CALAX wants to be a clean and green expressway

MPTC highlights its plan to decarbonize CALAX

Ever since CALAX opened the Silang East section, the expressway has helped motorists get from Mamplasan in Binan, Laguna to Silang East in Cavite. It still has a long way to go before the expressway is complete, but CALAX is already looking at ways to make it more environmentally friendly.

Recently, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the company managing CALAX, showcased its plans to decarbonize its facilities in CALAX as a way to help the environment.

“This is in alignment with the company’s commitment to build with least disruption to the communities and the environment, and supporting Philippines’ first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 75% by the year 2030,” said Christopher Lizo, Chief Finance Officer and Senior Executive Sponsor for Sustainability, MPTC.

One of the ways CALAX plans to reduce its reliance on carbon-based energy is through the use of green energy sources. For instance, the existing toll plazas of the operational sections of the expressway are already equipped with solar panels. These allow the toll plazas to not only save on power but also reduce their carbon footprint.

CALAX claims that since they have started using them since May 2021, they have avoided 10,200 kg worth of carbon dioxide emissions – equivalent to planting 304 trees. All future toll plazas and offices will also have provisions for solar panel installation, further reducing the expressway's carbon footprint.

Speaking of trees, the company is also implementing carbon offset initiatives by planting more trees and creating biodiverse areas along CALAX. The planting of additional trees will offset the company's emissions, and the emissions of vehicles using the expressway. Areas of green spaces were developed in various locations along the expressway including Mamplasan Entry/Exit (2500 sqm.), Santa Rosa Interchange (8500 sqm.), and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Entry/Exit (425 sqm.). The company plans to plant 20,000 trees by the end of 2022.

In addition, the company will also extensively use LED lighting and utilize energy-efficient equipment like air-conditioning and refrigerators. For them, this will improve the company's energy efficiency measures.

As the company looks towards making its roadways more sustainable, MPTC says that aside from CALAX, they are also looking for ways to make CAVITEX, NLEX, and SCTEX more environmentally friendly.