MANILA, Philippines - The recently opened Robinsons Magnolia Mall has been certified as a green infrastructure by the local government of Quezon City, making it the first green mall building in the country’s most populous city.
In a statement, the Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) said the four-level retail complex was awarded the certificate in ceremonies in City Hall after it was found to have strictly adhered to the stringent standards set under the city government’s Green Building Ordinance of 2009, which requires the design, construction or retrofitting of building, other structures and movable properties to meet minimum standards of a green infrastructure.
The awarding of the green building certification now makes the Robinsons Magnolia Mall, located along the bustling corner of Aurora Boulevard and Hemady Street, a showcase of sustainable development practices that would surely benefit shoppers, tenants, the developer and the environment over the long-run.
According to Arlene Magtibay, Robinsons Malls general manager, “we are very glad that Robinsons Magnolia has been certified as Quezon City’s first green mall building. We have always been concerned that our developments work with and not against the environment, and we are happy that the Quezon City government shares the same vision and has recognized our efforts towards this common goal.”
Magtibay said RLC’s 32nd mall was installed with skylight and glass curtains that allow for natural lighting, a move that is expected to rake in huge energy savings for the company.
To further reduce its carbon footprint, Robinsons Magnolia Mall used the more energy efficient colored LED (light emitting diode) light fixtures for the façade as compared normal high wattage metal halide lamps which saves 50 percent in energy consumption. In the interior, the mall resorted to high efficient light fixtures that saves energy by 30 percent.
Robinsons Magnolia likewise treats the wastewater coming from its sewage treatment plant (STP) and recycles the wastewater for use in cleaning, flushing toilets and irrigation. It has installed rainwater collectors which help reduce its usage of fresh water.