ACPT: World’s First EDGE Zero Carbon Certified Building

Arthaland’s flagship office building in the Bonifacio Global City, Arthaland Century Pacific Tower (ACPT), is the first development in the world to be granted EDGE Zero Carbon certification. ACPT is projected to achieve 45% in energy savings, 64% in water savings and 34% in embodied energy in materials. It is the only triple-certified project in the Philippines to have received the LEED Platinum rating and BERDE 5-star certification in addition to the EDGE Zero Carbon certification, all of which are the highest and most prestigious categories in green building rating standards.

EDGE, which stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, is the green building certification system of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. IFC is the largest global development finance institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. EDGE was created in response to the need for a measurable solution to provide the financial case for building green.

According to IFC, “a project that reaches the EDGE standard of 20% less energy use, 20% less water use, and 20% less embodied energy in materials compared to a base case building can be independently certified with EDGE. EDGE is part of a holistic strategy to steer construction in rapidly urbanizing economies onto a more low-carbon path. It’s an example of IFC’s commitment to creating markets that are competitive, sustainable, inclusive and resilient. “

The EDGE Zero Carbon award recognizes a building that is highly energy efficient (at least 40% energy savings compared to a base case building) and fully powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources. ACPT, the multi-awarded corporate office building, uses 100% hydroelectric energy supplied by First Gen’s Pantabangan-Masiway Hydroelectric Plant located in Nueva Ecija. This makes ACPT non-reliant on carbon emitting coal-based energy sources. First Gen is the largest clean energy company in the Philippines and is also the only power generating company of its size that does not have coal power in its portfolio.

ACPT’s use of higher thermal performance glass, reflective paint on the roof, efficient lighting fixtures with occupancy and daylight sensors, an energy recovery ventilation system and a Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) Cooling System contribute to huge energy savings for building users. Arthaland also purposely chose construction materials that have less embodied energy such as aluminum window frames, in-situ reinforced concrete slabs for the roof and floor slabs, medium weight hollow concrete blocks for the internal walls, curtain walling for the external walls, and stone tiles and finished concrete floor for the flooring. Water saving measures include the installation of water-efficient water closets, faucets and urinals. Also in place is a graywater recycling system for the collection, treatment and reuse of water for irrigation and toilet flushing. Other systems include a condensate water recovery system and a rainwater harvesting system.

“We are honored to receive this award as it shines a light on our other office projects, Cebu Exchange and Savya Financial Center, that are currently under construction. These office projects will adhere to the same sustainable standards and once completed will apply for the same EDGE Zero Carbon certification,” said Jaime C. Gonzalez, Vice Chairman and President of Arthaland. “By achieving EDGE Zero Carbon certification, we have once again raised green building development standards in the country and have kept true to our unwavering commitment of building boutique, sustainable and exceptional developments.”

“This distinction is an exceptional achievement for Arthaland Corporation as it continues to show the way in developing a sustainable and green model for future office developments in the country and globally,” said Yuan Xu, IFC Country Manager for the Philippines. “IFC remains committed to supporting developers like Arthaland to help transform the way buildings are built in the Philippines through EDGE.”

Building green not only allows Arthaland to protect and preserve the environment but offers its tenants substantial savings from lower utility bills and enhanced working conditions. Future tenants of Arthaland’s Savya Financial Center and Cebu Exchange can expect comparable benefits being enjoyed by ACPT’s tenants. Apart from energy and water savings, they are assured of better indoor air quality, access to open space and vegetation, as well as higher thermal performance glass windows with spectacular views. The buildings will also be supportive of more responsible modes of transportation like provisions for green vehicle parking and convenient bicycle storage.