As sustainability becomes a key focus for businesses, Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) is making strides in environmental responsibility. By adopting practices like solar power, LED lighting, and water conservation, MRSGI is working to lessen its environmental impact and contribute to the ongoing evolution of sustainable retail practices in the Philippines.
“We are deeply committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations,” said Manuel Alberto, president and chief operating officer of MRSGI. “Our work is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a desire to make a lasting impact. It requires hard work, innovation, and perseverance, but we are dedicated to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in environmental stewardship.”
MRSGI’s journey towards sustainability began in 2017 with the installation of solar panels at its Super Metro Carcar store. Since then, the company has expanded its solar power initiative to seven additional locations.
These installations generate clean energy and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions of nearly 420 tons of carbon, positively impacting the environment.
With a total of nearly 3 Megawatt peak (MWP) of solar capacity installed across these seven locations, MRSGI can meet almost 15 percent of its energy needs through renewable sources.
This shift to solar power aligns with MRSGI’s broader sustainability goals, which focus on energy reduction and cost efficiency. As part of its commitment to renewable energy, MRSGI is also expanding its solar installations to additional stores, further advancing its sustainability efforts.
MRSGI has also undertaken a comprehensive LED lighting conversion across its stores. Nearly 20 stores have been fully converted to LED lighting, resulting in significant energy savings and reduced operational costs. This shift to energy-efficient lighting has enhanced the quality of in-store lighting and reduced MRSGI’s energy consumption by around 10 percent, equivalent to about 830,000 KWH per month.
These sustainability initiatives, backed by a significant capital investment of about P230 million, are part of MRSGI’s long-term vision of embedding environmental responsibility into the company’s core operations. By focusing on solar power, LED lighting, and water conservation, MRSGI is setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the retail industry.
“Looking ahead, we are excited to build on our current achievements and continue expanding our sustainability efforts,” said Alberto.
“Our goal is to explore innovations and practices that will further reduce our environmental footprint and enhance our contributions to a sustainable future. We believe that by embracing these opportunities, MRSGI will not only drive positive change but also secure our position as a leader in responsible retailing,” he said.
To date, Metro Retail operates a total of 69 branches across Luzon and the Visayas.
