18 May 2026 — San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) entered into a renewable energy supply agreement with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES) to switch its entire campus operations to 100% renewable energy. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to environmental stewardship and institutional sustainability.
Through this partnership, SBCA has opted into the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), a government program that allows qualified electricity end-users to source their electricity from a licensed retail electricity supplier like ACEN RES, enabling them to negotiate the terms of their supply, including the option to switch to 100% renewable energy. Under the agreement, SBCA will source its electricity from ACEN’s diverse portfolio of solar, wind, and geothermal power plants across the Philippines. This renewable supply complements the school’s existing on-site rooftop solar installations.
By shifting its electricity supply to 100% renewable sources, SBCA significantly reduces its environmental impact by avoiding more than 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually, roughly equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by approximately 100,000 trees in a year.
“At San Beda College Alabang, we believe that the most powerful lessons are those lived out in our daily operations. By powering our campus with 100% renewable energy, we are showing our students that sustainability and excellence go hand-in-hand. This partnership with ACEN RES allows us to lead by example, proving that academic institutions can be at the forefront of the global transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said SBCA Rector Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the shift to renewable energy is expected to deliver significant operational efficiency. SBCA projects annual savings of approximately ₱8 million in energy costs. These will be redirected toward academic programs and student services, further strengthening the Bedan community.
The move aligns with the Catholic Church’s call for ecological conversion, as articulated in the late Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which urges institutions to take concrete action against climate change. By integrating clean energy into daily operations, SBCA provides students with a lived example of how innovation and faith can drive sustainable development.
ACEN RES is currently the leading green energy supplier in the Philippines, with a market share of 65% according to official data from the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC).
“We are happy to welcome San Beda Alabang into our growing community of partner schools, colleges, and universities that have trusted us with their renewable energy supply,” said Tony Valdez, Senior Vice President for Market Transformation and Retail at ACEN. “As an academic institution, SBCA has an important role to play in shaping the mindset of the next generation of electricity end-users — molding them into responsible consumers who are also concerned about the impact of their choices on society and the planet.”
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