RCBC Plaza Powers Up with Green Energy Through Partnership with Ayala’s ACEN RES

The iconic RCBC Plaza is setting a new benchmark for sustainable office buildings in the Philippines by transitioning to 100% renewable energy. This shift comes through a partnership with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES), the retail electricity arm of the Ayala Group.

This initiative represents a significant step forward for RCBC Plaza in demonstrating its commitment to environmental leadership. As the first IT zone in Makati designated by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, RCBC Plaza is known for its two office towers, four-level podium, and extensive amenities. These include the 450-seat Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, the Yuchengco Museum, a 200-seat chapel, banking chambers, convenience and service shops, a food court, seven levels of basement parking, lecture and seminar rooms, and an open-air courtyard.

In 2018, RCBC Plaza became the first multi-tenanted building in the Philippines to achieve the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) EBOM Gold certification. This certification was renewed in March 2024, further highlighting the complex’s dedication to sustainability.

With its switch to renewable energy, RCBC Plaza has earned a “Powered by Renewable Energy” badge from ACEN RES, a first-of-its-kind recognition program in the Philippines that acknowledges businesses committed to using 100% renewable energy. This initiative aims to inspire other companies to adopt similar practices.

Beyond securing renewable energy, the partnership between RCBC Plaza and ACEN RES also reflects broader commitments. Notably, RCBC, a banking unit of the Yuchengco Group, was instrumental in enabling ACEN’s shift towards renewable energy by facilitating the divestment of its thermal asset, South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC), through a pioneering Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). This ETM concept, the first in South and Southeast Asia, was piloted by the Asian Development Bank.

Eric Francia, President and CEO of ACEN, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to partner with RCBC Plaza in their shift to 100% renewable energy. By choosing ACEN RES, they are enabling ACEN to develop more renewable energy capacity, help the country achieve its target to increase the share of renewables, and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.”

Lorenzo Tan, President and CEO of RCBC Realty Corporation, which owns RCBC Plaza, also commented on the transition: “Transitioning to renewable energy aligns perfectly with our vision for RCBC Plaza. This decision not only benefits the environment but also positions us as the premier destination for environmentally-conscious businesses seeking a world-class office space with a commitment to sustainability.”

The partnership was facilitated through the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) program, a government initiative that allows qualified electricity consumers to choose their supplier. Although the program does not require renewable energy selection, RCBC Plaza’s decision sets a powerful example, encouraging others to explore renewable energy options.