Liveable, sustainable, resilient

We’ve seen some flooding in several areas in the country recently as we go deeper into monsoon season. this leads to disruption of services, traffic, pollution, displacement of families, and loss of productivity. In Makati, Mayor abby Binay has declared a state of climate emergency, saying that climate change is affecting low-lying coastal areas like Makati. Rising temperatures and sea levels are creating conditions that are harsher than what we’ve seen before. With all that the world has experienced in the realm of climate emergencies, I wonder what it would take before we all take things more seriously.

Climate change and the pandemic made a lot of people realize the importance of having liveable cities and liveable spaces. This means that we have to feel comfortable in our spaces, that we are productive, safe, and healthy in them. Sustainability is another important consideration—our buildings, homes, and communities need to have net zero carbon and reduced emissions.

These places have to be resilient, too, or able to withstand shocks and different types of changes.

Businesses, particularly real estate organizations, have to consider these issues if they want to thrive in this new environment. Like the Makati City LGU, local governments need to take heed as well and create more programs that are aligned with liveability, sustainability, and resil

Climate change and the pandemic made a lot of people realize the importance of having liveable cities and liveable spaces. This means that we have to feel comfortable in our spaces, that we are productive, safe, and healthy in them. Sustainability is another important consideration—our buildings, homes, and communities need to have net zero carbon and reduced emissions.

iency not just on the city level but for the nation as a whole.

Technology can definitely help in terms of the design and construction of various spaces. Innovations in property technology and digital infrastructure can offer solutions to current issues and ensure that spaces adapt and respond to people’s needs and environmental requirements.

The design and layouts of cities and living and working spaces also need to evolve and change with the times. For example, mixed-use areas and public spaces can be designed creatively to reach their maximum potential in terms of functionality and even profitability. There are numerous specific examples online to illustrate this. The entire community needs to be consulted and considered as far as its needs and issues are concerned. This is one way to build flexible and inclusive spaces.

Some cities are implementing environmental ordinances like waste management programs, plastic ban and anti-smoking campaigns, clean air act implementation, and green building and greenhouse gas reduction ordinances, among others. The use of electric public vehicles and solar panels for public buildings is also being encouraged. These are all welcome initiatives and definitely necessary at this time but we all know that we should be doing more.

All sectors have to work together in a more decisive way to address climate change. Businesses, communities, stakeholders, government, and individuals have to act now and do their part. It is everybody’s responsibility, and in the same way, everybody has something to gain, too. This is our only home so let us make sure we keep it liveable for our children and the next generations.