RLC eyes wider rooftop solar system rollout across its malls
Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is looking to expand rooftop solar installations across its mall network as the property developer ramps up efforts to increase its use of renewable energy.
In a chance interview with reporters, RLC president and CEO Mybelle Aragon-GoBio said the company planned to add more solar capacity wherever feasible, in line with its broader sustainability strategy.
“Wherever there is an opportunity to do more of those solar installations, then yes,” Aragon-GoBio said.
She said the Gokongwei-led developer currently has rooftop solar systems in nearly half of its malls nationwide, or 27 out of 57 properties.
Aragon-GoBio said RLC was working with affiliate renewable energy arm Merbau Corp. to further grow its renewable energy footprint.
“They want to keep on increasing their capacity. We offer our rooftops,” she said, adding that the company was also exploring opportunities to expand installations on its own.
The executive said the company wanted to increase its renewable energy reliance instead of depending heavily on conventional power sources.
Still, she noted that rooftop configurations remained one of the challenges in expanding installations.
“The challenge is on the rooftop sometimes, our equipment is there,” Aragon-GoBio said.
She noted that solar panels required flat and suitable spaces for deployment.
The planned expansion comes as Robinsons Malls partnered with the Department of Energy (DOE) for the nationwide “O.N.E.: Oras Natin sa Efficiency” campaign, which encourages Filipinos to adopt energy-saving practices.
The campaign, launched at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, calls on households, businesses and institutions to participate in a weekly energy reduction window every Monday from 8 pm to 9 pm by switching off nonessential lighting and reducing unnecessary electricity use.
As part of the initiative, Robinsons Malls said it would dim or shut down nonessential lighting across its properties nationwide during the designated hour while ensuring safety and uninterrupted operations.
These include decorative, accent and display lights as well as lights in areas not actively in use.
Aragon-GoBio said sustainability remained central to the company’s operations and community engagement efforts.
“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,” she said.
RLC added that it continued to invest in energy-efficient technologies, optimized LED lighting and natural daylight design as part of its long-term approach to responsible property operations.
