efficiency initiatives and programs,” she said, adding that the company is also implementing water conservation programs.

In line with its “Building Better Lives” mission, RLC said it continues to adopt energy-efficient technologies, solar power systems, optimized LED lighting, and natural daylight design as part of its long-term strategy for responsible property operations.