How an eco hero, building council, and land developer do their share.
Over the years, local personalities and corporations have answered the call for green renewal. The list includes award-winning actress Chin-Chin Gutierrez, non-profit organization Philippine Green Building Council (PhilGBC), and Alveo Land, an Ayala Land company that is developing one of the most eco-friendly developments in the Philippines: Treveia.
Eco hero
Equally renowned for her work as a silver screen star and as an environmental advocate, Gutierrez was named as one of Time Magazine's "Asian Heroes" in 2003. She appeared on the cover of the publication where her efforts on expanding ecological awareness were cited. Aside from tree plantings and beach clean-ups organized by her group Mother Foundation, Gutierrez also conducts workshops on how Filipinos can better care for the environment.
The actress cherishes the idea of being a steward for succeeding generations.
"There's a proverb: 'The earth is not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children," she said in an interview for the magazine.
Green architecture
Like Gutierrez, the PhilGBC also sees the value in conserving non-renewable resources.
The national non-profit organization seeks to establish sustainable architecture and construction methods with reduced pollution impact.
In 2004, the building industry was responsible for 25.8 percent of energy consumption, second only to the transportation sector. This energy consumption jumped by more than 80 percent from 1980 to 2004, and is estimated to increase by more than 185 percent from 2004 to 2030.
In response to the growing accountability of the building industry to the environment, the PhilGBC sets its eyes on a firm objective, as indicated in its website: "PhilGBC shall promote the transformation of design, construction and management methods of the building industry into practices that are safe, healthy, environmentally responsible, and improves the quality of life."
Sustainable community
For its part, property developer Alveo Land is galvanizing the green movement with its project Treveia located in the new metropolis of Nuvali.
"Eco-friendly living is the cornerstone of Treveia. But we're not talking about nipa hut residences surrounded by swaths of jungle. Through the use of technology, we've made sure that families enjoy modern amenities amid an ecologically sound community," said Glenna Galupo, senior manager for project development, Alveo Land.
According to Galupo, the Treveia masterplan incorporates cutting-edge technologies that promote green living. Energy-efficient and water-conserving facilities ensure families use fewer resources.
Double tree-lined roadways, including bike and pedestrian paths, also expose residents to alternative means of transportation that lower gas dependence and carbon emissions. These roads even have a semi-porous pavement that allows rainwater to replenish underground reservoirs.
To complement its eco-friendly ideal, Treveia also provides venues for social interaction. It has a 2.5-hectare Central Park that features a grand clubhouse and a multi-purpose open field for group activities. Rirther strengthening community interactions are four themed parks that represent different elements of nature: The Rain Garden Park for water, The Woodland Park for wood, The Hillock Park for earth, and The Wind Chime Park for wind.
Like its fellow ecological envoys, Treveia is ensuring that the Philippine environment recuperates by making the green lifestyle appealing and accessible to every Filipino family.
Alveo Land Corp., formerly Community Innovations, sets the benchmark for innovation in Ayala Land.
More information is at www.alveoland.com.ph.