What we learned from SM, Megaworld, Arthaland, and Filinvest during MB’s 1st Sustainability Forum
When I started writing about properties — communities, villages, buildings, offices, commercial spaces, even leisure centers, etc. — two decades ago, it was always about highlighting the “sellability” aspects, such as location, design flexibility, resale value, recreational features, and again, location. So strong was the emphasis on location that articles usually start with the benefits of living here, there, or somewhere.
Through the years, there was a gradual shift when talking about properties. “Green” began mixing in the property lexicon and descriptions, highlighting a property’s gardens, use of solar panels or lamps, or implementation of recycling. Green is in, they say, but it would take a while before sustainability became a byword.
I would notice that at the start of the 2010s, there was more emphasis on sustainability. More so in 2015, when all members of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. That is popularly known as the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Soon, companies left and right came up with their own sustainability programs and goals, usually summarized in a Sustainability Report.
The Property industry was not spared from this “movement.” There was one study I’ve read in the past how “wasteful” this industry is and how it is also very “pivotal” in changing the lifestyle of citizens. And why not? Property developers change the way we live with the houses they build, they change the way we work in the offices they create, and they change the way we study, relax, move in the structures they erect.
What is commendable (and heartening to know personally) is the fact that these four major developers
— SM, Megaworld, Arthaland, and Filinvest — were already looking toward the future. Even before “sustainability” became a byword, these four developers have already laid the foundation of sustainable structures, buildings, and communities. This is also the reason why
has chosen these four developers to become part of the 1st MB Sustainability Forum, which concluded last Nov. 24 with a Recognition Night at the City of Dreams Manila.
To demonstrate their seriousness and passion about sustainability, no less than the top executives of these four companies were on hand to talk about their programs and initiatives.
From SM, it was Hans ‘Chico’ Sy Jr., president of SM Engineering, Design and Development (EDD) of the SM Group who talked about “Integrating Disaster Preparedness in Real Estate Development.” From Megaworld, it was its chief strategy officer Kevin Tan, who is also the CEO of Alliance Global Inc., who presented “How Building Sustainable Offices Bring Benefit to the Workforce.”
Arthaland’s talk on “Sustainable Residences: Why is it a Better Investment?” was presented by its senior vice president, Oliver Chan. While “Filinvest City, Alabang: Developing the Philippines’ first BERDE-certified CBD” was presented by Don Don Ubaldo, senior vice president of Filinvest.
If you had missed their talks during the online forum last Nov. 23-24, fret not. Just scan the QR Code below for the video playlist of the entire two-day forum.
I’m also using the space below to share to you some very important takeaways from their talks. I am sure that you, like me, will be impressed with their efforts and also be comforted with the fact that there are companies like these who make sustainability a part of their operations, a part of their corporate culture, and a part of their stakeholders’ way of life.