Cooling systems often go unnoticed, but they’re the reason people feel comfortable inside malls and hotels. As sustainability becomes central to how spaces are designed and managed, developers are rethinking these essential systems to be more efficient and environmentally responsible.

Leading this shift is Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), which, through Philippine DCS Development Corporation (PDDC)—its joint venture with ENGIE—is deploying advanced cooling systems in Festival Mall Alabang and Quest Hotel Clark. Structured under a 20-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreement, these Energy Efficiency Performance projects cover every stage—from design and installation to long-term operations and maintenance—reducing energy use, cutting costs, and strengthening FLI’s commitment to sustainable real estate.

At Festival Mall, the developer is introducing a next-generation cooling system designed to reduce energy use by 36 percent in its first phase, with even higher efficiency once fully operational. The system maintains indoor temperatures at a steady 23–24°C, enhancing comfort while minimizing consumption. It is also expected to generate ₱56.9 million in annual electricity savings, proving that energy efficiency supports both sustainability and business performance.

Tristan Las Marias, president and CEO of FLI, said the initiative demonstrates how the company is integrating sustainability into long-term growth. “Festival Mall’s new cooling system is a clear example of how we are future-proofing our assets through sustainable innovation. This project reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering greener, more reliable, and more efficient spaces for our stakeholders, while reinforcing our role in shaping sustainable communities nationwide.”

Further north, at Quest Hotel Clark, PDDC is undertaking another 20-year BOOT Energy Efficiency Performance project to modernize the hotel’s cooling and hot water systems. Spanning design, financing, construction, and maintenance, the initiative involves a two-month mobilization followed by 14 months of construction before continuous operation. Once completed, it will cut cooling energy use by 50 percent and prevent around 7,400 tons of carbon emissions—equivalent to planting 56,000 trees.

Engr. Jonathan Urbano, general manager of PDDC, said the project underscores the company’s role as a pioneer in sustainable infrastructure. “As the pioneer of large-scale district cooling systems in the Philippines, PDDC is proud to be leading this transformation at Quest Hotel Clark. This project not only demonstrates how advanced technology can deliver significant energy savings, but also how sustainability can be integrated into hospitality operations to create long-term value for businesses, communities, and the environment.”

Together, these projects represent a major step toward supporting the Philippines’ energy transition and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As the country’s first and only large-scale district cooling provider, PDDC continues to bring globally proven technologies—used in cities like Singapore, Dubai, and Paris—to local developments such as Northgate District Cooling in Alabang, LIPAD Clark International Airport, Entrata Urban Complex, and PBCom Tower. With initiatives like Festival Mall and Quest Hotel Clark, Filinvest Land Inc. is embedding low-carbon, energy-efficient systems across its nationwide portfolio, showing that greener infrastructure is not just possible but profitable and scalable in the Philippines.