Resource efficiency
and circularity

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Endemic to the Philippines, the Northern-rufous hornbill can be found in Luzon where some of
our renewable energy projects are located. (Photo courtesy of CCIPH)

Resource efficiency
and circularity

Home » Sustainability » ESG » Environment » Resource efficiency-new

Endemic to the Philippines, the Northern-rufous hornbill can be found in Luzon where some of our renewable energy projects are located. (Photo courtesy of CCIPH)

Environment management system
& procedures

Our ESG Policy reflects our commitment to efficient use of our resources. As part of our management procedures, plant employees are trained to implement our environmental management system, which is subject to external compliance audits.

Environmental impact monitoring is conducted quarterly across operational sites by site pollution control officers (PCOs) as part of their functions to ensure compliance and support data reporting requirements. These efforts are reinforced by periodic on-site validations by the DENR, as well as active multi-partite monitoring teams (MMTs) in selected plants, strengthening environmental oversight and impact management.

Adhering to best practices, we aim to certify all our plants on the Integrated Management System (IMS) to ensure operational excellence, enhance sustainability performance, and maintain compliance with global regulatory requirements. Our plants have garnered the IMS on Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001:2015, Quality Management System (QMS) ISO 9001:2015, and Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) ISO 45001:2018, verified by the DQS Certification Philippines, Inc. This certification provides a framework to improve environmental performance, streamline processes, and strengthen compliance and risk management.

~1 million solar panels

From Stubbo Solar to be recycled at end- of-life as part of its circularity certification

30%

Energy consumption from renewable sources, including on-site generation and electricity supported by RE certificates

ACEN AU solar
ACEN Australia encourages its contractors to procure materials with recycled content as part of its circularity strategy.

Waste management

We implement waste management initiatives tailored to our plants’ specific operational needs, in line with applicable country regulations and international standards. Environmental and social management plans embed waste minimization, reduction, and reuse measures across the full project life cycle.

Each site is equipped with appropriate onsite materials recovery facilities, and country-specific waste management procedures are consistently applied. Hazardous waste is properly segregated and stored before treatment by accredited facilities. We also implement waste segregation systems supported by reduction initiatives, including efforts to minimize the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and other single-use plastics.

In the Philippines, we are the first renewable energy company to adopt an integrated circular approach in our solar developments. We actively engage stakeholders across the value chain from project development through commercial operations, enabling us to strengthen plant-level waste management practices and embed circularity principles into Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts. We use paperless operations through cloud-based and digital forms to minimize paper waste and build employee awareness on responsible waste management, conducting learning sessions for employees on waste recycling and plastic pollution.

Across our international sites, plants in Vietnam and the U.S. integrate repair and refurbishment practices into maintenance activities, reducing waste generation, and lowering procurement costs. In India and Vietnam, hazardous waste is managed through recycling methods and battery buyback arrangements, while damaged solar modules are either repaired onsite or recycled, depending on condition, to minimize disposal.

Waste management initiatives across our sites

North Luzon Renewables (NLR)

  • All plastic waste is sorted and treated as recyclable. Plastics are shredded onsite and donated to local groups for eco-brick production and community reuse initiatives.
  • Glass waste from site operations is provided to the barangay for pulverization or repurposing in community infrastructure projects as needed.
  • NLR also functions as a centralized warehouse and waste management hub supporting several North Luzon facilities, enabling more efficient waste segregation and consolidation.

Palauig Solar 1

  • Vermicomposting is implemented onsite, where cow manure and biodegradable waste are processed into organic fertilizer.

New England Solar and Stubbo Solar

  • Contractors and suppliers are encouraged to reduce plastic use and participate in takeback schemes.
  • Each contractor is encouraged to procure materials locally and where possible, procure options that have recycled content incorporated.
  • We partnered with the University of New England to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving photovoltaic (PV) panel separation, particularly wafer separation, to enhance recycling outcomes, with one waste PV panel provided to support the study.
  • We formed agreements with EPC contractor PCL and Elecsome to recycle over 3,700 broken PV panels in 2025, with materials recovered and repurposed into SolarCrete, an upcycled pre-mix concrete product from end-of-life solar panels.
  • We supported a local Indigenous waste provider, Yurruga, by supplying 5,000 broken PV panels for recycling. The panels will be processed once Yurruga’s waste facility becomes operational.

Monsoon Wind

  • The site prioritizes bulk procurement and the use of durable, standardized components to reduce packaging waste, minimize material losses, and avoid over-ordering.

