Acer calls on more partners and suppliers to join its Earthion mission

As environmental issues are becoming increasingly pressing, Acer is urging more partners and suppliers to join forces in reducing harmful impacts to the environment and save valuable resources by transitioning toward a circular economy. With the growing number of natural disasters around the world triggered by climate change, constructive and collective action is needed to address the pressing issues.

Concerted actions are necessary as they can greatly amplify the positive impacts made to the environment. According to the Thomson Reuters Foundation^[2], efforts in climate and nature issues in 2022 will need to be redoubled to slash carbon pollution accumulated from this decade, in a bid to maintain the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming ceiling and minimize the harmful impact of climate-change to the planet and its inhabitants. Understanding the urgency of the matter, Acer calls for more businesses to join the green movement and shares the progress of its environmental sustainability efforts, accomplished together with its partners, suppliers, and Acer employees on Acer Green Day with the hopes of inspiring others to do their part for the Earth.

Acer began incorporating sustainability practices in its operations more than a decade ago. Since 2008, the company has introduced the CDP Supply Chain for carbon disclosure reporting to pinpoint risks and identify opportunities across its supply chain, and extended coverage to three tiers of suppliers beginning this year. In 2013, Acer began to significantly increase the recycled content of its notebook PC packaging. In 2017, Acer launched Project Humanity to unite all employees worldwide in creating a sustainability framework for eco-friendly initiatives and instill a green philosophy within the company culture, with over 70% employees worldwide taking part^[3]. 

With a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG),  Acer launched the Earthion program in 2021 and began working closely with suppliers and partners to bring eco-friendly initiatives into its supply chain ecosystem, with its primary focus on energy, product design, packaging design, production, logistics, and recycling. From product design to manufacturing, Acer is well aware of the environmental impacts behind these processes. The driving force behind Earthion is each member’s belief that its mutual collaboration can effectively create a positive impact on the environment.

As a manifestation of such efforts, Acer’s Vero line of eco-conscious devices was launched in 2021 to offer consumers greener options. Vero products intend to incorporate eco-friendly and recycled materials and are designed to extend their lifespans to reduce material consumption and reduce overall waste.  

Responsible Manufacturing and Logistics Systems

To combat the impact of manufacturing processes on the environment, Acer has stepped up its collaboration with partners Compal and Quanta to enhance their waste management systems. From reducing the use of plastic bags in the production line, to incorporating changes toward sustainability to suppliers' manufacturing system, Acer is working together with its partners and suppliers to create more responsible manufacturing and logistics processes.

The elimination of excess security tape used in the pallet packing process was one of the changes made to help reduce unrecyclable waste in its logistics system. After careful assessment and testing to verify package security levels, Acer was able to remove unnecessary security tapes from its monitor shipments, which is expected to save about 5,500 km of tape in 2023, approximately the distance from London to New York.  

Developing a carbon accounting system for Acer’s transportation activities was another critical step taken toward its green policy, especially as the freight transportation and logistics industries contribute to nearly 10%^[4] of global greenhouse gas emissions. The system provides a unified approach to measure and report Acer’s greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and will eventually be implemented worldwide. 

Vero Line of Eco-Conscious Devices

Acer launched the Vero line beginning with the Aspire Vero laptop, it’s first “green” focused laptop built with 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in the chassis and 50% PCR plastic in the keyboard caps to reduce pollution from the production of virgin plastic and waste. The device was also designed to simplify the process of repairs or upgrades to extend their lifespan, without compromising computing performance and quality. 

Today’s announcement of the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 marks the newest addition to the Vero portfolio, which has expanded to include commercial laptops, monitors, projectors, desktops, accessories, and more, pushing the envelope of the adoption of recycled materials in its product portfolio.

The Aspire Vero’s packaging as well has been reimagined from the ground up in accordance with a design system that covers multiple product lines, device sizes and packing components. A recipient of the Red Dot Brands & Communication Design awards for packaging design, the outer box is made from 80-85% recycled paper pulp, and plastic bagging is reduced by using paper sleeves instead for adapter protection. Furthermore, the laptop bag and the sheet between the keyboard is made with 100% recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The remaining packaging is 100% recyclable, and its inner partition is even reusable: With just a few extra steps, users can turn it into an adjustable notebook stand.

