In a landmark shift toward sustainability, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality branch of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), has taken a major leap by signing a Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Skye Renewables, marking the beginning of a transition to solar power for several of its hotel properties.
At a signing ceremony held at Midtown Hall in Robinsons Cyberscape Alpha, RHR’s Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager, Barun Jolly, spoke passionately about the initiative’s significance, emphasising that RHR’s shift to renewable energy aligns deeply with RLC’s ethos of sustainability. “We have a responsibility to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy, and we sought a partner who could help us do that,” Jolly stated. “Skye Renewables met every one of our criteria for this journey.”
Leading with Solar Power
The partnership will bring solar energy to three hotels-Summit Hotel Naga, Go Hotels Plus Naga, and Grand Summit General Santos-which will soon be outfitted with rooftop solar systems, including advanced Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). This marks an essential first step in RHR’s broader sustainability strategy, with the goal of sourcing 10% of its energy from renewable sources.
Jolly noted that selecting Skye Renewables was a thoughtful process. “We evaluated numerous companies, but Skye’s expertise, agility, and commitment made them stand out,” he explained. In preparation for the project, Skye conducted thorough research, including shadow maps and output utilisation studies, which bolstered RHR’s confidence in Skye’s capabilities.
Three key factors-credibility, a tailored approach to RHR’s needs, and long-term commitment-guided the selection of Skye as a partner. Jolly emphasised that, for hotels, solar projects aren’t just about environmental responsibility-they’re also about economic strategy and asset protection. “Skye’s commitment to addressing installation impacts and proposing actionable solutions was truly reassuring,” he added.
A Broader Environmental Commitment
The solar power initiative is just one of RHR’s many steps toward environmental sustainability. RHR Vice President, Annalyn Yap shared that the company has already phased out single-use plastics in favour of bulk dispensers and introduced glass water bottles in its international brands. “These initiatives reflect our dedication to reducing plastic waste and enhancing overall sustainability,” Yap said.
Corporate Energy Head of Robinsons Land Corporation, Lucky Jay Damaso, underscored the positive environmental impact of the solar installations. He estimated that the solar project in Naga and General Santos will reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by around 10% to 15%, equivalent to about 460,000 kWh of renewable energy annually and over 326 metric tons of carbon dioxide avoided-the equivalent of planting 5,314 trees.
Future Expansion Plans
Currently, RHR operates 26 hotels across the Philippines, with plans to expand the solar initiative to additional properties if the pilot project succeeds. “This is just the beginning,” Jolly said. “If the pilot proves successful, we will consider rolling it out across our entire portfolio, including the four new hotels slated to open soon.”
Skye Renewables’ Head of Philippines, Gary Espino, expressed his excitement about the collaboration. “Partnering with RHR, one of the Philippines’ most iconic hospitality brands, aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver clean, cost-effective energy solutions across Southeast Asia,” Espino stated.
A Shared Dedication to Sustainability
RHR’s leadership stands firm in its commitment to sustainable practices. Yap noted, “We understand the role we play in the communities where we operate, and we take that responsibility seriously. We’re dedicated to protecting our planet, the only home we have.” Echoing these sentiments, Jolly added, “Our commitment to a greener future is unwavering. As one of the country’s largest hotel operators, we believe it’s our duty to lead by example in promoting sustainable practices.”
This partnership between Robinsons Hotels and Resorts and Skye Renewables sets a powerful precedent in the hospitality industry, demonstrating how business goals and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand. With the demand for green practices growing worldwide, this collaboration shines as a model for others to follow in achieving ambitious sustainability goals through innovative partnerships.
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