Natural Capital
Managing our resources for greater sustainability
At a Glance
In the case of EDC, this includes resources such as steam fields, wind and solar energy sources, and various water sources. This also includes our geothermal reservations and reforested areas which serve as carbon sinks, which neutralize or sequester the emissions generated by our economic activity.
Given this dependence on natural resources, EDC is keenly aware that our activities may have a negative impact on the environment. It is critical, therefore, that we carefully address and manage these impacts to ensure a healthy environment that can continue to support society’s energy needs, and the livelihood and well-being of our partner communities.
As a clean and renewable energy provider, EDC is in a good position to participate and contribute to the climate solution.
BINHI Green Legacy Program
BINHI, the nationwide greening program of EDC, continues the good work it has been doing for more than a decade. Since 2008, EDC BINHI has forwarded its advocacy of restoring denuded forests, preserving and propagating threatened native tree species, and protecting biodiversity, all to leave a legacy of a verdant Philippines for the next generation.
In 2019, EDC BINHI completed the population survey for another 10 priority native tree species.
Additionally, EDC BINHI also established its third Vegetative Materials Reproduction (VMR) nursery in Mt. Apo, Kidapawan City. Once completed this August 2020, the VMR nursery will house a majority of the priority native tree species in Mindanao under the EDC BINHI program. The first VMR nursery is located in Bago City, Negros Occidental, with the second located in Antipolo City, Rizal.
With the help of the nurseries across all its project sites, EDC BINHI produced more than 140,000 seedlings of Philippine native tree species in 2019. These seedlings were either distributed to various partner organizations as planting materials during tree-planting activities, or maintained in EDC-supported nurseries as part of the seedling stock for future reforestation initiatives.
In 2019, EDC BINHI established a third Vegetative Materials Reproduction (VMR) nursery in Mt. Apo, Kidapawan City.
In 2019, EDC BINHI inked partnerships with eight new organizations and institutions to establish new arboreta and tree parks, all of which now collectively house 645 native trees. Thanks to these new partnerships, four new arboreta were established in Sorsogon, Cebu, Romblon, and Manila. By the end of 2019, EDC BINHI has a total of 177 partner organizations nationwide.
EDC BINHI was also tapped as the first and only Philippine partner of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) for its Global Tree Assessment (GTA) Program. BGCI is the secretariat for the GTA Program of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an international organization that formulates measures for the protection of the environment through data gathering, research, field projects, advocacy, and education.
As part of the partnership with the BGCI, EDC BINHI will conduct conservation status assessments for 800 Philippine endemic tree species for a period of two years. This partnership is a testament to the growing recognition of EDC BINHI’s contribution in the conservation of Philippine native trees.
EDC was tapped as the first and only Philippine partner of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), a part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), for its Global Tree Assessment program.
EDC BINHI will pursue strategic partnerships to establish additional arboreta and tree parks across all project sites. In partnership with the DENR and academic institutions, EDC BINHI will also continue to develop propagation protocols for all its 96 priority native tree species. In 2020, EDC BINHI will launch the in situ conservation initiative, which aims to protect and proliferate 11 of its rarest and most threatened priority native tree species in their natural habitats.
Moving forward, EDC BINHI will also focus on developing conservation enterprises across all project sites. Conservation enterprises are community-led businesses designed to generate economic and social benefits to increase the self-reliance of local communities, all while motivating them to take part in conserving the environment. As such, EDC aims to support at least one conservation enterprise in each of its project sites nationwide.
EDC’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship Goes Beyond Compliance
Our management approach reflects this. Here’s how.
Materials and Energy
The products and equipment we select should not go beyond regulatory limits. Efficient use of energy means that all materials are equipped with anti-pollution devices to ensure they do not emit excessive smoke, dust, heat, or radiation. Our paperless initiative aims to avoid cutting down trees.
Water
We have a Watershed Management Plan and use our Water Budget Study to help our facilities formulate responsive and strategic watershed management approaches.
Biodiversity
To promote biodiversity, we take the following steps in our reservation areas and in our reforestation efforts:
1. We use indigenous, premium, tree species in our reforestation efforts.
2. We have a “no hunting” policy.
3. We protect and create wildlife sanctuaries.
4. We encourage integrated pest management in plant nurseries and plantations.
5. We take compliance seriously by acquiring forestry permits, as required by law.
6. We follow an Integrated Management Plan (IMP) and a Comprehensive Development and Management Plan (CDMP) for forested areas.
7. We monitor our own permanent forest plots.
8. We regularly undertake environmental impact assessments.
9. We partner with the academe for greater accuracy and transparency in monitoring.
Emissions, Effluents, and Waste
Our waste management efforts include the following steps:
1. We have groundbreaking mechanisms for a zero-discharge system, continuous air quality monitoring, third-party multi-sector monitoring, and regular training of community members as first responders during emergencies and disasters.
2. We continuously improve our waste management protocols and partner only with DENR-accredited third-party contractors for the treatment and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes.
3. We equip our personnel and subcontractors with the appropriate protective gear and training.
Our 2019 Integrated Report
Our Integrated Report tells the story of our efforts to achieve our business objectives, hand-in-hand with our sustainability aspirations.
Other Resources
Ready for the #EDCRegenerativePartnershipsAt45 Photo Contest?
Step 1: Take a photo or choose an old one depicting how your collaboration with EDC has helped you elevate or helped to improve your individual or organization’s impact on the organization you represent, the environment, on society, or your community. Include a catchy title and a short description, no more than 50 words.
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