Arthaland to spearheadgreen projects in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Publicly-listed property developer Arthaland Corp. commits to lead the green building development culture in Cebu.

“We have 22 commercial buildings that are under construction. Cebu Exchange is the largest green building project in the country,” said Arthaland Corporation vice chairman and president Jaime Gonzalez in his talk during the recently concluded Green Building Conference held in Cebu City.

“In Cebu, Arthaland’s Cebu Exchange holds the distinction of being the largest green building in the Visayas and Mindanao, which is on target to achieve dual building,” added Gonzalez.

Being the first in the world to receive the EDGE Zero Carbon certification places Arthaland and the Philippines in the global stage as an activist in curbing the rising concern on climate change, Gonzalez said.

And because the company has lined up projects in Cebu, it hopes to take the lead in setting the trend in developing buildings that have strong social responsibility.

“Moving forward, it is our commitment that all future projects will sustainability standards,” Gonzalez pledged.

Aside from setting the tone for responsible property development, the company is also initiating programs that educate, share and spread the awareness of sustainable practices, not only in the industry that they are in, but extending it to communities in small and consistent steps and practices such as waste reduction, composting, vertical gardening, and recycling programs.

“We, in fact, extend our programs beyond the boundaries of our developments through programs that assist and positively affect the communities around our project sites,” he noted.

The Cebu Exchange’s dual green-building certification recognizes the systems for resource and waste management, use of high-quality sustainable materials, low energy consumption and natural ventilation in the entire structure. This certification also highlights the importance of amenities and features that contribute to a greener lifestyle.

“We may not be the biggest real estate developer in the country, but I believe we are leading the way. We can promise you that we walk the talk,” he reiterated.

With the company’s collaboration with Phil GBC, the US Green Building Council and the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corp., Gonzalez is confident to place not only Arthaland but also the Philippines at the global forefront of the initiative to address change in the present challenges of the environment.

After all, he said green and sustainable developments are achievable by all developers, not only the large ones; and also developers from emerging economies, as well.

“We want to serve as an inspiration for green and sustainable developments in the Philippines and internationally. In fact, we have shared our experiences and challenges with our peers,” he added.

Arthaland is the property development arm of CPG Holdings Inc., the company behind the Century Pacific Food Inc., the country's largest canned food company the maker of Century tuna, 555, Argentina and other canned goods household brands.