NLEX Corporation has started shifting to electric vehicles in its fleet to help reduce the carbon footprint of its expressway operations.

In a statement, the tollway company said it now has six electric vehicles (EV) and eight more are expected to be delivered this month.

NLEX Corporation president and general manager, J. Luigi L. Bautista said, “Electric vehicles create a lower carbon footprint over the course of their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The transition to electric vehicles for company vehicles, which we started last year, is an impactful way to integrate sustainability into our day- to-day operations.”

To further facilitate the integration of e-vehicles into the company’s transportation network, an EV charging station is being built in its Sta. Rita office in Bulacan and is targeted to be completed by next month while another charging station will be built in its Balintawak office by the 3rd quarter of this year.

These EV charging stations will use solar energy capable of charging an e-vehicle battery from 0 percent to 85 percent in only 40 minutes.

Shifting to an e-vehicle fleet is also part of NLEX’s sustainability efforts as an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 50001 (Energy Management System) and Integrated Management System (IMS) certified company.

“This year, we will also broaden the use of renewable and solar energy in our premises, and we will execute even the simplest greening initiatives we possibly can, to contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future,” said Bautista.

Aside from the use of electric vehicles, the company also advances its use of solar power roofing and solar perimeter lighting system in the parking areas of the NLEX offices.

Targeted to be completed by the 3rd quarter of this year, the tollway company aims to reduce electricity consumption by using solar energy in its workplace.

In addition, three NLEX technical shelters are now being run by solar energy. Telecoms systems are installed in these shelters, allowing functionality of NLEX’s phones and intercoms in case of power outage.

Another significant contribution to sustainability is the construction of the six rainwater recovery systems located in Dolores, Dinalupihan, Floridablanca,, Mabiga, Clark North and South.

Each of these can store and repurpose approximately 81,000 liters of water that are being used in SCTEX areas.

Meanwhile, over 10,067 trees were planted through last year’s Greening the NLEX program. Additionally, 28.57 tons of residual waste were reduced through the strict implementation of proper waste segregation and prohibition of single-use plastics within NLEX’s premises and corporate activities.

This year, the company has committed to planting another 10,000 more trees as part of this continuing program.

“There is no effort too small in trying to make a change in our environment. Even simple waste segregation makes a huge impact in rescuing our planet. We at NLEX assure the public that we will continue our journey towards a greener tomorrow,” Bautista pointed out.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.