Oakridge Business Park, one of Cebu’s premier commercial hubs, has partnered with First Gen Corporation to install a 638-kilowatt-peak (kWp) rooftop solar power facility, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and clean energy. The agreement expands Oakridge’s renewable energy adoption, further solidifying its status as an eco-friendly commercial development after transitioning to 100% renewable energy in 2023.
First Gen, the country’s leading renewable energy provider, said the installation of photovoltaic panels atop the Oakridge Business Park marks the expansion of its partnership with Oakridge Realty Development Corporation (ORDC), as well as a strategic move for First Gen’s as it expands its renewable energy footprint in the commercial real estate sector.
First Gen has been a key partner in Oakridge Business Park’s decarbonization journey. It first supplied electricity to ORDC’s flagship business park in 2021, providing power from a natural gas-fired plant. In 2023, ORDC signed another supply contract with First Gen, this time sourcing its power from the energy company’s geothermal plant
ORDC and First Gen’s renewed partnership was sealed through an agreement signed by ORDC President Anne Liu and First Gen Chief Engagement Officer Carlo Vega on 27 February 2025.
“Since we started Oakridge Business Park in 2009, we have gradually made it part of our mission to push for sustainable solutions to help the environment. We would like to believe that the impact of our initiatives has not only lead to an improved carbon footprint, but has also significantly influenced the lifestyle and more importantly, has instilled a more conscious mindset in the communities we serve.”, Liu said during the agreement’s signing ceremony in Cebu.
“It is always a privilege to collaborate with companies who share a concern for the environment and want to do more to reduce their carbon footprint. We started the decarbonization journey with Oakridge with low carbon power supply from natural gas and we’re proud to have been with them all these years as they transitioned to 100 percent RE. We are committed to supporting the Oakridge team as they implement more energy solutions and further reduce the environmental impact of their property developments,” Vega said in turn.
Apart from the power supply deal, First Gen and its sister company Pi Energy Inc. will also provide the Oakridge Business Park access to a remote energy monitoring system and regular energy audit reports. This data-driven approach allows Oakridge Business Park to continuously refine its sustainability strategy, maximizing the benefits of its renewable energy sources.
The Oakridge Business Park sits on a 4-hectare property at the heart of Mandaue City. Apart from being the first mixed-use property in Cebu to be fully powered by renewable energy, it also features charging stations for electric vehicles and solar powered charging stations for mobile devices.
ORDC is the real estate arm of Cebu-based LH Paragon Group Inc., a diversified holding company with domestic and overseas operations. Its portfolio includes fashion retail giant Golden ABC, Inc. (Penshoppe, OXGN, ForMe, Memo, Regatta, Bocu), as well as ventures in wood distribution (Matimco, Inc.), healthcare (Clinica Prime), and food retail (Greentree Food Solutions’ 10 Dove Street).
First Gen, on the other hand, stands out also as one of the country’s biggest independent power producers. It has a total combined capacity of 3,668-MW total from all its 32 RE and natural gas-fired power plants, helping assure the country’s energy security.
How do you see solar power adoption in commercial business parks shaping the future of sustainable urban development in the Philippines? Should more companies invest in renewable energy infrastructure for their properties? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow Power Philippines for updates on renewable energy trends!
There are no comments
Add yours