INCORPORATING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS: EXPERIENCE AND LESSONS FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract:

Incorporating sustainable features in private developments not only makes good environmental sense but also good business practice. Ayala Land, Inc., a major developer in the Philippines, has led key initiatives to provide pedestrian facilities, increase open space and provide public transport systems for its developments. By lobbying business associations for support and funding, working with the local government for legislation and providing planning expertise, the developer was able to initiate a long-term program for the construction of elevated walkways, pedestrian underpasses, covered sidewalks, traffic improvements and associated zoning changes in a major financial district in Makati City. These pedestrian facilities are used by large numbers of people today, have improved the usage of public transport and have provided an alternative to auto use. In the case of a large new development in Taguig City, the developer chose to change the original master plan to not only provide better traffic circulation but to also more uniformly distribute and increase open space, develop a major pedestrian corridor and accommodate a future BRT system. These changes have increased the marketability and quality of developments in the area as well as have created a popular and vibrant pedestrian-oriented retail strip. To improve access to its shopping center and business district developments, the developer participated in the planning and financing of a light rail transit project including the provision of a connector tunnel for a future branch of the light rail line. Along with other stakeholders, the developer is also undertaking a feasibility study for a bus rapid transit system between Makati City and Taguig City.