BPI champions sustainability, launches electric vehicle for employees

BPI and GET executives host an inaugural ride of the electric vehicle.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has leased a new electric vehicle (EV) unit in a bid to gradually replace its old gas-powered fleet vehicles and curtail its greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

BPI has partnered with Global Electric Transportation (GET), a provider of EVs that use fast-charging lithium-ion batteries, to supply its new EV unit that will be used to provide free shuttle services for its employees travelling between BPI Buendia Center and MRT Buendia Station.

“In BPI, we believe that the first step to building a sustainable future is by starting within ourselves, within the organization. We are excited to roll out a more environment-friendly and sustainable shuttle service for our employees. This forms part of our mission to help build a better Philippines—one family, one community at a time.” ~TG Limcaoco, BPI President and CEO

BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco and GET President Freddie Tinga (center) launched the electric vehicle service for BPI employees. With them are (from left): Severino Sumulong, GET Director of Legal Services; Frankie Endriga, GET Chief Operating Officer; Anthony Dy, GET Managing Director; Jaime Zobel Urquijo, BPI Director and Ayala Corporation Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer; Eugenio Mercado, BPI Head of Enterprise Operations; and Carlo Poblete, BPI Head of Facilities Services and Management.

The EV could potentially reduce the Bank’s diesel consumption by 30,000 liters per year, which in turn will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40,000 kilograms of CO2 per year.

“We are glad to see that more companies are pushing for the use of EVs and starting to realize its positive impact not only on the environment but also on their bottom line. We are happy to partner with BPI and support their sustainability initiatives through our sustainable transport solutions.” ~Freddie Tinga, GET President

The electric vehicle will provide free shuttle service to BPI employees commuting to and from MRT Buendia Station and BPI Buendia Center. Soon, it will add another stop at One Ayala Terminal.

The EV features a wider body and plenty of passenger room for 30 people compared with traditional shuttles that can only accommodate and ferry up to 15 passengers at a time.

In terms of social inclusivity, the EV has a wheelchair ramp that allows persons with disabilities (PWDs) to easily board and alight the vehicle. The ramp also allows easier boarding for people carrying bikes and other wheeled items. 

The EV also harnesses an intelligent fleet management system, with features such as GPS tracking, route optimization, and maintenance alert which can be accessed through the GETPASS App.

The initiative mirrors BPI’s commitment to sustainability and continuous efforts to cultivate and entrench a sustainability mindset within the organization.

In 2023, BPI won 14 ESG-focused awards from foreign and Philippine award-giving bodies, including Finance Asia, Global Finance, The Asset, and Asiamoney. In 2022, the Bank also won 10 sustainability-themed awards.