The Manila Bulletin and the 国产吃瓜黑料一区二区 held an , this time highlighting the role and responsibility of energy and real estate leaders in the country in caring for our shared world and future. With the theme 鈥淧ower and real-estate in a green-centric future,鈥� the discussions were held on September 30, 2024 at the Bl. Buenaventura Garc铆a Paredes, O.P. Building of 国产吃瓜黑料一区二区Manila.
The morning session began with a talk by the Thomasian alumnus and internationally acclaimed architect William Ti Jr., founder and principal architect of WTA Architecture and Design Studio. With global accolades, such as the Jury鈥檚 and People鈥檚 Choice Awards at the Architizer A+Awards in 2017 and the BCI Asia Top Ten Architectural Firm in 2018, his expertise on eco-conscious infrastructure and community planning was shared with students.
Arthaland Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Oliver Chan discussed 鈥淩ace to 2030: The 1.5掳C challenge鈥�, or how their efforts contributed to various mitigation methods designed to limit global warming to 1.5掳 Celcius above pre-Industrial levels, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement.
Aboitiz Power Vice President for Corporate Communications Mr. Suiee Suarez shared experiences on the topic 鈥淣avigating the energy transition: A bespoke path for the Philippines,鈥� particularly since Abotiz Power has committed to achieving a 50:50 ratio of renewable and thermal sources by 2030, lowering emissions, and incorporating sustainability within the business process.
Shell Fleet Solutions Business Development Manager Mr. Nate De Jesus discussed how Shell helps support the Philippines’ clean energy needs through its EV charging stations, which are fully powered by renewable energy. In the coming years, the company seeks to achieve the following: reduce the net carbon intensity of its energy products by nine to 13 percent by 2025, 15 to 20 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050. It also involves buyers in its pursuit of emission reduction, aiming to help cut customer emissions from using its oil products by 15 to 20 percent by 2030.
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Ms. Cleofe Albiso emphasized their sampaguita brand of Filipino hospitality, which involves partnering and collaborating with local communities and allowing people to develop a genuine appreciation for rich cultural heritage.
Guest speaker and Makati Mayor Abby Binay urged the collaboration of Metro Manila municipalities beyond their individual borders on issues such as flooding. She also addressed the critical role of the local governments in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in disaster preparation and waste management.
Lobien Realty Group, Inc. CEO Ms. Sheila Lobien, in her keynote speech during the afternoon session, emphasized the vital importance of sustainability in the real estate industry, from pressing challenges brought about by climate change and urbanization, to the sustainability efforts being made by the public and private sectors. She also noted that the country is far behind in terms of its sustainability ranking, and that more research and development efforts on housing issues and the deficiency of mass public transportation options should be done. For their part, the real estate industry is increasingly constructing 鈥榞reen buildings鈥� and encouraging advocacy for sustainable communities and 15-minute cities.
SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy Ms. Jessica Sy shared plans to integrate solar panels into its residential communities. By 2040, they aim to go net zero. RLC Vice President and Business Development and Design Head Ms. Stephanie Ann Go also talked about the use of renewable energy sources in its developments. The company strives to attain net-zero carbon by 2032.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (Technical Team for Pasig River Urban Development) Landscape Architect and Environmental Planner Ar. Marione Comboy discussed efforts to clean and develop the Pasig River, which accumulates 63,000 tons of plastic wastes per year due to urbanization and industrialization. She also pointed out the importance of cleaning it to serve as a major trade and tourism route that connects Manila Bay and Laguna Lake, promoting connectivity, commercial viability, and community building. Key strategies for these efforts include sustainable catchment development, riparian and floodplain rehabilitation, streamflow management, water quality remediation and protection.
Ayala Land Head of Brand Experience & Brand Strategy for Residential, Estates and Corporate Group Mr. Hans Lopez-Vito first acknowledged Ayala Land鈥檚 environmental impacts from their project development processes, operational activities, and emissions, before sharing the 鈥淪tep by Sustainable Step: How Ayala Land Integrates Sustainability in its Business Model鈥�. He detailed their decarbonization strategies for the supply chain and renewable energy use for 111 commercial properties, resource efficiency and circularity programs, and their Net Zero 2050 roadmap.
During the closing remarks, 国产吃瓜黑料一区二区Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., EHL, invited participants to reflect on how 鈥渋ndustries, the academe, individuals, and communities, can unite for a sustainable future. What we can carry forward from today is not just a collection of ideas but a profound challenge and invitation to embody the wisdom shared, and integrate these lessons into our professional and personal lives.鈥�
Fr. Coronel also pointed out how the concept of collaboration resonates deeply with the University, since 鈥淥ur Rector always inspires us to seek synergy鈥搕he notion that we can create something far greater than the sum of our individual efforts. Let us expand on this by considering another concept called synodality, which literally translates to walking together, emphasizing not just collective action, but also the importance of listening to everyone,
reflecting and discerning,as we pursue shared goals and objectives in this journey towards sustainability. We must recognize that it is a path forged in unison, not isolation. Sustainability transcends mere objectives; it represents a way of being in the world, a shared responsibility that compels us to act with compassion and commitment to ensure that our planet remains habitable for the generations to come.鈥�
