Green Buildings That Don’t Cost the Earth
Arthaland is a Business Reporter client.
Arthaland is the only real estate developer in the Philippines with a 100% certified green development portfolio, and it believes everyone should have access to sustainable housing. Its mission is embedded in its name: “Artha” is the Sanskrit word for wealth and prosperity. At Arthaland, wealth is determined not only by material assets, but also by spiritual progress and meaningful existence. It transforms investments into lasting benefits such as comfort, health, happiness and a better future.
When Arthaland launched in 2009, the green building movement was in its infancy in the Philippines, and the company embarked on a relentless campaign to educate its clients, suppliers, employees and the public on the need to build green. The main challenge of building green is cost, but the market does not allow developers to charge a premium just because a building is sustainable; developers must give up a certain percentage of their profit margin, and only a few are willing to do that. But profit should not be the only responsibility of business, as there are also social and environmental responsibilities.
“Arthaland is different because we absorb some of the extra upfront costs of green technologies without charging extra for our buildings,” says Jaime C González, Arthaland’s Vice Chairman and President. “All the sustainability benefits, such as lower water and electricity bills, will go to our buyers and tenants. We are still profitable, but it means we have to find ways to become more efficient to make that profit.”
Arthaland has proven that sustainable development works. Its multi-certified flagship office building, Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, which holds the distinction of being a net-zero-carbon-certified building, has been fully leased since its completion. Arya Residences, a two-tower luxury green condominium that is the only residential building in the Philippines to receive both LEED Gold certification and a BERDE 4-star rating, has become one of Metro Manila’s most desirable residential addresses.
True to its purpose, Arthaland has now set its sights on the middle market with the launch of Una Apartments, which is on track to become the first multi-certified sustainable mid-market development in the Philippines. The company has also taken significant steps to help less privileged members of society, whom it believes would benefit the most from living in a green home. It recently signed an agreement with the government to build around 100 sustainable houses across a two-hectare property as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company expects this will be the first of many similar endeavors.
“Our vision is to lead while taking other developers with us on the journey,” says González. “We are working closely with new suppliers and partners who share in the cost of producing sustainable buildings and sustainable technologies, and workflows that they can use everywhere. In addition, we want to share our expertise with competitors because we need industry-wide cooperation and commitment. Only then can we make a more meaningful and lasting impact for the benefit of everyone.”
For more information about Arthaland, email ask@arthaland.com or visit arthaland.com.
Image: iStock id1362641472
