NLEX installs solar panels on major toll plazas to cut carbon footprint

NLEX Corporation is looking at reducing its carbon footprint even further. To do this, they recently started installing solar panels that can harness clean, renewable energy.

Currently, areas that are being fitted with solar panels include: Balintawak Barrier, Bocaue Barrier, Mexico Toll Plaza, Angeles Toll Plaza, San Fernando Southbound, and the Karuhatan Interchange Toll Plaza. These panels are tied directly to the grid and will supply electricity to some of the NLEX Corporation's key operations.

“We have since incorporated sustainable energy in our business operations as we already have solar-powered devices such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, emergency call boxes and roadway lighting. This time, we’re implementing it in our toll plazas not only to generate energy savings, but more importantly, to lessen our carbon footprint,” said Luigi L. Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corporation.

Targeted for completion by the end of this year, the company claims that this solar power project will result in better energy efficiency, provide cleaner air, as well as reduce carbon emissions along the expressway. When fully completed, NLEX Corporation estimated that this solar power project will be able to produce 430 kWh of electricity annually. This equates to about 108 tons of recycled wastes and more than 5000 tree seedlings grown in a decade.

“We are aware of the impact of infrastructure development on climate change. As an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) certified company, the NLEX Corporation strives to encourage green practices and comply with environmental responsibilities,” added Bautista.

With more infrastructures being put up along NLEX, including the ongoing Skyway Stage 3 project, the installation of solar panels will help lessen the expressway's dependence on the national grid.