Robinsons Cybergate Cebu was among the honorees at the Department of Energy’s 2023 Energy Efficiency Excellence (EEE) Awards, a prestigious acknowledgment of its commitment to energy efficiency and conservation. At the awards ceremony held in December 2023, Robinsons Land's mixed-use complex was recognized as one of the highest-ranked establishments in the EEE Awards’ Energy Management for Industries and Buildings category.
Organized annually by the DOE, the EEE Awards acknowledge organizations that demonstrate exceptional implementation and adoption of energy efficiency and conservation programs, innovations, and best practices. The awards highlight the efforts of organizations across various sectors to promote energy efficiency and sustainability as integral parts of their business culture.
At the 2023 EEE Awards, 27 out of 360 entries from the government and private sectors were carefully selected by the DOE as winners in three main categories, namely Energy Management for Industries and Buildings, Outstanding Individuals/Groups, and Government. As a result of being among the top EEE Awards entries, Robinsons Cybergate Cebu qualified to represent the Philippines in the upcoming ASEAN Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Best Practices for Energy Efficient Buildings competition.
Robinsons Cybergate Cebu, located at Don Gil Garcia Street in Cebu City, has been a key player in the economic growth of the city since its establishment in 2010. With a gross floor area of 26,402.12 sqm, the complex houses a diverse range of facilities, including a shopping mall, clinics, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centers.
As part of the sustainability initiatives of its parent company, Robinsons Land, the mall complex implemented various energy-saving measures, including the installation of renewable energy facilities such as a 51.2-kilowatt-peak solar power system on its rooftop.
According to Engr. Raul M. Montesclaros Jr., Chief Engineer and Energy Manager of Robinsons Cybergate Cebu, the mall’s rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) grid generates 63,428.04 kWh yearly. Since going online in the second quarter of 2022, it has provided approximately 19% of the mall’s total energy needs.
Another initiative that produced multiple benefits for Robinsons Cybergate Cebu was the replacement of two water-cooled York chillers in April 2023. The aim was to enhance energy efficiency, operational reliability, and performance while reducing maintenance costs.
The new soft-start water-cooled chillers help improve energy efficiency by avoiding the sudden spikes in current associated with direct on-line starting. Their use resulted in improved average space temperatures in the mall, while cutting power consumption by 6%. This environmental initiative decreased the mall's carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the upgrade helped bring down the mall’s operating costs and garnered positive feedback from both internal and external customers who noted the improved cooling comfort provided by the new chillers.
In line with its energy conservation goals, Robinsons Cybergate Cebu converted all mall lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs and participated in global events like Earth Hour to help reduce carbon emissions and raise awareness for sustainability. Apart from replacing its old water-cooled chillers, the mall also replaced its air-conditioning units with modern and more efficient inverter-type AC units.
Beyond its current initiatives, Robinsons Cybergate Cebu continues to explore new technologies and strategies to further reduce its energy consumption and its environmental impact. Plans for the future include the installation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) on its heavy-duty pumps and air handling units and the implementation of a Building Management System (BMS) for the centralized control and monitoring of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla commended Robinsons Cybergate Cebu and other awardees for their dedication to energy efficiency and conservation. “We, therefore, laud all the participants, with special mention to these 27 entities for their exceptional efforts in making energy efficiency and conservation an enduring part of their business culture and a way of life,” said Sec. Lotilla, adding later that he hoped more organizations would emulate their example.
The EEE Awards serve as a non-fiscal incentive for establishments promoting energy efficiency and conservation best practices. Robinsons Cybergate Cebu's recognition underscores its role as a leader in sustainable business practices and a champion of environmental responsibility.
For more information on Robinsons Land, visit robinsonsland.com