Striking a balance between sustainability, use of recycled materials and product durability has always been a challenge. Acer has worked diligently with its designers and partners, including Golden Arrow, Shin Shin, Sun Young, Quanta and Wistron, to find innovative ways to implement more eco-friendly materials without sacrificing durability and sturdiness. As Acer moves closer toward its goal of incorporating up to 30% PCR plastic content across its core products by 2025, it continues to search for new and greener materials for future product development. 

Smart City Solutions Helping to Save Resources

Aligned with its mission to develop more eco-friendly product designs, Acer has been working on smart city solutions that reduce the waste of resources and create more efficient and sustainable lifestyles. Across several cities, Acer has implemented a smart roadside parking and EV charging solution, which helps drivers find spaces to effectively cut idle time on the road and energy consumption, thereby reducing traffic and lowering their carbon emission. Acer has also developed smart solutions to conserve water, monitor air quality, and improve the overall conditions of our surroundings.

Goal: Source 100% Renewable Energy by 2035

The Acer Group joined the RE100 initiative in 2021 and has pledged to source 100% renewable energy by 2035. On top of launching the “Earthion” platform and adopting the CDP’s global disclosure system, Acer operations have begun utilizing green energy as early as 2011, with some locations even installing solar panels to generate their own power. As of 2020 year-end, Acer offices in over 30 countries worldwide use 100% renewable energy, while 45% of energy used by the Acer Group is renewable.

Acer believes sustainability is a global effort that will need all hands on deck to make a real difference. Not only does Acer aim to provide consumers the opportunity to choose products that are more environmentally friendly, but it also wants to empower businesses to join its journey in transitioning to a low-carbon and circular economy.

On Acer Green Day, Acer also kicked off its “21-Day Challenge” as part of its Earthion mission to encourage its employees to take green actions daily and make them a habit. That challenge has now expanded to include the employees of Acer’s partners and suppliers, as well as consumers. Consumers can take part via Instagram at #Acer21DayChallenge, which follows several hero influencers telling their stories about reducing/reusing/recycling and activities which integrate eco-friendly actions into their lifestyles. For more information of Acer Green Day, please visit https://www.acer.com/earthion.

^[1]  CDP https://www.cdp.net/en/supply-chain

^[2]  Thomson Reuters Foundation, “Climate change action: 6 trends to watch in 2022,” January 5, 2022:  https://news.trust.org/item/20220105124239-61z30/

^[3]  As for 2021

^[4] MIT Climate Portal, “Freight Transportation,” September 4, 2020 https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/freight-transportation

SM Prime and AboitizPower Secure Long-Term Cleanergy Deal

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, secures a long-term deal with AboitizPower for Cleanergy supply, realizing its goal of increasing its renewable energy portfolio to more than 50%. This is in support of the Department of Energy’s program of moving up the renewable energy supply component of the country to 35% by year 2030.

Under the agreement, AboitizPower is poised to supply reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from Tiwi and MakBan Geothermal Power Plants, and PV Sinag’s Power Plants, operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI). This long-term contract will power SM Prime properties, including malls, leisure homes, offices, hotels, and other establishments under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) by the end of 2022.

“This partnership with AboitizPower is aligned with our unwavering commitment to being a catalyst for economic growth and steward of nature. We will continue providing world-class amenities within our sustainable lifestyle cities that have been beneficial and inspirational to millions of Filipinos,” said Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s President.

SM Prime builds legacy communities based on its core sustainable pillars: Economy, People, Environment, and Community. It is dedicated to generating value sustainably through its diverse business segments.

“AboitizPower is thrilled to be SM Prime’s partner in building sustainable lifestyle cities. We thank SM Prime for trusting us to be their partner in their transition to clean and renewable energy. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to power various SM Prime properties with our renewable assets”, said Sandro Aboitiz, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Operations Business Unit. 

