Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. hailed as PH sustainability champion

As an innovator of sustainable energy solutions, Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) was recently conferred the 2021 Europa Award for Clean and Efficient Energy by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

The special award recognizes sustainability business leaders who have best incorporated the use of clean and efficient energy practices in their day-to-day operations while at the same time supporting efforts to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent by 2030 to help in climate change mitigation as stipulated in the Paris Agreement of 2016.

“This is another feather in our cap, and we extend our utmost gratitude to the ECCP for recognizing SPEX as a champion of sustainability in the Philippines,” SPEX Engineering and Projects Manager Rhea Abigail Navarro said during the virtual awarding ceremony.

“We remain committed to our vision of providing the Philippines clean and efficient energy sources that will help the planet, power the nation, and empower our people,” she added.

According to one of the award jurors, Ambassador Luc Veron of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, the awards “exist to recognize Filipino companies with exceptional contributions to sustainability in line with the Philippine Development Plan and global standards.”

“Sustainability requires a whole-of-society approach. We all must act now to protect the environment and to boost the green economy,” the ambassador said.

“It is no longer business as usual. Sustainability cannot just be a slogan; rather it should be the standard. There is a paradigm shift taking place,” added ECCP Vice President Lars Wittig.

The Malampaya Deepwater Gas-to-Power Project (Malampaya), operated by SPEX, signaled the birth of the country's natural gas industry, ultimately becoming a symbol of the Philippines' journey toward energy self-sufficiency.

As the longest-running energy company in the country, the Malampaya harnessed indigenous natural gas to reduce oil imports, contribute to better air quality, and generate significant revenues for the local government amounting to over P1 trillion.

Since October 2001, Malampaya continues to power up at least 20 percent of the country’s electricity. It has also made Luzon’s air cleaner since natural gas emits 30-50 percent less air emissions compared to coal, fuel oil, or diesel.

Malampaya has also positively and significantly impacted many communities with various conservation efforts through its social development arms, the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI), and Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Inc. (MBCFI).

“Sustainability has always been at the core of Shell. It is ingrained in our operations and business framework. We have always seen to it that sustainability is part of our planning process and not just something to do midway or as an afterthought,” Navarro said.

This latest recognition from the ECCP is a testament to SPEX’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and its innovative and pioneering spirit in serving the Filipino nation, said SPEX External Relations Manager Paulo Gavino said.

“Malampaya may be an energy company, but what it really does is power a country and its people toward progress. A company by Filipinos and for Filipinos is definitely here to stay,” Gavino added.