Quang Binh Wind

  • Turbine components, electrical equipment, and specialized tools are repaired or refurbished whenever feasible to extend asset life and reduce waste generation.
  • Scrap metals, cables, oils, batteries, and packaging materials are segregated and transferred to licensed recyclers, with select items repurposed for community use.
  • Green procurement practices and active supplier engagement initiatives are implemented to encourage responsible materials management and reduce lifecycle waste impacts.

Stubbo Solar achieves solar circularity certification

In October 2025, Stubbo Solar became the first large-scale solar project to achieve CPVA Certified status under the Circular PV Alliance’s assurance framework. Covering nearly one million solar panels, the certification confirms that the project meets independent standards for solar circularity. The CPVA Certified framework evaluates performance across planning, procurement, operations, and decommissioning, ensuring that PV modules and other project components have credible pathways for reuse or recycling. It also assesses supply chain transparency, waste minimization measures, and repair and refurbishment practices during operations.

Stubbo Solar received an “Exceeds” rating for circular economy performance, acknowledging its whole-of-lifecycle approach to managing materials as valuable resources rather than waste and setting a strong benchmark for future solar developments. This certification recognizes the circular practices embedded during construction and ACEN Australia’s long-term commitment to sustainability.

ACEN AU solar circularity

In 2025, total waste generation decreased by 34 percent compared to 2024 due to our diesel divestment. Twenty percent of non-hazardous waste from our projects was diverted from landfill, reflecting our circularity efforts. For hazardous waste, we ensure compliance with national regulations on transport and treatment, including recycling, chemical immobilization, and decontamination. Waste that has not been transported is properly stored in our materials recovery facilities.

Waste generation
(in metric tons)
waste charts 01
Waste diversion
and disposal
waste charts 02

End-of-life management

Sacasol solar farm
To restore plant efficiency and enhance energy output, our 45 MW SaCaSol in Negros Occidental is replacing select solar panels, with the works scheduled for completion by 2026.

Our commitment to responsible waste management ensures adherence to best-in-class end-of-life practices. We carefully select and monitor EPC partners to ensure alignment with applicable International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and ISO standards.

EPC contractors are required to implement appropriate management measures for PV panels, covering recommended treatment, storage, and disposal facilities within operational areas, supported by cost estimates for each stage of the waste management process.

During the operational phase, we also integrate end-of-life management plans that comply with national regulations and are customized to reflect project-specific design requirements, stakeholder considerations, and site-specific environmental conditions.

Energy management

We ensure that energy reduction measures are implemented across our projects and offices, while remaining compliant with applicable energy management regulations.

Across our projects, we adopt a range of energy conservation strategies, including upgrading or retrofitting existing systems with more efficient technologies, optimizing operations and maintenance practices to minimize energy use, and encouraging energy-conscious behaviors. We use SCADA to monitor energy consumed in substations, control rooms and offices.

Across our offices, we also implement a range of energy efficiency initiatives to reduce consumption while maintaining comfort for our employees. These include the use of efficient lighting systems, HVAC optimization, and setting air-conditioning units at appropriate temperature levels.

We also promote the practice of switching off machinery and equipment when not in use, alongside regular cleaning and maintenance of air-conditioning unit filters to ensure efficient performance. Preventive maintenance scheduling and optimized route planning further support energy efficiency across our operations.

Together, these initiatives strengthen operational efficiency while lowering energy consumption across our sites. By continuously improving our practices, we support responsible resource management and enable achievement of our decarbonization and sustainability goals.

NorthWind: Extending asset life

We achieved a milestone in our energy transition journey with NorthWind’s comprehensive maintenance and repair program. With more than 17 years of operation, NorthWind’s turbines require proactive life extension to ensure continued, reliable clean energy generation. To address this, we implemented a two-phase repair and refurbishment program from February 2025 to June 2026 that includes blade bearing replacement, pitch and hydraulic system refurbishment, and blade repairs.

These upgrades will extend the plant’s operating life by up to 10 years, enhance generation efficiency, defer decommissioning or repowering by up to a decade, and deliver sustained long-term value to stakeholders.

NorthWind wind farm

Energy management initiatives across our sites

NLR and NorthWind

  • The sites engaged energy auditors to identify efficiency initiatives.
  • At the facilities, we set office temperatures to 24°C as recommended by auditors, which led to a 6 percent reduction in energy consumption for each degree Celsius.