“We consider it a great milestone for our group to be in support of SM’s transition to renewable energy and are working to rapidly expand our renewable portfolio as the demand for Cleanergy grows. We have supported a growing number of corporations transitioning to clean and renewable energy and we are excited at the prospect of seeing a future where Cleanergy is the norm.” said David Aboitiz, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) Vice President for Commercial Strategy, Sales, and Engagement.

The leading renewable energy provider plans to expand its Cleanergy portfolio in the next 10 years to support the government’s plans of boosting the renewable energy industry in the country. AboitizPower is targeting approximately 50:50 Cleanergy and thermal capacity mix by 2030. 

P&G Philippines proudly champions LGBTQ+ visibility that accurately portrays sexual orientation

Procter & Gamble (P&G) was one of the earliest Fortune 500 companies to include sexual orientation in its diversity statement in 1992. Today, P&G Philippines proudly champions LGBTQ+ visibility that accurately portrays sexual orientation, gender identity and expression both inside and outside the company.

The company aspires to make equality and inclusion achievable for all, making equal access and opportunity to learn, grow, succeed, and thrive available to everyone regardless of gender, background, religion, and sexual orientation. P&G believes that when people can bring their best, most authentic selves to work, they perform at their peak and are able to make meaningful impact in the organization and in society.

These three P&G employees share what helped them overcome barriers in the workplace and what they are currently doing for the LGBTQ+ community:

Walking the talk with programs and policies

For Chester Hans Tolentino, P&G Philippines Finance and Accounting Manager, discrimination and stereotypes are some of the most common barriers in any workplace for LGBTQ+ community members to succeed. “A workplace environment that is not open to raise visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community prevents its members from shining and performing at their best. It would be great for more companies to step up efforts to understand the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, engage them in dialogue, and create policies and programs that will eliminate unnecessary barriers they face at work,” shares Chester.

Today, Chester is proudly seen as he leads one of P&G Philippines’ Equality and Inclusion affinity groups called GABLE, which stands for Gay, Ally, Bisexual, Lesbian and Transgender Employees.  The P&G GABLE group was established globally in 1996, and it has helped create safer, more inclusive workspaces for employees.  Through GABLE, Chester gets to lead organizational-wide activities that drive and sustain LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in the company. He gets to dialogue with colleagues about real issues experienced at the workplace and guide them on becoming better allies. 

On top of P&G’s inclusive programs and affinity groups like GABLE, the company also launched its “Share the Care” policy, its industry-leading paid parental leave program that provides all P&G parents – regardless of gender or civil status -- with a minimum standard of 8 weeks of fully paid parental leave when welcoming new children to the family. This provides an equal opportunity for all parents – male, female, LGBTQ+, birthing, adoptive ---to share the care duties and bond with their new child. This P&G policy goes beyond the standard 7 days paid paternity leave mandated by the government for fathers, and moreover recognizes domestic partnerships and legally adopted children as eligible dependents and beneficiaries of employee benefit programs. P&G also recognizes domestic partners of any gender as eligible dependents for key employee benefits and programs such as medical plans and life insurance.

Leading authentically 

When Raj Traballo, P&G’s Skin Care Country Category Leader was asked what helped him shine in his P&G career, he said it was always about being able to fully embrace and love his uniqueness. "I believe that members of the LGBTQ+ community don't need grand gestures or great recognitions just to be able to say that they broke stereotypes and succeeded in their careers – we just have to accept our authentic selves and be proud of it. To do this, we need to wake up each day and proudly affirm and say to ourselves, "this is who I am, I am unique and I love who I am!,” shares Raj. 

For P&G, it is important for employees to feel included and come to work bringing their most authentic selves. It provides equal opportunity for anyone to succeed across its hiring, evaluation, and recognition processes, basing it solely based on merit and performance.  It fosters an inclusive workplace culture that values uniqueness and eliminates unnecessary bias that can serve as barriers to employees performing at their peak.

