The Philippines’ Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a global leader in renewable energy and environmental stewardship, has been recognized as Asia’s Green Company of the Year by the ACES Awards. This accolade highlights EDC’s unwavering commitment to advancing the country’s renewable energy industry while spearheading innovative ecological programs that restore forest lands, combat climate change, and foster biodiversity.
Driving the Clean Energy Revolution
As the Philippines’ largest renewable energy company, EDC plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s sustainable energy landscape. With an installed capacity of nearly 1,500 megawatts (MW), EDC accounts for approximately 20 percent of the country’s total renewable energy production. Notably, its geothermal power plants generate 80 percent of the Philippines’ geothermal energy, providing a stable and reliable source of clean power. However, EDC’s vision extends beyond clean energy—it is at the forefront of building a regenerative and decarbonized future.
BINHI: Restoring Forests, Protecting Biodiversity
At the core of EDC’s environmental and social responsibility efforts is BINHI, its flagship environmental restoration and biodiversity conservation program. Launched in 2008, BINHI—meaning “seed” in Filipino—has become a symbol of EDC’s long-term commitment to environmental regeneration.
BINHI focuses on propagating endangered native tree species, restoring degraded forest lands, and protecting biodiversity. Over the past 15 years, the program has planted nearly seven million trees across over 10,000 hectares of forest lands, including protected areas. Through strategic partnerships, EDC has successfully rescued and propagated 145 rare and endangered Philippine tree species, with 10 species removed from the IUCN Red List due to conservation efforts.
Empowering Communities through Sustainable Livelihoods
EDC’s approach to environmental regeneration is deeply rooted in community empowerment. Through BINHI, the company has forged partnerships with 88 local farmer associations, providing training and resources for sustainable agroforestry.
One of the most notable initiatives under BINHI is the Baslay Coffee Program in Negros Oriental, where former slash-and-burn farmers transitioned into sustainable coffee producers. This model has been replicated in other regions, such as Leyte and North Cotabato, where EDC has partnered with farmers’ cooperatives to promote sustainable coffee farming. These initiatives not only protect forests but also provide stable livelihoods, transforming local communities into environmental stewards.
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Leading the Decarbonization of the Energy Grid
EDC’s commitment to a fossil fuel-free Philippines is evident in its diverse renewable energy portfolio, which includes geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power. By prioritizing baseload renewable energy, EDC is helping the country reduce its reliance on coal and other fossil fuels.
Each year, EDC’s clean energy operations help avoid nearly six million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, making a significant impact on the Philippines’ carbon footprint. Moreover, EDC’s watershed management programs ensure that the forests surrounding its geothermal plants absorb more carbon than the company emits. In 2023 alone, these forests sequestered 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, significantly offsetting its 1.1 million tonnes of operational emissions.
Scaling Up for a Regenerative Future
Looking ahead, EDC is poised to expand its environmental and energy initiatives even further. The company has set ambitious targets, including expanding its low-carbon energy portfolio to 9,000 megawatts by 2030, scaling up nature-based solutions to enhance carbon sequestration, and continuing to propagate endangered Philippine tree species while restoring critical forest ecosystems.
For EDC, this ACES Award is a testament to its enduring commitment to renewable energy and environmental regeneration. As the world faces increasing challenges from climate change, EDC continues to lead by example, proving that business success and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
