Top real estate developers and projects were recognized at the inaugural Awards for Excellence in Sustainability and Health held last week at the 37th floor of Net Park in Bonifacio Global City. The Awards were coorganized by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Philippines and the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC).
ULI Philippines awarded the Healthy Places Awards based on ULI’s Building Healthy Places Initiative, which aimed to “leverage the power of ULI’s global networks to shape projects and places in ways that improve the health of people and communities.” Through the Healthy Places Awards, ULI hopes to shed light on the direct link between human health and the built environment by recognizing the projects that exemplify and promote healthy living.
The Philippine Green Building Council awarded the Leadership in Green Building Awards that had two categories:
The Business Leadership in Sustainability Award recognizes companies that are truly integrating sustainability into their business models and contributing to the transition toward a sustainable built environment.
These organizations understand that sustainability presents a long-term business opportunity, demonstrate sustainable practices within their internal and external operations, and show sustainability leadership within industry.
The Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance Award recognizes pioneering green building projects that deliver a range of benefits through a holistic approach to sustainability. These projects go beyond simply minimizing their impact by considering factors that lead to positive outcomes for both the environment and for people.
Winners from the PHILGBC Awards on Leadership in Green Building will be the official nominees of the Philippines to the World Green Building Council-Asia Pacific Network Leadership in Green Building Awards in September.
ULI welcomed an esteemed panel of judges across multiple disciplines, departments and regions. The panel included Aon director Andrew Bisconte, St. Luke’s Medical Center vice president Josephine Aguilar, AECOM Asia Pacific president Sean Chiao, and ULI Australia chair Peter Holland. The most esteemed guests of the evening were ULI’s Global CEO Patrick Phillips, and Asia Society Philippines chair Doris Magsaysay Ho.
PHILGBC also had an esteemed panel of judges—Maria Cristina Samson, president of The Net Group: Dr. Alvin Culaba, PhD., executive vice president of the External Relations of De La Salle University; and Christopher de la Cruz, CEO of PHILGBC.
The Awards were graced by guest of honor Phillips, who also recognized outgoing ULI Philippines chair Charlie Rufino with a special award and token. “This award is for someone very personal and special to me,” Phillips remarked. “Five years ago, Charlie had a dream to bring ULI to the Philippines. Charlie, without your hard work, none of this would have ever been possible.”
Winners and finalists were awarded on stage by Phillips, Raymond Rufino (chair of both ULI and PHILGBC), Christopher de la Cruz (CEO of PHILGBC), participating judges and host Jean de Castro.
Winners
Some of the winners of the ULI Philippines Healthy Places Award were A Place by Asya Design Partner, Arista Place by DMCI Homes, Anvaya Cove by Ayala Land Premier, Eastwood City by Megaworld, Bonifacio Global City, SM Seaside City Mall by SM Prime Holdings, Seda Nuvali by Seda Hotels, and De La Salle University BGC Campus by CS Design Consultancy.
Philippine Green Building Council Leadership in Green Building Award winners include Arthaland Corp., Zuellig Building (Bridgebury Realty Corp.) and Primavera Residence (Italpinas Euroasian Design and Development Corp.).
Exhibits
Sponsored by The Net Group and Aon, the event also showcased a number of exhibits. Companies such as Bambike Ecotours, Habitat, Flax Midori, Dan’s Bike, and Aon set up booths to display how their work fosters healthy lifestyles. UP Bike Share, the winner of Inquirer Mobile and ULI Philippines’ Hack the CBD competition, was also honored. Guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner by Kai, as well as performances by Sitti Navarro and Nicolle Cojuangco.
The Healthy Places Awards was preceded by the ULI launch of the BGC Greenway Park, a 1.6-kilometer walking path that functions as a recreational exercise area and a natural disaster evacuation route.