Companies lobby for incentives to encourage net-zero efforts

THE Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) called on the government to encourage companies with incentives for activities that reduce their carbon footprints.

“In the second year we expect to grow our numbers, to add more companies and hopefully to get a master plan from the government,” Jerome H. Cainglet, Energy Development Corp. (EDC) deputy chief operating officer said at an NZCA media briefing on Friday.

Agnes C. de Jesus, vice-president and chief sustainability officer of First Philippine Holdings Corp., said: “A lot of businesses cannot hit the target of sustainability. Not because they are not concerned (about getting to net zero); it is just that technology is not available,” Ms. De Jesus said.

Allan V. Barcena, vice-president and head of EDC corporate relations and communications division, described the state of collaboration between the government and industry as in the early stages.

“There is an initial working relationship with the government, with the Climate Change Commission,” Mr. Barcena said.

NZCA’s strategy aims for its members to hit net zero by 2050.

NZCA’s pioneer partners include real estate developer Arthaland Corp., engineering and construction company First Balfour, Drink Sustainability Communications, the Philippine unit  of Knowles Electronics, and Unilever Philippines.

In 2022, NZCA welcomed new partners SGV & Co..; Menarco Development Corp.; INAEC Aviation Corp.; and Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. — Ashley Erika O. Jose