“I appreciate that P&G rewards its employees not for who or what they are, but for their impact to the company and their potential. Every day, my team and mentors encourage me to thrive and push my limits. I never felt that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community prevented me from achieving my goals,” Raj added. 

Today, Raj inspires and leads his team bringing with his most authentic self to work daily. He encourages the unique strengths and diverse interests of team members. 

Championing LGBTQ+ representation and voice

For Shay Tan, P&G’s Senior Brand Manager for Pantene, getting into a huge FMCG company like P&G as a transgender is a huge milestone for the trans community in the Philippines. “When I first came out to my parents, they were really worried that I would be discriminated against in the workplace and that I would never get a successful career being a transwoman. Five years into my professional career, I am proud and blessed to have been given the opportunity to work in world-class FMCGs like P&G, with ownership of one of the most inclusive brands in the world, Pantene, as its Senior Brand Manager,” says Shay.  

Today, Shay is responsibly using Pantene's voice in advertising and media to spark dialogue and challenge biases that prevent LGBTQ+ inclusion. Pantene has long been an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for gender equality and diversity through their global "Hair Has No Gender" campaign which aims to raise awareness about the importance of hair and emotional support in an LGBTQ+ person's self-expression. This is especially important for the transgender and gender non-binary community, for whom hair is crucial in the transition process but who are frequently discriminated against and misgendered when attempting to achieve the hair that best reflects how they feel on the inside. Recently, Pantene Philippines partnered with Mela Habijan, Miss Trans Global 2020, to share her journey to womanhood by sharing her transition in growing her hair. 

As one of the largest advertisers in the world, P&G is committed to accurately portraying ALL people in its advertising; encouraging representation, avoiding stereotyping, never diminishing, never misappropriating, and always trying to reflect unique and relevant insights to tell authentic stories. For many decades, P&G has used its advertising and media voice and platforms to shine a light on inequality, inspire dialogue that leads to understanding, and fuel action that leads to meaningful change.

The company has been an industry thought leader for equality and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.  Last year, P&G Philippines was awarded the highest recognition for the gender-inclusive workplace category in the prestigious United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs) Awards in the Philippines. The recognition is given to Asia-Pacific businesses and corporations that have demonstrated exemplary adoption of relevant gender-inclusive measures in the workplace.

For more P&G stories, follow P&G in their Facebook

Cebu Pacific goes all out as it supported the first face-to-face Kadayawan Festival

 

The Philippines’ leading airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) goes all out as it supported the first face-to-face Kadayawan Festival since the pandemic, contributing as gold sponsor to the event. 

 

To stimulate travel to the region, CEB has an ongoing seat sale exclusive for the Davao region that will run until August 26, 2022. Experience Davao for as low as P88 one-way base fare, for travels until January 31, 2023. 

 

Over the weekend, CEB flew to Davao leading adventure travel bloggers and online lifestyle journalists from Manila to experience the rich culture, sights, and sounds of Kadayawan in Davao City, in partnership with several tourism establishments. 

Cebu Pacific's float concept is based from APO DUWALING, a combination of Davao's three natural wonders - Mt. Apo, Durian, and Waling-waling

 

“We are happy to finally celebrate Kadayawan face-to-face after a long time. We appreciate the support of Cebu Pacific and other Philippine carriers in enticing both local and foreign tourists to visit Davao and its surrounding areas. Davao has so much to offer, whether it’s cultural heritage, outdoor adventure, island experience, or delicious Filipino food,” said Department of Tourism Davao (DOT 11) regional director, Tanya Rabat-Tan. ‘

  

  CEB Moment Makers, Mur and Eve, together with Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Supranational Jehza Huelar, are all smiles as they represent Cebu Pacific during the Pamulak Parade last August 21

“We want to give everyJuan a convenient and affordable air travel, that is why we encourage families, friends, and even solo backpackers to take advantage of this promo and fly to Davao. Likewise, those from Davao can also book to other destinations in the country, like Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo and Zamboanga,” said Carmina Romero, Corporate Communications Director of Cebu Pacific.  

