Before electric jeepneys started plying in Makati City's
Central Business District last July 1, an e-jeep was already rolling in the
nine-hectare Meralco Development Center in the hills of Antipolo.
The Meralco's e-jeep is equipped with a five-horsepower
engine and runs solely on electricity. It can seat 17 persons and can be driven
for eight hours after 10 hours of charging time.
Agnes Fidelino, managing director of the Meralco Development
Center, said the e-jeep not only brings guests and employes around the center
but stresses the foundation's concern for the environment.
Fidelino said the Center seeks to inspire companies using its
facilities for training activities to adopt its "zero-waste" management program.
She said the environmental programs have resulted in savings
for the center, with electrical consumption dropping from 22.5 kilowatts per
hour (kwh) for each guest per day in 2004 to 16.5 kwh in 2007.
The Center conserves water by using the dual flush system and
waterless urinals, and re-using the water from lagoons and ponds for watering of
plants, which is done at night to maximize water absorption.
It also conserves energy through the use of skylights or
natural lighting in the academic/Residence Halls and the use of solar energy for
pathway lights.
In 2007, the foundation had 50 trainers who oriented 100 teachers from the
Sumulong Central School in Antipolo City on solid waste management.
