As sustainability becomes a key focus for businesses, Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) is making strides in environmental responsibility. By adopting practices like solar power, LED lighting, and water conservation, MRSGI is working to lessen its environmental impact and contribute to the ongoing evolution of sustainable retail practices in the Philippines.
This proactive approach reflects more than just a response to industry trends. It demonstrates MRSGI’s dedication to aligning with global sustainability goals and meeting the rising consumer demand for eco-friendly practices. By balancing financial prudence with a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship, MRSGI addresses current needs while contributing to a more sustainable future.
“We are deeply committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations,” said Manuel Alberto, President and COO of MRSGI. “Our work is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a desire to make a lasting impact. It requires hard work, innovation, and perseverance, but we are dedicated to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in environmental stewardship.”
Harnessing the Power of the Sun
MRSGI’s journey towards sustainability began in 2017 with the installation of solar panels at its Super Metro Carcar store. Since then, the company has expanded its solar power initiative to seven additional locations: Super Metro Lapu-Lapu, Super Metro Talisay in Negros Occidental, Super Metro Calbayog, Metro Banilad, Metro Carmen, Metro Canduman, and Super Metro Naga Camsur. These installations generate clean energy and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions of nearly 420 tons of carbon, positively impacting the environment.
With a total of nearly 3 Megawatt peak (MWP) of solar capacity installed across these seven locations, MRSGI can meet almost 15% of its energy needs through renewable sources. This shift to solar power aligns with MRSGI’s broader sustainability goals, which focus on energy reduction and cost efficiency. As part of its commitment to renewable energy, MRSGI is also expanding its solar installations to additional stores, further advancing its sustainability efforts.
Illuminating the Path to Energy Efficiency
In parallel with its solar power initiative, MRSGI has undertaken a comprehensive LED lighting conversion across its stores. Nearly 20 stores have been fully converted to LED lighting, resulting in significant energy savings and reduced operational costs. This shift to energy-efficient lighting has enhanced the quality of in-store lighting, improved the overall customer experience, and reduced MRSGI’s energy consumption by around 10%, equivalent to about 830,000 KWH per month.
“Our ongoing sustainability initiatives are central to our strategy of reducing operational costs while enhancing our environmental impact,” said Joel Orense, CFO of MRSGI. “By focusing on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and cost-effective solutions, we ensure that MRSGI remains a responsible and forward-thinking leader in the retail industry.”
Conserving Water, Protecting the Future
Water conservation is another key area of focus for MRSGI. The company has introduced Air Handling Unit (AHU) condensate, cooling tower blowdown, and rainwater recovery systems in five of its stores: Metro Mandaue, Super Metro Lapu-Lapu, Super Metro Colon, Metro Alabang, and Metro Angeles. These systems are designed to capture and reuse water, reducing water consumption and supporting sustainable resource management.
Although still in the early stages, these water conservation efforts are making a meaningful contribution to MRSGI’s sustainability agenda, acquiring about 1,600 cubic meters of recycled water monthly. The company is exploring opportunities to expand these systems to more stores in the future, further enhancing its environmental stewardship.
A Long-Term Vision for Sustainability
These sustainability initiatives, backed by a significant capital investment of about PhP230 million, are integral to MRSGI’s long-term vision of embedding environmental responsibility into the company’s core operations. By focusing on solar power, LED lighting, and water conservation, MRSGI is setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the retail industry.
“Looking ahead, we are excited to build on our current achievements and continue expanding our sustainability efforts,” said Alberto. “Our goal is to explore innovations and practices that will further reduce our environmental footprint and enhance our contributions to a sustainable future. We believe that by embracing these opportunities, MRSGI will not only drive positive change but also secure our position as a leader in responsible retailing.
To date, Metro Retail operates a total of 69 branches across Luzon and the Visayas under the store formats Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, and Metro Value Mart. In line with its commitment to sustainable growth, MRSGI continues to aggressively expand its retail network.
