Alfamart, the minimart chain under SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), said Monday it installed its first solar project in its distribution center in Silang, Cavite.
SMIC said in a statement Alfamart installed 117 solar panels, equivalent to 55,370 watts in the roof deck of its 30,000-square-meter distribution center.
The company targets to finish the second phase of the project with an additional 100,000 watts by December 2023 to lessen the reliance of the distribution center on the community’s power supply while also lessening power costs and its carbon emissions
“As Alfamart continues to expand and reach out to different areas, we are cognizant of our impact on the environment and the community. We are committed to integrating sustainability in our operations as we continue to serve communities,” said Alfamart chief operating officer Harvey Ong.
SMIC said Alfamart is also keen on replicating the initiative in its new stores depending on this initial phase. The company has a total of 1,590 stores as of September 2023.
The solar panels are designed to power the operations of Alfamart’s back offices despite the changing seasons. Any excess of generated electricity is utilized by the 24/7 operational warehouse.
SMIC said Alfamart and all its four distribution centers in Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga and Laguna were strengthening their initiatives towards sustainability by using electric forklifts and electric movers in their operations. Jenniffer B. Austria
The company has been using these electric forklifts and electric movers since the start of operations in 2014.
Alfamart Philippines is a joint venture between SMIC and Alfamart, one of the leading retailers with more than 21,000 mini-marts in Indonesia.
Alfamart offers a wide assortment of products catering to daily needs including a selection of basic groceries, SM Bonus products, fresh and frozen goods, snacks and personal care items.