Telco PLDT Inc. received a “B” score in the 2024 CDP assessment, up from its “B-” in the previous rating, showing progress in the company’s environmental transparency and management efforts.
CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, evaluates how companies and organizations around the world manage environmental risks related to climate change, water, and deforestation. Scores range from F to A, with B indicating that an organization has put systems and strategies in place to manage its environmental impact.
“As we navigate through environmental challenges that impact our business and stakeholders, this rating affirms PLDT’s approach of aligning with global standards and adopting operational strategies that aim to foster long-term growth and contribute to planetary solutions at the same time,” said Melissa Vergel de Dios, chief sustainability officer, of PLDT and Smart.
Vergel de Dios also noted that PLDT is keen to continue leveraging environmental management to support parallel business imperatives, particularly on innovation, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
Responding to climate risks and cutting emissions
PLDT has identified climate change as one of its key business risks. The company supports the Paris Agreement and aims to cut its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by 2030.
According to its 2023 Sustainability Report, PLDT expanded its Scope 3 emissions coverage to include five categories: purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel and energy-related activities, use of sold products, and waste from operations.
In 2024, PLDT entered new renewable energy partnerships to power more of its facilities and data centers. It also continued upgrading its network infrastructure, including switching from copper to fiber for its fixed network and rolling out AI-enabled green radio solutions for its wireless sites to improve energy use and reduce emissions.
Promoting environmental accountability
After evaluating how climate and water hazards could affect its operations, PLDT has put in place measures to limit service disruptions during extreme weather. The company also promotes environmental practices among its employees and partners and takes part in policymaking to help push for a circular economy and climate action.
Environmental oversight falls under the company’s Board of Directors through the Governance, Nomination, and Sustainability Committee. PLDT ties sustainability goals to company performance metrics and executive pay to drive action on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and climate risk management.
PLDT also supports global reporting frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. Some of the company’s environmental disclosures undergo third-party review to help ensure transparency and accountability.
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