Jollibee Food Corporation (JFC) is ramping up its commitment to sustainability by integrating solar energy into its operations. In 2024, the company plans to install 16,800 solar panels across four major manufacturing and logistics sites and 119 restaurants nationwide.
The manufacturing facility in Canlubang, Laguna alone generates 9.1 megawatts of clean energy, achieving a 31.9% reduction in energy use compared to the baseline established in 2020, according to Elise D. Veloso, JFC’s sustainability director. This marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
JFC’s solar initiative is a collaborative effort with Zenith Foods Corporation and First Gen Corporation, facilitated by Pi Energy Inc. The project began with a single site in 2023 and expanded to include three additional facilities in 2024. These manufacturing sites supply a range of products for JFC’s beloved brands, including Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, Yoshinoya, Burger King, Panda Express, and Common Man Coffee Roasters.
JFC is also applying solar technology to its dining locations. A standout example is a Jollibee outlet in Tuguegarao City, which opened last year featuring multiple green technologies aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing renewable energy use. This location boasts solar panels that can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
Additional features include:
- Solar water heaters for kitchen use
- Solar window films that regulate temperature
- High-efficiency motors for improved kitchen air management
- LED-converted pylon lights that cut energy use by 80%
- Motion sensors for restroom lighting and low-flow faucets to conserve water
- An advanced wastewater treatment facility with a rainwater recycling system
As of 2024, 119 Jollibee Group restaurants across the Philippines are equipped with solar panels, including 64 Jollibee outlets, 17 Chowking, 13 Burger King, 5 Mang Inasal, 4 Panda Express, and 1 Red Ribbon location.
These initiatives are all part of JFC’s global sustainability agenda, known as Joy For Tomorrow, which is aligned with the company’s mission and growth strategies. “Our goal is to integrate renewable energy across all our operations, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices,” Veloso emphasized.
Jollibee’s aggressive expansion of solar energy usage is setting a precedent for the food industry in the Philippines. By prioritizing renewable energy, the company not only enhances its operational efficiency but also contributes to a healthier planet, making significant strides toward sustainability.
