Robinsons Land Corporation recently held its third annual Road to Sustainability (RTS) Awards, a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to purposeful development and sustainability.
According to Ramon Rivero, the company's Head of Corporate Planning and Strategy, at the heart of RLC's sustainability efforts lies a comprehensive agenda aimed at developing environmental, social, and economic sustainability. "With a focus on innovative strategies such as energy efficiency, green building design, waste reduction, and community engagement, we are not only building properties, we are creating a vibrant, resilient, and a greener future for generations to come," said Rivero.
Taking its cue from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, RLC’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (E.S.G.) programs focus on seven areas of action, namely: Climate Action, Responsible Land Use, Water and Waste, Supporting Our People, Stakeholder Well-being, Responsible Business Practices, and Materials Sourcing.
The most impactful of these programs and initiatives are recognized annually at the Road to Sustainability Awards. This year, 18 programs from across RLC’s business units and corporate centers were eligible for awards in two major categories – Best Environmental Sustainability Initiative and Best Social Sustainability Initiative.
Robinsons Offices: Leading the Charge
Earning the top plum in the Environmental Sustainability category, Robinsons Offices stood out through its outstanding track record in this sector.
In 2023, the office buildings division of RLC was recognized by the International Finance Corporation as the Philippines' first REIT EDGE Champion; it also secured LEED certifications for a host of its properties, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to reducing its environmental impact and shaping a more sustainable future. By utilizing advanced ventilation systems, water conservation measures, and committing to obtain LEED certification for its current and upcoming projects, Robinsons Offices set new benchmarks for sustainable real estate development in the country. Moreover, the company’s proactive engagement with tenants and stakeholders fosters environmental awareness and collective responsibility for eco-friendly practices.
Robinsons Offices currently has 380,000 square meters of green-certified spaces, equivalent to 870 NBA basketball courts, in its portfolio. It has also achieved remarkable results in energy and water savings. Energy savings of 12,942.13 MWh, water savings of 181,977.98 cubic meters, and embodied energy savings of 232,802.07 GJ underscore Robinsons Offices’ commitment to sustainability.
Among the other difference-making initiatives in the Environmental Sustainability category were Robinsons Malls’ “RHope: Keeping it Clean & Green for a Healthy Living”, RLC Residences’ “Sierra Valley Gardens – A Sustainable Residential Development”, and Robinsons Malls’ “Sustainable Landscape Management”.
Robinsons Malls: Empowering Communities
Meanwhile, Robinsons Malls shines in the realm of social sustainability with its innovative Recycling and Creativity for Sustainable Livelihood program. By supporting local artists and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to create art from recyclable materials, Robinsons Malls not only fosters artistic expression but also catalyzes sustainable livelihood opportunities. These ongoing initiatives not only contribute to community awareness but also boost foot traffic and generate substantial sales, benefiting thousands of individuals and families.
Robinsons Malls' sustainability metrics highlight the company's impact on communities and economic empowerment. As of October 2023, the program generated PHP 1.2 million in sales of the recycling-themed artwork, supporting 5,102 individuals or 15,306 families. For these efforts, Robinsons Malls has been lauded by various stakeholders, affirming its role as a catalyst for positive change.
The other outstanding programs in this category were Robinsons Hotels and Resorts’ “Apprenticeship Program for SPED Students”, Robinsons Malls’ “RMalls: The Home for Dynamic Communities”, and Robinsons Offices’ “The Heart of the Harvest: Robinsons Offices’ Rooftop Farms Fosters a Healthier, Socially Responsible and Sustainable Future.”
This year’s RTS Awards also gave distinction to Robinsons Land’s Controls and Compliance team under the Finance Department. The team was presented with a Special Recognition on Governance Sustainability after it had earned multiple international awards in 2023 for outstanding corporate governance practices, proving that the company’s business standards are at par with the world’s best.
As Robinsons Land continues its sustainability journey, it remains steadfast in its commitment to building a better future for generations to come. Through innovative strategies, proactive engagement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Robinsons Land sets new standards for sustainability in the real estate industry. By championing environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic prosperity, Robinsons Land paves the way for a greener, more vibrant tomorrow.
For more information on Robinsons Land, visit robinsonsland.com