 

Davao is one of the pioneer routes of Cebu Pacific, with the maiden Manila-Davao-Manila service in 1996. In 2008, CEB designated the Davao City International Airport as its hub in Mindanao. It remains as one of CEB’s largest hubs.   

 

Starting August 24, CEB will increase its flight frequency between Davao and Zamboanga, from five times to seven times weekly.  

 

CEB currently flies 8x daily from Manila to Davao, thrice daily from Davao to Cebu, thrice weekly from Davao to Bohol (every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), and daily from Davao to Iloilo.   

 

The airline continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its widest domestic network and continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety.  

 

Fly easy, going online is key! Let’s Fly Juans More to CEB’s widest domestic network. Book now via www.cebupacificair.com.

Grab these really useful and convenient gadgets with Infinix

The new school year is here–and you should be ready for taking on all the classes and assignments that are coming your way.

 

Fortunately, it’s not hard to prepare for the return to classes. Other than school essentials and supplies, technology–namely, the latest gadgets and devices–make the learning experience a lot easier and manageable.

 

There’s still time to grab some of these really useful and convenient gadgets, too. Here are five things you should definitely consider:

 

1. A powerful and reliable laptop

 

We’re a couple of years into remote and hybrid classes, and at this point, you either need your own laptop or upgrade the unit you’ve got. 

 

You can’t go wrong with a laptop that can handle your school requirements, whether it’s attending online classes on Zoom or managing multiple files and apps at the same time. A laptop like the Infinix INBook X1 Pro can take on your biggest school challenges–its 323.5-mm. frame packs an Intel Core™ i Series chip, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage, giving you the best power and performance that you’ll need to run the latest software and keep up with everything.

 

2. A handy tablet

 

Sometimes, you just might want to work with something a little smaller in your hands. Here’s where a tablet can shine. It’s the next best thing to writing on paper, as you can write down notes with a stylus. The artistically inclined can also sketch, doodle, and make art on a good tablet in a way that you can’t really do on a PC.

 

3. A useful smartwatch

 

You can’t always be looking at your computer, tablet, or phone, so a smartwatch can come in really handy in a pinch. A great smartwatch can help manage your time not only by telling it, but also by reminding you of important events, deadlines, and notifications that you might miss out on on your phone. It can also keep track of your health, showing you vital stats like your heartrate and amount of sleep, which you’ll definitely need to balance and maintain as you handle all your requirements.

 

4. Extra storage

 

Some students, like art and film majors, will need to deal with a lot of large files. If that’s you, you can’t go wrong with getting some extra storage, usually in the form of external hard or solid state drives. This is especially useful not only if you don’t have enough space, but also if you have to transfer between more than one desktop or laptop.

 

5. 
   A smartphone that can do anything

 

Lastly, you’ll need a smartphone that can help you both work and relax. A good smartphone should be affordable and still have enough power to handle important apps and the fun stuff–something like the Infinix NOTE 12 G96. 

 

The NOTE 12 G96’s Helio G96 Ultra Gaming Processor and up to 13GB Extended RAM lets you both work and play smoothly and seamlessly, while its 50MP Ultra Night Triple Camera captures great photo and video at any time so you can always upload great content. You can see everything in vibrant and vivid hues on its 6.7” FHD+ True Color AMOLED display. 

 

What are you waiting for? Don’t start school without these must-have gadgets, especially the Infinix INBook X1 Pro and NOTE 12 G96. Both are available respectively at Infinix stores nationwide, and via Shopee and Lazada. To know more about these devices, visit http://www.infinixmobility.com.

 

The Infinix INBook X1 Pro runs on the latest Intel Core™ i Series chips and up to 16 GB of RAM, ensuring you can run the latest apps and software smoothly.

 

 

The Infinix NOTE 12 G96 packs a Helio G96 Ultra Gaming processor and up to 13GB Extended RAM, allowing for top performance and seamless work and play.

 

SM Supermalls has implemented many measures to be more energy-efficient

 

SM Mall of Asia’s solar panels provide clean energy to the largest mall in Asia.

