Table of Contents
As the world faces environmental issues that affect the many facets of the life of its population, people are becoming more concerned and aware of the need for more sustainable and green developments. Here is how some developers are responding.
What is Sustainable Development?
The most widely accepted definition of sustainable development is in the Bruntland Report entitled “Our Common Future”—a report which addressed the United Nations Commission’s call for a global agenda for change. Simply stated, sustainable developments are those developments that give due consideration to the future generations. While these developments are intended to meet present needs, these should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development calls for responsible actions that can protect the environment and sustain its resources for both current and future generations.
In the past few decades, an increasing consciousness in the concept of sustainable development has been manifested in businesses, social groups, and even in individual lifestyles. This trend is a signal from a stressed Mother Nature and an overburdened planet– signals sent through deadly unpredictable disasters and climate change. People are now starting to show more care and attention to the environment and resources, and an emphasis on sustainable development is becoming the best option for a better world to live in.
Green Developments for Sustainability
As the importance of sustainable developments continues to be highlighted, some players in the real estate industry have responded with the use of the concept of green development. Basically, these are projects that take into account its environmental and social impacts—with due respect accorded to the value of nature and the ecosystem. Efficient energy use, resource conservation and cultural sensitivity are also factored in as essential components of the projects. Developers take the step as a part of corporate social responsibility, and as their contribution to the growing need for sustained developments. On top of these, developers are now dealing with more environmentally conscious buyers, and what better way to respond to such needs but to build green developments.
In Lamudi’s The Outlook 2018 roundtable discussion, it was emphasized by moderator Professor Felipe Calderon of the Asian Institute of Management that “sustainability has become the lens through which businesses are judged”.
Megaworld’s Green Projects
At the forefront of sustainable development efforts in the real estate industry is Megaworld Corporation with its projects that are in line with the commitment to help protect and nurture the environment. Over the years, Megaworld has to its credit 70 green projects, 19 green buildings, and about 1,500 hectares of forest lands under the company’s protection. On top of these, the company pioneered township developments and promoted the “Work, Live, Play” concept. To date, these concepts have been Megaworld’s most innovative contribution to the real estate industry which other developers have adopted.
Megaworld’s township developments are mixed-use living, working, recreation and lifestyle facilities—all-in, as one may put it. Imagine such development’s contribution to the reduction of urban decongestion and pollution, and its potential to improve the quality of life of its residents. Apart from these, Megaworld is not sparing on providing wide open spaces, leisure, and nature parks in its projects—sometimes even integrating what nature has bountifully provided to its development concept. And there are a lot more greening efforts that are in place. Integrated smart technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, facilities for waste production, the use of LED and solar-powered lights, and the installation of green roofing are just some of the project features that support sustainable and green development.
One best example of Megaword’s township projects is Maple Grove in General Trias Cavite. Envisioned to be residential community themed as an Asian paradise, Maple Grove has all the amenities of a modern and comfortable lifestyle. Furthermore, its location is accessible to commercial centers, schools, and other facilities. Within the 140 hectare Maple Grove township will be the Maple Grove Commercial District which is targeted to be a central business district for companies and businesses. A key green initiative of the project is its use of sky gardens on building rooftops, and vertical and indoor gardens.
Through projects like the Maple Grove, Megaworld has definitely made an impressive mark in contributing to efforts for sustainable and green developments.
