Globe Telecom Inc. has joined a global campaign for a zero carbon emission by 2050 spearheaded by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and COP26 Presidency and  backed by the GSMA, the global mobile industry body. 

“We are one with global mobile operators in helping the mobile industry achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.  We acknowledge that this requires a collective effort to realize large-scale positive impact,” Ernest Cu, president and chief executive of Globe said. 

“We thank the GSMA for this initiative and for utilizing scientific measures to ensure a low carbon future benefiting our entire ecosystem,” he added. 

The Race To Zero was launched on June 5 in time for the World Environment Day celebration. The campaign, which involves a major multi-stakeholder coalition of leaders, aims to send a resounding signal to governments that businesses, cities, regions and investors are united in achieving net zero emissions and in creating a more inclusive and resilient economy. 

With carbon dioxide, methane, and other harmful GHG being continuously released to the atmosphere, it is estimated that global average temperatures will go up between 1.5 and 5 degrees Celsius in many locations in the next 30 years.

The situation could lead to intensifying climate hazards that “could put millions of lives at risk, as well as trillions of dollars of economic activity and physical capital, and the world’s stock of natural capital,” according to the report on “Climate risk and response: Physical hazards and socioeconomic impacts” released by McKinsey Global Institute early this year. 

Recognizing these threats  Globe has started its journey towards decarbonizing its operations and enhancing clean energy procurement by buying power bundled with verified carbon offsets sourced from renewable energy plants.  It has also engaged partners to implement renewable energy solutions like solar panels and fuel cells within its operations. 

For instance, by securing and retiring carbon offsets coming from renewable energy sources, Globe was able to achieve carbon neutrality for the electricity consumption of its headquarters and two other offices in Cebu and Quezon City.  

This earned Globe the Gold Standard Verified Emission Reduction (VER) which assures the company’s capability to declare 100% offsetting of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with its electricity consumption.  

VER is a certificate awarded to projects, mostly in developing countries, that decrease or avoid CO₂ emissions. It is attained through verification of avoided carbon impacts by renewable energy installations such as solar, wind farms and hydropower plants, as well as through energy-efficiency projects. It is backed by recognized international quality standards such as the Voluntary Carbon Standard and the Gold Standard. 

Globe currently has a three-year contract with AC Energy for the offsetting of its carbon emissions in its facilities without any effect on the quality of power supply.  AC Energy is the energy platform of Ayala Corporation, with over $1 billion of invested and committed equity in renewable and thermal energy in the Philippines and around the region. 

Aside from its buildings, Globe has deployed green solutions such as fuel cell systems, direct current (DC)-Hybrid Generator, free cooling system, and lithium-ion batteries to achieve energy efficiency in its cell sites. These solutions use cleaner fuel with lower emissions, consume less diesel fuel, and provide energy efficient heat removal.