                    

How does the country’s biggest mall conserve water and electricity? SM Supermalls has implemented many measures to be more energy-efficient and make better use of natural resources in order to protect the environment. You can adopt some of their ideas into your own home, to save money and the planet.

 

Switch to solar panels 

 

Traditional electricity production uses thousands of liters of water each year for cooling generators, and fossil fuels release harmful gases that pollute the air and contribute to global warming.

 

That’s why SM Supermalls is using solar energy as part of its commitment to sustainability.  Mall of Asia was the first Philippine mall to use rooftop solar decks. Now, these are used in 10 of its malls, with plans to install 50 more over the next few years.

   

Currently, the mall chain is sourcing around 68% of its energy from renewable sources, which has helped reduce energy consumption by 28%, and carbon emissions by 31%.  

 

Home solar panels are now becoming more affordable, and with the money you save on electricity bills, these eventually pay for themselves.  You can also start with small changes, like switching to outdoor solar lights or solar water heaters.

 

Use energy-efficient appliances 

 

If you can’t switch to solar yet, you can look for appliances that use less electricity. You can get inverter air conditioners or refrigerators and check any product’s energy-efficiency factor (EEF) number, which is usually on a yellow sticker. You can also get a smart plug, which can be programmed to turn off an appliance when it is on standby. 

 

SM Supermalls have been designed to be both energy and water efficient. It uses LED lighting systems which has 50% energy savings, and sensor-activated escalators which save another 30%. The skylights, green walls and windows also make full use of natural light.

 

SM Supermalls is the first mall in the country to install e-Vehicle charging stations.

 

Find ways to reduce the use of gasoline 

 

Gasoline prices are at an all-time high, so budget-savvy Filipinos are turning to cheaper (and greener) forms of transportation, such as riding the bike and carpooling. Aside from saving money, it prevents air pollution and has lower carbon emissions.

 

SM Supermalls has long supported the use of environment-friendly transportation.  It has dedicated bike lanes, hundreds of bike racks, vending machines and service repair stations. It also has produced Biker’s Safety Videos and Manuals which you can download fromhttps://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/advocacies/bike-friendly-sm/.

 

SM Supermalls has also deployed the country’s first in-mall free charging stations for e-Vehicles in SM Aura, SM North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, and SM Megamall.

 

 

SM Supermalls’ Trash to Cash Recycling Market provides a convenient way for mallgoers to turn their recyclable waste into cash.

 

 

Segregate your trash

 

Segregating biodegradables and recyclables helps lower the amount of trash that goes into landfills, which affect the health of the nearby communities and can also contaminate the soil and water supply. Landfills also emit methane, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.

 

SM Supermalls follows a strict trash segregation program within its malls. In fact, compostable waste is collected and turned into compost through their conversion process. The produced compost is then distributed through various community programs.

SM Supermalls also supports the recycling efforts of the surrounding communities, with its Trash to Cash Recycling Market. Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, you can bring your recyclables like plastic bottles, aluminum and tin cans, old papers and books, and metal cookware and kitchen items and exchange them for cash.  You can also join its Plastic Waste Collection Program, and regular Electronic Waste Programs at participating SM Cyberzones. 

Collect rainwater

 

Water is a valuable resource. That’s why SM malls have rainwater catchments to harvest rainwater, especially in flood-prone areas, which serves the double purpose of conserving water and helping its communities to stay safe and flood-free.

 

Whenever it rains, 20 SM malls can catch up to 79,257 cubic meters of rainwater, which is enough to fill 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

At home, you can collect rainwater in large barrels for gardening or cleaning the floors. There are many guides you can find online that can teach you how to save rainwater like this one - https://www.wikihow.com/Collect-Rainwater.

Join the SM Green Movement 

 

All these measures are part of SM Supermalls’ commitment to protecting the planet. “SM has always strived to nurture and give back to all the communities we serve. That includes creating a greener, safer environment,” says Mr. Steven T. Tan, SM Supermalls President. “Through our programs, we also hope to make it easier for people to make eco-friendly choices in everyday life. The Green Movement is not just about what SM does within the malls, but what we can do together as a community.”