Zuellig Pharma, Asia’s leading healthcare solutions company, has recently signed a new strategic partnership with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES), the retail electricity arm of ACEN, to supply 100% renewable energy to power two major distribution facilities in the Philippines – the Santa Rosa Distribution Center and Canlubang Distribution Center.  

With the shift to 100% renewable energy from ACEN, the Santa Rosa and Canlubang Distribution Centers combined will reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 10,600 tons each year, equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by 92,739 trees in their lifetime (approximately 30 years).   

Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, are key in the fight against climate change, producing electricity without contributing to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The company’s Santa Rosa site had earlier been certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) facility with its use of renewable energy to support the requirements of its operations. 

This partnership falls under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) programme, a government initiative allowing high power-consuming end-users to choose their electricity suppliers. RCOA provides businesses such as Zuellig Pharma the opportunity to opt for renewable energy supply, solidifying their commitment to sustainability. 

ACEN RES provides a seamless transition to renewables of businesses without them incurring additional equipment costs or causing any power interruptions, bolstering their customers’ sustainability goals. 

Miguel de Jesus, chief operating officer of ACEN’s Philippine operations and head of the commercial operations group, said: "ACEN is thrilled to join forces with Zuellig Pharma, a company that shares our robust commitment to sustainability. We are proud to support Zuellig Pharma by powering their operations with clean, renewable energy." 

Jannette Jakosalem, market managing director, Zuellig Pharma Philippines said, “The switch to renewable energy for two key distribution facilities in the Philippines is an important milestone for us, as we work towards reducing our impact on the environment and our carbon footprint across our operations and supply chains. This is a clear testament to our dedication in combating climate change. We have a long-standing commitment to build a healthier and more sustainable future for all in Asia and will continue our efforts in making an impact on climate action.”  

Earlier this year, Zuellig Pharma was also awarded the platinum medal from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, for the third consecutive year, demonstrating its leadership in carbon management.  

The partnership with Zuellig Pharma extends the client sectors of ACEN RES further, now covering educational institutions, industrial plants, FMCG businesses, and office buildings. It represents an important step in ACEN's mission to foster a sustainable, low-carbon future for the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region. 

ACEN RES is the retail electricity unit of ACEN, an Ayala company with the largest capacity of new renewable energy in the country. ACEN is also the only Filipino-owned energy company with significant renewable energy assets in the Asia Pacific region consisting of mostly solar and wind plants in Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. 

In March 2023, ACEN became the first energy company in Southeast Asia to establish a robust Net Zero roadmap, which outlines near-term and long-term emission reduction targets by 2050. This decarbonisation strategy reaffirms the company’s climate ambitions as a leader in the region’s renewable energy space.