ACEN Corporation

2023

Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia

ACEN Corporation

Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia

2023

about ACEN Corporation

“ACEN’s Eco Mission: A Transition to Renewables”

ACEN embraces a greener future with renewable energy solutions.

ACEN Corporation (“ACEN”), established in 2011 and registered in Manila, Philippines, emerged as a major player in the energy sector, initially relying heavily on thermal-fossil fuel capacity. However, acknowledging the global shift to renewable energy and increased demand for sustainability, ACEN transitioned in 2016, scaling up renewables and divesting fossil fuel assets. In 2019, it transformed into Ayala Corporation’s listed renewable energy platform, consolidating all renewable investments and expanding them across the Asia Pacific. ACEN’s core mission is to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon future and actively contribute to sustainability goals.

ACEN’s core mission is to actively contribute to the world’s transition to a low-carbon future. While divestment from coal plants and reinvestment in renewables is celebrated by investors, ACEN acknowledges the importance of responsible divestment, ensuring that emissions are managed transparently and ethically. As a result, ACEN announced its commitment to transition from a thermal-oriented portfolio to 100% renewables generation by 2025. Additionally, the company became the first energy company in Southeast Asia to develop and align with a comprehensive Net Zero roadmap, following a 1.5°C pathway for the power sector.

The company publishes an annual Integrated Report that outlines its sustainability efforts, aligning with various global standards and guidelines, including the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Standards, Global Reporting Initiative Standards, Integrated Reporting, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Carbon Disclosure Project.

ACEN’s sustainability strategy focuses on key Environmental, Economic, and Social (“EES”) impact areas, derived from stakeholder interests and identified through a comprehensive management process. These include biodiversity assessments, forest and land conversion, endangered species protection, management of migratory species, and conservation of water resources and aquatic habitats. The company is committed to protecting and conserving biodiversity and managing living natural resources sustainably.

Incorporating EES considerations into its product and service design and delivery is at the core of ACEN’s strategy. The global energy crisis has reinforced the importance of securing a reliable and affordable electricity supply. ACEN‘s ACEN 2030 vision aims to reach 20 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, aligning with its commitment to become a Net Zero company by 2050. While transitioning away from coal-fired generation, ACEN strives for a responsible divestment through mechanisms like the Energy Transition Mechanism.

ACEN is also dedicated to managing EES impacts across its value chain, engaging with suppliers, contractors, and third parties. Its Environmental and Social Policy and Environmental and Social Management System help assess environmental and social risks and formulate action plans to manage these risks.

To reduce its environmental footprint, ACEN has implemented circularity initiatives to recycle plastic waste from solar plant construction, demonstrating a commitment to resource efficiency. Additionally, the company has adopted ISO certification standards for quality management, environmental management, and occupational health and safety management, maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and adhering to global operating standards.

ACEN’s initiatives extend to creating a safe, productive, and supportive workplace. The company invests in its employees, fostering a safe, inclusive, and diverse work environment, and conducting regular safety training and risk management processes to ensure the well-being of its employees.

ACEN’s sustainability is ensured through rigorous governance structures, including committees like Sustainability, ESG, and Risk & Health. Oversight is further driven by a dedicated Sustainability business unit led by the Vice President for Sustainability. This framework reinforces ACEN’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible decision-making.

Community engagement is another cornerstone of ACEN’s commitment to sustainability. The company invests in the socio-economic progress of communities where it operates, collaborating with local governments, state agencies, and conservation groups to create long-term value. In 2022, ACEN invested over ₱123 million in its host communities, benefiting thousands of individuals, families, and communities.