Human activities that harm the environment have led to increasingly unpredictable weather. It seems people are now more likely than before to bring an umbrella when stepping outside, come rain or shine, as the climate crisis emerges to be intolerable.
It was not long ago when schools in the Philippines marked the first time classes were suspended due to extreme heat. Sudden heavy downpours are not new, but the country averages 20 typhoons annually, paired with poor drainage systems, and this easily leaves many areas, mostly impoverished villages, vulnerable to flooding.
The severity of the damage done to the environment per person or group varies and is a different story, but all of us are ultimately accountable for the Earth’s degradation. Its evidence is glaring, but we can help achieve an ideal sustainable planet by being mindful of our consumption habits. As the old adage goes, “Lahat ng sobra ay masama (All that is excessive is bad).”
Building from its second sustainability forum, the Manila Bulletin has conducted an industry-focused sustainability session to offer a sliver of hope to the issues confronting our only home.
Session for sustainability and students
The MB Sustainability Focus Session opened the platform to power and real estate industry leaders on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, featuring key insights from industry leaders in the power and real estate sectors. Keynote speakers included Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Architect William Ti Jr., and Sheila Lobien.
Under the theme “Power and Real Estate in a Green-Centric Future,” the session gave key representatives of Aboitiz Power, Arthaland, Ayala Land, RLC Residences, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Shell, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) an opportunity to share updates on their environmental duties and efforts, set publicly their objectives for a greener world, and inspire change that transcends the walls of the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom.
“It's the future of the youth we're talking about at the end of the day. We’re trying to ‘laymanize’ the conversation about sustainability and make it understandable to help, if not make up for mistakes we (older generations) did in the past, or at least try to make their future a better place,” said Philip Cu Unjieng, project lead of the MB Sustainability Focus Session.
Students from the Faculty of Engineering, College of Architecture, and College of Fine Arts and Design observed the discussions, which also involved how the environment can find an unlikely ally in architecture and engineering. UST is the academic partner for the focus session. The event sought to help push environment stories into the mainstream and bring eco-friendly talks to table conversations.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, in her address, emphasized the critical role of local governments in addressing environmental challenges. She stressed that community commitment is essential for the success of initiatives like waste management and disaster preparedness.
Mayor Binay also called for a united effort across Metro Manila municipalities, noting that issues such as flooding require collaboration beyond individual borders.
“It has to be a cohesive and collective effort,” the mayor said. “I think it's high time that we recognize that there is a problem. One is how do we become resilient when it comes to disaster caused by climate. Resiliency then comes sustainability. It is a call to action not just for the government, but for every household in the entire country.”
Discussions, objectives, and progress
Arthaland Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Oliver Chan led the session, focusing on efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement.
Since its founding, Arthaland has championed sustainability through its early projects, responding to the call to address climate change. The company has been at the forefront of sustainable development, becoming the first to build a net zero carbon building globally, the first to construct a dual-certified green residential building in the country, and the first Asian property developer to join the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment by the World Green Building Council, among others.
“Going beyond [these achievements] as Arthaland, we have started showing people that sustainability is not just for those who can afford. Our goal is to show everyone that it’s not just for the rich. It’s for everyone to have and to feel,” Chan said.
Energy and petrochemical provider Shell supports the Philippines’ clean energy needs through its EV charging stations, which are fully powered by renewable energy. It also partnered with Green Antz, an eco-friendly building and housing company, to promote plastic waste management and recycling in Mega Manila.
In the coming years, the company seeks to achieve the following: reduce the net carbon intensity of its energy products by nine to 13 percent by 2025, 15 to 20 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050. It also involves buyers in its pursuit of emission reduction, aiming to help cut customer emissions from using its oil products by 15 to 20 percent by 2030.
The spotlight also fell on Aboitiz Power, which committed to achieving a 50:50 ratio of renewable and thermal sources by 2030. According to the power business, its total net sellable capacity with partners is 5,974 MW, with an energy mix of 21 percent clean energy and 79 percent thermal energy.
It aims to offer reliable power while incorporating social responsibility and environmental care into its operations, in line with its partnership with the Water Alliance in 2015, a commitment to lower emissions, address climate change resilience, and incorporate sustainability into the business process.
For Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Cleofe Albiso, the group’s managing director, emphasized their sampaguita brand of Filipino hospitality, which involves partnering and collaborating with local communities. This initiative invites everyone to immerse themselves by engaging their senses—sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch—allowing each individual to develop a genuine appreciation for the rich cultural heritage.
After a year of execution, this initiative achieved a 39 percent increase in total gross revenue, enabling Megaworld Hotels and Resorts to give back more to the community.
Albiso also encouraged everyone to take pride in the movement. “I’d like us to really trust in the existing private and public governance. We are no longer in a phase where we simply seek sustainability. I think we also need to celebrate the many companies that are taking sustainability to heart,” she added.
For real estate giant SMDC, plans to integrate and standardize solar panels into its residential communities were discussed. By 2040, it aims to go net zero and team up with like-minded suppliers and partners.
“It's more expensive for us, but we want to help our residents without an extra cost to them and allow them to be part of a green solution and make it easy for them,” said Jica Sy, lead executive for design, innovation, and strategy at SMDC. She added that they believe this move will reduce the company’s operational expense, especially for electricity costs, by about 30 to 40 percent.
RLC Residences also seeks to integrate sustainability aspects into its residences and wants to make sure it "walks the talk and it's not a marketing tactic.” In turn, it sought approval for the use of renewable energy sources in its developments. The company strives to attain net-zero carbon by 2032.
“We have rainwater catchment systems for our projects, allowing us to use recycled water in common areas. Recently, we also registered with the Department of Energy's Green Energy Program,” expressed Stephanie Anne Go, vice president and business development and design head at RLC Residences.
During the discussion, Ayala Land also acknowledged its impacts come from emissions produced in its operations, transportation, and construction.
"Ayala has been doing quite a bit in sustainability already from as early as 2007. It's been embedded in everything that we do. We want to ask the government for support on as well,” called Hans Lopez-Vito, Ayala Land head of brand experience and brand strategy for residential, estates, and corporate group.
The Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session was held in collaboration with Aboitiz Power, Arthaland, Ayala Land, RLC Residences, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Shell, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), and the University of Santo Tomas.