Arthaland’s Net Zero target on track

CEBU, Philippines —  In a bid to put Cebu into the spotlight of green development, Arthaland announced the near completion of Net Zero certifications of its two buildings in Cebu— Cebu Exchange and Lucima.

“Cebu is a major growth market for Arthaland as it is gaining prominence as a leading regional hub and preferred location for some of the most renowned global institutions,” said Oliver L. Chan, Senior Vice President.

Chan expressed optimism putting a label in sustainable development, would all the more lure multinational companies to locate in Cebu, not just work here, but make Cebu their second home.

He said most of these global institutions are done integrating sustainability into their core businesses, and Arthaland’s Net Zero certificates for its two office buildings, which offer office space and residential units, would help transform Cebu into one of the leading sustainable cities in the Philippines.

Arthaland has pledged to decarbonize 100 percent of its portfolio by 2030. It is the first real estate developer in Asia and the first from the Philippines to become a signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment of the World Green Building Council.

Jaime C. González, Vice Chairman and President, said there is a clear evidence that climate change is contributing to stronger typhoons.

“Super Typhoon Odette left thousands of families homeless, reversing some significant economic and social progress that the Philippine government had started to realize from the country’s recovery from the pandemic. It has caused widespread damage to houses, public infrastructure, and power and telecommunications services in over seven provinces across the Philippines including our very own, Cebu. Now, more than ever, committing to net zero  is critical to the times,” González added.

The Cebu Exchange, located just across the Cebu I.T. Park, is the largest multi-certified green office building in the country and will soon become Cebu’s newest landmark when it opens its doors few months from now.

It is a well-balanced business ecosystem with smart office technologies, plush amenities, cost-efficient solutions, and a diverse retail mix where corporations and individuals can thrive in harmony. Occupants of this development, including KMC Savills, Dean & Deluca, and UnionBank of the Philippines to name a few, will benefit from its optimized operational performance, such as 40 percent savings on energy and water, and 100 percent reduction on carbon emissions, equivalent to planting and growing 1 million trees over a 10-year period.

Meanwhile, Lucima, a 37-story development at the corner of Cardinal Rosales Avenue and Samar Loop in Cebu Business Park (CBP) is 40 percent sold out of total 108 residential units since it was launched in July 2021.

This surprising sales turn-out recorded an estimate P1.2 billion sales performance, which exceeded the company’s projected target, explained Chan.

Built in partnership with ARCH Capital, Lucima is is envisioned to be the first quadruple-certified sustainable high-rise residential condominium in the country. It is also the first high-rise residential project vying for International Finance Corporation’s EDGE Zero Carbon certification in Southern Philippines, proving that Arthaland can raise the standards of residential developments.

Green buildings are key elements of future sustainable cities. That is why Arthaland is committed to projects that have the highest standards for excellence in design, quality, focus on sustainability and wellness, Chan noted.

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.