As sustainability becomes a priority, building greener cities has emerged as a key focus for developers. Strategies such as energy-efficient buildings and eco-friendly public spaces are helping reduce environmental impact while creating more sustainable and livable urban areas.
This push for sustainability aligns with the Manila Bulletin’s 125-year legacy of sharing stories that shape the future and promote positive change. In line with this, Property & Living, Manila Bulletin’s dedicated real estate section, has curated a list of developers adopting green practices in urban planning, all united in creating a more sustainable world. The Manila Bulletin continues to spotlight these essential stories of progress and innovation.
Arthaland
Arthaland is deeply committed to sustainability in the Philippines, addressing the urgent climate crisis and its impact on food security and the economy. During the recent Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum, Kristina Samantha Pobre, head of sustainability at Arthaland, highlighted the pressing need for immediate action, noting how the ongoing climate crisis is already causing significant disruptions in the country. She emphasized that there is no time to waste in driving meaningful change.
Building on this commitment, the developer strives to lead efforts in creating a sustainable future while ensuring the Philippines remains competitive globally. With sustainability central to every of its projects, Arthaland pursues certifications such as LEED, BERDE, EDGE, and WELL. Notably, the Arthaland Century Pacific Tower became the world’s first EDGE Zero Carbon-certified building in 2019.
As part of its pledge to decarbonize by 2030, Arthaland is innovating with sustainable materials like bamboo and fostering green skills development through its "Arthaland Masterclass" program, exemplifying how developers can drive impactful, sustainable change.
Ayala Land, Inc.
Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) continues to shape the Philippine real estate landscape by blending sustainability with business impact. Its developments—spanning Bonifacio Global City, Nuvali, and Makati—emphasize environmental resilience through four key pillars: site resilience, pedestrian mobility, resource efficiency, and local economic development.
Projects such as Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2 and Ayala North Exchange exemplify these principles and earned ALI recognition at the BCI Asia Awards 2024 for its eco-conscious designs.
As the first publicly listed developer in the Philippines with net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the developer is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The company aims for a 42 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and has already made significant progress, with 91 percent of its commercial properties powered by renewable energy as of 2023. Plans for electric vehicles and eco-friendly refrigerants further solidify its role as a leader in sustainable development, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand.
Filinvest
Filinvest is committed to building sustainable communities that provide long-term, fulfilling living experiences. Filinvest City, the country’s first and only green-certified central business district, reflects this commitment with its LEED Gold certification for Neighborhood Development by the US Green Building Council and a BERDE 3-star rating from the Philippine Green Building Council.
Key features include Central Park’s green spaces, bike paths, pedestrian walkways, and the District Cooling System—the largest in the country—which efficiently cools 16 buildings in Northgate Cyberzone. Festival Mall, another flagship development, uses solar panels to supply 28 percent of its energy requirements, complemented by upgraded sewage and water treatment facilities for landscaping.
Beyond construction, Filinvest integrates green design, circular economy practices, and renewable energy into its projects, exemplified by the One Filinvest office tower. Initiatives like “Pusong Filinvest” further reinforce the company’s dedication to community engagement, education, and disaster relief. Through these efforts, the company sets the standard for greener, more inclusive communities and redefines urban living in the Philippines.
Megaworld Corporation
Megaworld advances sustainability through its “SustainaAGIlity” program, launched in 2020. With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, the company has already neutralized emissions in 52 of its properties.
By 2027, Megaworld plans to power 116 properties with renewable energy, supported by its large-scale reforestation initiatives in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local communities. These efforts not only offset emissions but also create lasting environmental benefits.
The 2023 “MEGreen” campaign unifies the developer’s sustainability initiatives across environmental, social, and governance pillars. In addition to targeting five million job opportunities by 2030, the company incorporates sustainable practices like waste management and water reuse in its developments.
By combining innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship, Megaworld is building eco-friendly townships that prioritize both people and the planet.
RLC Residences
RLC Residences leads in sustainable development by incorporating energy-efficient designs, green building practices, and eco-friendly materials. The company is on track to develop one million square meters (gross floor area) of net-zero carbon, resilient condominium projects by 2031.
Innovations such as hydroponic farms and rainwater harvesting further enhance sustainability. With EDGE Green Building certification, RLC Residences’ projects meet global sustainability standards while providing lasting environmental and financial benefits.
Under the leadership of chairman Lance Gokongwei, RLC Residences continues to excel in creating eco-friendly communities with features like efficient landscaping to reduce energy use.
Upcoming innovations, including vertical gardens and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), reinforce the developer’s vision of sustainability, ensuring that eco-conscious design remains at the heart of its future projects.
SM Development Corporation
SM Development Corporation (SMDC) redefines urban living by integrating smart design with sustainability, creating spaces that are connected, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Its projects prioritize incorporating nature, using native flora to support local ecosystems, and mitigating flood risks with water catchment basins. These initiatives demonstrate how urban living can coexist harmoniously with nature.
Through its 15-minute city model, which connects essential amenities within walking distance, SMDC promotes healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. Committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, the company integrates solar panels into its developments, delivering long-term savings and environmental benefits.
By blending smart design with sustainability, the developer is shaping a future where urban living and environmental responsibility thrive together.