In an era of globalization, new technologies and greater transparency, local businesses are facing multiple challenges to stay relevant and ahead of the curve. While some companies embark on changing their business models to adapt to the new trends, there are some who choose to innovate by integrating sustainability into their operations.
Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) is a pioneer in creating sustainable mixed-use estates, and the first local developer to commit to neutralizing the carbon emissions of its commercial properties by 2022.
Early this year, the company announced its plan to dedicate 450 hectares of its land to develop carbon forests that eliminate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the natural process called carbon sequestration. The forests are located in Alaminos, Laguna; Sicogon, Iloilo; Lio, Palawan; Kan-Irag, Cebu; and Talomo, Davao City.
Along with forest regeneration, ALI is using a combination of strategies to reach its carbon neutrality target through the implementation of passive cooling design in its developments, energy efficiency and renewable energy sourcing.
ALI’s sustainability thrust is best expressed through its products and the way each of its mixed-use estates is carefully assessed and selected, master-planned and designed, developed and constructed, and ultimately managed and maintained.
Behind its unwavering efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into its operations is the commitment to enhance the quality of life of more Filipinos.
“People have come to recognize sustainability as something that creates value and benefits communities, the environment, and the future. As a developer, it is also about building mixed-use developments with diverse property types and services which become catalysts for local economic development,” said Anna Maria Gonzales, ALI Sustainability Manager.
ALI’s estates integrate residential communities, shopping centers, offices, and hotels, and each one highlights a particular theme such as wellness, active lifestyles, and creative technology, among others. To complete the mix, the company welcomes partnerships with established health and educational institutions, allocates parks and open spaces in its plans, and builds venues for promoting arts and culture.
A key objective in ALI developments is to make open spaces that count. Public areas are strategically positioned, easily accessible, openly inviting and designed not just to be visibly beautiful but for social interaction as well.
Pedestrian priority-planning, the building of weather-protected walkways, and providing easy-to-access transit terminals enhance pedestrian mobility and public transit connectivity in ALI’s mixed-use estates.
“We continuously seek development approaches that will serve future generations and create long term value for our customers. Our sustainability or non-financial goals are as important to us as our financial targets,” Ms. Gonzales said.
Ayala Land has 25 sustainable estates and is present in 55 growth areas nationwide. All of the company’s developments implement sustainability practices focusing on site resilience, pedestrian mobility and transit connectivity, eco-efficiency and contribution to local employment.
