Starting your green journey today might feel like you’re late, but it’s not about when you begin—it’s about your commitment. Every step you take today shapes a better tomorrow, proving that the most important thing is simply to start.
Megaworld Corporation, for example, formalized its commitment in 2020—later than some peers—but has since made remarkable strides. Armie Batac, Megaworld’s head of sustainability, shared how the real estate developer's journey shows that meaningful change comes from dedication, not timing. It’s never too late to make a difference for a greener future.
Amid the global pandemic, the company embarked on its sustainability journey with a vision for carbon neutrality and a sustainable future. Under its parent company, Alliance Global Inc. (AGI), the “SustainaAGIlity” program was launched, covering Megaworld along with its three other major subsidiaries—Emperador, Inc., Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., and Golden Arches Development Corp. Although new to formal sustainability efforts, the company’s commitment quickly gained traction, influencing its developments and operations.
At the heart of this transformation is the “MEGreen” campaign, established in 2023. This company-wide sustainability initiative unifies efforts across four key pillars—Environmental (sustainable townships and road-to-zero carbon), Economic (job creation), Social (inclusive development), and Governance (compliance and stakeholder engagement)—all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
Megaworld recognized the immense challenge of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire portfolio. To address this, the company developed a strategic plan that segmented its operations by ownership. “Last year, we started focusing on all the efforts within Megaworld-owned and operated properties, offices, and malls, allowing us to address specific areas," explained Batac. "This year, we achieved carbon neutrality for all those properties—totaling 52—within Megaworld Corporation. We hope to replicate this effort for each subsidiary of the company so that, collectively, we can achieve neutrality across all real estate businesses under Megaworld by 2035.”
The company’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its transition to renewable energy, which now powers 65 properties, with plans to include 51 more by 2027. “We have exerted significant effort to transition our power sources from traditional power to renewable energy. This year, we awarded a 100-megawatt contract to MPower, covering 65 major properties, including malls and offices across the country. Additionally, within this year, we aim to award a further 20-megawatt contract under the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which will cover an additional 51 properties. With these two contracts, our transition to renewable energy will be fully realized by 2027,” Batac highlighted.
Recognizing that certain aspects of its operations, such as the remaining 2% of emissions cannot yet be decarbonized, Megaworld launched a large-scale reforestation program. In partnership with local communities and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the company has already planted 240,000 trees and committed to 3.5 million more over the next decade. To support this initiative, the “SeedQuest” campaign engages employees and locators to contribute seeds, ensuring a continuous supply for future projects.
Megaworld’s sustainability journey extends beyond environmental efforts, integrating inclusivity and governance at its core. Through health, education, and livelihood programs, the company nurtures thriving communities within and around its developments. Initiatives like job creation—targeting 5 million direct and indirect opportunities by 2030—and fostering sustainability among stakeholders create ripple effects across industries. It’s a story of ambition, collaboration, and perseverance, where challenges are met with an integrated approach to ensure its townships aren’t just places to live, work, and play, but models for a greener, more inclusive future.
“So collectively, with all these efforts within our townships, the green certification, waste management, and water reuse, this will all contribute to our target of delivering sustainable townships all over the country,” Batac concluded.