Ayala Land closer to being carbon neutral
Property developer stays true to its sustainability commitment despite the pandemic
It was easy to lose sight of one’s sustainability goals during these unprecedented times. As the world reeled from the daunting challenges dealt by the COVID-19 pandemic, many had to drastically cut funding for many such projects, and reallocate resources for measures that would enable them to cope with the crisis. Surprisingly however, some companies were able to remain steadfast in their commitment not only to their businesses and their people, but also to the environment even in the midst of this virus outbreak.
Ayala Land, for instance, continued to pursue its sustainability goals as it recognized the role that environmental resilience will play in the post pandemic era.
An article published on the World Economic Forum website pointed out that recovery should go beyond plans to vaccinate the world and return economic systems to “normal.” It noted that “a sustainable recovery requires a new normal of environmental stewardship and addressing climate change,” adding that “working to save the planet now will also address the immediate health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Ayala Land has inched closer anew to its goal of reaching carbon neutrality as it achieved an impressive 91 percent emissions reduction for 2020
CLOSER TO THE GOAL
Today, Ayala Land has inched closer anew to its goal of reaching carbon neutrality as it achieved an impressive 91 percent emissions reduction for 2020.
“Even during the pandemic, our commercial properties shifted to renewable energy as scheduled. Fifty seven of our properties, or 63 percent of our total gross leasable area, are now using renewable energy,” disclosed Anna Maria Gonzales, sustainability manager at Ayala Land.
“On top of this, our partners planted an additional 25,000 trees in our carbon forests last year. We started restoring these forest patches and now 80 percent of the total carbon forest area is covered with growing trees in Alaminos, Laguna; Kanirag, Cebu; Bago Gallera, Davao City; Lio, Palawan; Sicogon Island and Nuvali,” she said.
To further its cause, Ayala Land partnered with GCash to enjoin more people to participate in its initiatives to protect forests. The renewed activity in GCash Forest is expected to re-ignite users’ interest in supporting the efforts of NGOs like Pusod, Ayala Land’s Alaminos Carbon Forest partner.
Webinars were likewise held to help educate people about the technique that Ayala Land espouses in the forests— assisted natural regeneration, wherein one can help the forest thrive, not just by planting trees but also by removing weeds and vines that hamper its growth.
INTRINSIC PART
To recall, Ayala Land has long made a commitment to sustainability, which has since been an intrinsic part of its operations. As it recognizes the adverse impact of climate change on the country, on businesses and on the people, it made sure to imbibe this mindset among employees.
“As far back as 2008, Ayala Land has already laid down the groundwork to keep track of and reduce its carbon footprint. In 2017, it boldly pledged to be carbon neutral in its commercial properties by 2022,” Gonzales said.
“This meant reducing and offsetting the amount of carbon emissions released by its various commercial properties with initiatives such as the use of natural light and air in passive cooling design, energy efficiency, renewable energy sourcing and other carbon offset mechanisms such as forest regeneration and protection,” she further said.
MILESTONES AMID PANDEMIC
Such milestones would be hard to miss. World renowned award-giving bodies have taken notice of these achievements, more so that these were realized during trying times.
Last year, Ayala Land was selected as a member of the SAM Sustainability Yearbook 2020 and an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), both managed by S&P Global. It was the only real estate company from the Philippines that made it to the yearbook, which lists companies that score within the top 15 percent of their industry and achieve an S&P Global ESG Score within 30 percent of their industry’s top-performing company. The company likewise received an A- rating on Climate Change from the UKbased Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its commitment to measure and manage its environmental performance, as well as the 3G ESG Championship Award (Philippines) 2020 from the London-based Cambridge IFA, a leading international financial services think-tank.
Locally, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc., the country’s biggest business organization, gave Ayala Land a special citation—the 2020 Excellence in Ecology and Economy Awards.
One could only admire Ayala Land’s unwavering adherence to its sustainability goals—one that fittingly sets the tone and shapes up to be an exceptional example of how businesses could be one with the government in ensuring inclusive growth and nation-building.