FIFTEEN companies are vying for the sustainability champions award at The Manila Times’ “Sustainability Champions Awards: Envisioning our Green Future,” in cooperation with PwC Isla Lipana & Co.

“To win the Grand Sustainability Champion today, we seek companies that showcase innovative solutions driving meaningful environmental and societal change both locally and globally,” PwC Isla Lipana & Co. Executive Director Allan Cao said.

Among the competing sustainable companies are SM Investments Corp., Manila Electric Railroad and Light Co. or Meralco, Manila Water, San Miguel Corp., Globe Telecom, Megaworld Corp., Toyota Motors Philippines, Philippine Airlines, First Gen Corp., Robinsons Land Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp., Vista Land, Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority. Three of these companies will be named sustainability champions, in no particular order.

Each of the companies will be judged according to the initiative, impact, inclusiveness, and integration of its sustainability programs. Initiative pertains to the persistent and consistent action that blends into its corporate practices. Impact pertains to the effects observed of these programs toward individuals, communities, institutions and other relevant sectors.

On the other hand, Inclusiveness pertains to the program’s openness to the involvement of all parties, groups and sectors, effectively reducing inequality with its integration. Lastly, Integration pertains to the program’s collaborative and participative approach, engaging communities as a leader.

“By calculating our carbon footprint and developing a Net Zero Emission roadmap, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental responsibility and industry excellence,” Ann Ang Thompson, CEO of The Manila Times, said.

Blanca Mercado, president and COO of The Manila Times, said that the groundbreaking initiative “reflects our dedication to innovation and responsibility. We aspire to inspire transformative action by embedding sustainability at the very core of our operations.”

The board of judges is composed of Cao, UN Sasakawa Laureate and Science Diplomat Glenn Banaguas, Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia Secretary General Santi Dumlao, Palafox Associates Founder and Managing Partner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., Water.org Regional Director for Southeast Asia Griselda “Gay” Santos, Institute of Corporate Directors Vice Chairman Ida Tiongson, and Executive Director of the Young Environmental Forum and The Manila Times Columnist Ludwig Federigan.

15 companies vie for 'Sustainability Champions' award

For Banaguas, the main basis for these companies should be the estimation of their carbon footprint and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG).

“Once they are able to do this, that’s the only time that they can create their net-zero emission road map. We do not want greenwashing. They have to provide strategies on how they’re going to reduce their GHG and carbon footprint for the succeeding years.” He added the importance of following guidelines set by the government, undergoing environmental impact assessment, and submitting requirements to the responsible government agencies.

Tiongson highlighted the importance of the sustainability awards, saying, “This competition is more than a recognition; it is a powerful reminder that sustainability is now a benchmark of true corporate leadership, shaping not just profit but our shared value.”

15 companies vie for 'Sustainability Champions' award

Aside from basing on the four I’s of the criteria, Palafox is looking for companies that have made significant improvements, especially in addressing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, not just in their respective sector.

Similarly for Santos, it’s going beyond Corporate Social Governance for the sake of a check in the box; it has to be scientific in nature.

“What is that extra mile that differentiates them to achieve sustainability for the nation? It cannot be something that’s inherent in their business model, but something really unique that makes them different in their approach to sustainability,” Santos said., This news data comes from:http://onqgddt.052298.com

Dumlao is looking forward to companies that not only have initiative but “finishative” — the intention to push through their sustainability projects up to the end instead of merely starting them. These projects should also have a continuing impact that goes beyond generations.

”[They must] embed the sustainability DNA, so to speak, in the whole corporation and community they serve,” Dumlao said.

Federigan said the key qualities of a Grand Sustainability Champion include, among others, a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility; the ability to inspire and mobilize others toward a common sustainability goal; the ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and communities; and the effective ability to communicate sustainability issues and successes to various audiences.

“It must be data-driven and must lead to transformative change — both for the organization and the communities they served,” he said.