As companies all over the world aspire to do their share in maintaining global ecological balance, sustainability has become not just a cool buzzword for advocates but a requirement in almost everything they do.
In real estate, sustainability is fast becoming a design requirement as much as aesthetics or security. From energy efficient building materials right up to designing buildings with rainwater collecting features, green building advocates are developing solutions to reduce pressure on the planet.
ArthaLand Corp., the leading boutique developer in the country, and First Gen Corp., the Philippines’ pioneer and leader in the natural gas industry, are two such green building advocates. The two companies have come together to boost sustainability in real estate and energy through projects that support the environment.
ArthaLand and First Gen’s first project together is the premium-grade office development, ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower in BGC which, during its construction, was already the recipient of the Best Green Development and Highly Commended in the Best Office Architectural Design categories of the Philippines Property Awards.
It has received both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum rating and recently the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence 5-star certification, the highest and most prestigious categories in both green building rating standards.
The multi-awarded corporate building uses 100 percent clean and renewable energy through a hydroelectric power plant source supplied by First Gen coming from their Pantabangan-Masiway Hydroelectric Plant located in Nueva Ecija. This makes ACPT non-reliant on coal-based energy sources.
First Gen is the leading clean energy company in the Philippines and is also the only power generating company of its size that does not have coal power in its portfolio. Their investments span from natural gas, geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, to solar power.
“One of the core principles that guide our business is that progress doesn’t need to come at the expense of our health, the environment, and the future of the next generations,” First Gen chairman Federico Lopez, says.
“By partnering with an organization that embodies the same principles is a big step in making sustainability a way of life for every business,” Lopez says.
ArthaLand has been known to build structures that adhere to global and national standards in green buildings. Their first project, Arya Residences, is the first and only residential building in the country to receive a LEED gold certification from the US Green Building Council and also the first and only residential project to be given BERDE 4-star certification by the Philippine Green Building Council.
“Sustainability has become more than just a corporate social responsibility concept for us. It has become a mission to leave a blueprint of future-proofing in every premium-grade structure that we build,” says ArthaLand treasurer and executive vice president Leo Po.
“Part of this mission is to use clean and renewable energy and reduce our environmental footprint,” Po adds.
“Our partnership with First Gen is truly a perfect match because we share the same values and the same commitment to the preservation of the environment,” Po says. “We are truly proud of ACPT, not only because it is a solid, premium-grade building, but because of how it can be a true role model for future office developments in the country.”