Arthaland, the country’s foremost green developer, has partnered with EB Impact, a non-profit organisation dedicated to delivering training and programs that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Singapore and the wider Asia Pacific region. EB Impact is the sister organisation of Eco-Business, Asia Pacific’s largest media and business intelligence organisation dedicated to sustainable development and ESG performance.
Arthaland supported EB Impact to mount the Philippines workshop of the Sustainability Media Academy Season Two. The Sustainability Media Academy is an EB Impact program that provides journalists and editors in the Asia Pacific region with the knowledge, tools, resources, and connections to produce high-quality journalism on sustainable development issues.
The program aims to raise awareness of complex sustainable development challenges in the region and increase the level of trust and quality of debate in the media on these issues. Season Two consisted of a Singapore Masterclass with over 60 participants from 11 countries and three satellite workshops in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
“We found in Arthaland the perfect strategic partner given its strong commitment to building sustainably and responsibly. It holds the distinction of being the first real estate developer in Asia to sign the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Commitment, pledging to achieve net zero emissions across their operational development portfolio by 2030,” said Ping Manongdo, Country Director, Philippines and Associate Director, Partnerships of Eco-Business.
This marks the first time EB Impact has hosted the academy in the Philippines, choosing the Arthaland Century Pacific Tower (ACPT) as their venue partner. ACPT is the world’s first EDGE Zero Carbon certified building, underscoring the commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The workshop comprised an eclectic mix of participants coming from media organisations, non-governmental organisations, corporates, small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, representatives from local government units, and members of the academe, further emphasising the importance of sustainability across various sectors.
The first session delved into understanding climate change and sustainable development in the Philippines, led by Hannah Fernandez from Eco-Business. It examined the significance of climate change locally and strategies for mitigation. The discussion shifted to the media’s pivotal role in addressing climate change and sustainable development challenges. Participants shared insights into reporting hurdles and uncovered lesser-known issues. Practical exercises aimed at simplifying complex data and detecting greenwashing were also included.
Subsequently, Ping Manongdo moderated sessions on sustainability and ESG. An ESG Masterclass in one session elucidated key terms and taxonomies, tracing the progression from CSR to ESG. The other session scrutinised the nexus between business and media, underlining their joint responsibility in highlighting corporate sustainability endeavours.
The workshop ended with a fireside chat moderated by Ping Manongdo on the transition to Net Zero of Arthaland and Cebu Pacific, the other strategic partner of the workshop. Kristina Samantha Pobre, Arthaland’s Head of Sustainability, talked about how Arthaland’s founders and members of the Board of Directors, right from the start, had committed to a 100 per cent sustainable portfolio to build a better future for generations to come.
Through its roster of highly successful, sustainable, and exceptional developments, Arthaland has shown that building green works and is advocating other developers to follow suit. The company is leading the green building charge as it continues to aspire and achieve the highest green building certifications for all its projects.
Cebu Pacific, on the other hand, is a signatory to the resolution passed by International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines at the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting in Boston, USA, on 4 October 2021, committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from all their operations by 2050.
According to Ves Yraola, Corporate Sustainability Officer of Cebu Pacific, the transition to becoming a low-cost carrier was aligned with the company’s sustainability goals as they can promote mobility for every Juan. Management consciously decided to upgrade their fleet in 2019 to more fuel-efficient aircraft, resulting in lower emissions per passenger. In 2022, Cebu Pacific became the first Philippine carrier to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in its commercial operations.
Climate change affects everyone as it negatively impacts our health, environment and economy. Collective action is needed that is why Arthaland seeks to work more closely with all relevant stakeholders to help bring about positive change. For more information about Arthaland, visit www.arthaland.com.
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