Palauig Solar 1

  • We installed solar panels as roofing for the control building’s parking area to reduce energy consumption.
  • A system for tracking of energy export and import and vehicle trips was created to optimize transportation and minimize facility light usage.

New England Solar and Stubbo Solar

  • New England Solar continues to operate a 50 kW solar array on the operations warehouse, while Stubbo Solar installed a 30 kW solar array across its operations building and warehouse.
  • Stubbo Solar incorporated two electric vehicle charging points within its car park design to encourage the use of electric vehicles
  • Both sites utilized LED lighting, split-system air conditioners, and energy-efficient heat pump hot water systems.

Masaya Solar, Paryapt Solar, and Sitara Solar

  • Vehicle mileage is fixed, reducing additional fuel consumption.
  • Paryapt Solar procured an electric vehicle and bicycles to promote low-carbon transport.
Monsoon Wind in Laos
Stretching across Lao PDR’s Dak Cheung District of Sekong Province and the Sanxay District of Attapeu Province, 133 wind turbines of the 600 MW Monsoon Wind rise from the ridgelines, turning steadily in the region’s strong, reliable winds.

Monsoon Wind

  • The site implements equipment selection, regular maintenance, and operator training, improving fuel efficiency per unit of output.

Lac Hoa and Hoa Dong Wind

  • Infrastructure lighting at the sites is energized through solar power.

Ninh Thuan Solar

  • The site has a practice of adjusting a timer for the perimeter lighting, ensuring the optimization of lighting when appropriate given the change of sunrise and sunset in each quarter of the year.

Super NT

  • A car service initiative was implemented to encourage carpooling, reduce individual emissions and support employee safety.

Quang Binh Wind

  • The site introduced electric motorcycles and vehicles for on-site transport.

Total energy consumption decreased by 65 percent given the recent divestments of the diesel plants. Electricity generated from our renewable plants that were used for own consumption reached 20.56 GWh, while electricity consumption supported by RE certificates amounted to 16.77 GWh. As a result, 29% of our total energy consumption came from renewable sources, reducing 28,740 tCO2e of scope 2 emissions.

Water management

While renewable energy facilities are generally not water-intensive, we recognize that the countries where we operate face high levels of water stress and therefore actively manage our water use across operations.

We promote water stewardship across our projects and offices by adopting water-efficiency measures, shifting from freshwater use to alternative water sources, and ensuring the responsible discharge of used water. These practices are implemented in compliance with applicable local and national water management regulations, securing essential permits for discharge.

Across our plants, water-saving practices are reinforced through signages and employee awareness trainings that encourage mindful water use. During construction, water for activities such as dust suppression is sourced from non-potable supplies, including onsite dams, to minimize freshwater use. We also ensure that waste water generated at our sites is treated in accordance with national regulations, with regular testing conducted to prevent the release of harmful substances and protect surrounding ecosystems.

efficiency water tank
The rainwater harvesting tank at Stubbo Solar in Australia

Energy management initiatives across our sites

MonteSol and SaCaSol

  • The sites utilize automated brushes to clean solar panels.

Palauig Solar 1

  • A rainwater harvesting system was implemented to utilize natural precipitation for facility needs.

NLR and NorthWind

  • The sites installed water meters across facilities to monitor water usage and establish water reduction targets.

New England Solar and Stubbo Solar

  • Rainwater tanks are attached to operations warehouses, with captured rainwater utilized in offices and ongoing landscape management.
  • Operational buildings are equipped with water efficient fixtures for taps and toilets.

Sitara Solar, Paryapt Solar, and Masaya Solar

  • The site teams utilize pressure nozzles for module cleaning tractors.
  • The water drainage systems were designed for efficient rainwater discharge.

Mui Ne Wind

  • All wastewater generated on-site is treated through a three-compartment septic tank system and is collected by a licensed company for proper treatment.

Monsoon Wind and Quang Binh Wind

  • The sites implemented the reuse and recycling of water for dust suppression and equipment washing to decrease reliance on external water sources.
Sacasol solar panels
In the Philippines, our 45 MW SaCaSol project uses rotating brushes to clean module surfaces while minimizing water use.

Water use decreased by 4 percent due to continuous implementation of water efficiency measures. Meanwhile, water intensity which is measured in terms of cubic meters of water withdrawn per GWh of energy generated decreased by 4 percent, to 23.85 from 24.64. Progress shows that we are on track with our 5% annual year-on-year reduction target for total water intensity.

water chart