ARTHALAND bares plans to meet the 1.5°C challenge at the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session

The 2015 Paris Agreement saw 193 countries and the European Union pledge to try and prevent global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations, global warming needs to be limited as much as possible and as a matter of urgency to avert the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a livable planet. To meet that goal, greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 at the latest and decline 43% by 2030.

“With the building and construction sector accounting for approximately 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions, we at ARTHALAND recognize our major role in helping solve the climate crisis and promote a better future for all. And it is not just about us getting all the relevant green certifications for our developments, but we would also like to show everyone how it’s done for you to be able to incorporate sustainability in your daily lives – at home, at work, or with your friends,” said Oliver L. Chan, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer during his one-on-one interview at the recent Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session. The Manila Bulletin is spearheading efforts to drive meaningful discussions on sustainability, positioning itself as a key platform to raise awareness on this vital issue. As the country’s leading green developer, ARTHALAND has been invited to share its corporate initiatives, inspiring and guiding other businesses toward adopting more sustainable practices.

In response to the 1.5°C challenge, ARTHALAND in 2020 has pledged to achieve net zero across all its operational developments by 2030. To ensure these goals are met, they are working closely with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to align their targets and roadmap with the 1.5°C limit. This commitment is already bearing fruit, as demonstrated by flagship office development ARTHALAND Century Pacific Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City which was recognized in 2019 as the world’s first EDGE Zero Carbon building. In 2023, all their developments combined achieved 59% savings in energy consumption, 54% in water savings, and 80% avoided Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) compared to conventional building methods. They are also transitioning to renewable energy sources to power their building operations. In 2023, 51% of their power already comes from renewable energy sources which is a big jump from 46% in 2021. They are also scheduled to launch the first above-ground retail complex in the Philippines made of locally sourced bamboo that is built without using concrete and steel.

ARTHALAND is also actively engaging with the industry and with the public to get more people involved in the fight against climate change. They are proud to be a founding member of the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) which is a multi-sectoral alliance in the Philippines focused on accelerating the country’s transition to a net zero carbon future. ARTHALAND is seeking membership with the ESCAP Sustainable Business Network (ESBN) where they will be able to work closely with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) of the United Nations to champion sustainable business practices in the Philippines and beyond. They have partnered with the National University Manila College of Architecture, and with other schools to follow suit, to implement an intensive training program called ARTHALAND Masterclass that is tailored for students aspiring to be green building professionals. This program has already seen 33% of its graduates enter the workforce and begin practicing in the green building field. By the end of this year, ARTHALAND's Healthy Hauls initiative has expanded access to nutritious food for 27,000 individuals in disadvantaged communities, while helping Filipino farmers through Farm to Mayani, Inc., boosting their economic resilience by direct distribution of 59 metric tons of fresh fruits and vegetables to consumers.

When it comes to global warming, the time for action is now. This seemingly small increase in temperature will have far-reaching consequences such as altered weather patterns, rising sea levels, and more frequent and intense natural disasters. One of the most critical impacts is species migration, which poses a direct threat to humanity, particularly in the Philippines. As pollinators and fish populations shift to cooler areas, local agriculture and fisheries—key to the country's food security—are severely affected. Reduced crop yields, lower fish catches, and the spread of invasive species increase food prices and put millions of Filipinos at risk of hunger and economic instability.

“We build sustainably and actively encourage everyone to play their part in keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C to ensure a livable planet for future generations. As a parent of three young children, I want them to thrive in a safe, beautiful world for many decades to come,” said Mr. Chan.

ARTHALAND is the only real estate developer in the Philippines with a residential and commercial portfolio 100 percent certified as sustainable by local and global organizations. It has made its mark in the Philippine real estate industry by pioneering the development and management of exceptional best-in-class properties that adhere to international and local standards. For more information about ARTHALAND and the ARTHALAND Masterclass, visit www.arthaland.com