SOURCE: AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corp (AHRC)
In a historic move, AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corp (AHRC) has inked an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), marking its commitment to achieve EDGE Zero Carbon certification for 2,826 rooms in its hotel portfolio by 2026. This is an unprecedented move for a hotel group in the Philippines, setting a new standard for sustainability in the hospitality industry.
EDGE Zero Carbon is a prestigious, globally recognized net zero building certification. It represents the pinnacle of the three levels of certification for EDGE, an acronym for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies. The certification process encourages the construction of resource-efficient, low-carbon buildings, mandating a 20 percent improvement in energy use, water use, and embodied carbon in materials compared to the base case.
EDGE Zero Carbon takes the pursuit of sustainability a step further. It requires 40 percent savings on energy use through onsite measures. But that's not all. The buildings must also achieve carbon neutrality, using renewable energy, carbon offsets, or a combination of both.
This ambitious endeavor by AHRC aligns perfectly with Ayala Land Inc (ALI), AREIT, and IFC's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in September 2023. The MOU aimed to achieve EDGE Zero Carbon certification for 1.5 million square meters by 2025. This would establish the Philippines’ largest net zero building portfolio, with 354,000 square meters (eight buildings) already certified.
"We at Ayala Land have been steadfast in our allegiance to sustainability," stated Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Senior Vice-President, Leasing and Hospitality Head, Ayala Land, Inc. "This partnership with IFC is a significant step in assuring environmental sustainability in our hotel group."
Ayala Group's commitment to sustainability extends to their audacious goal of achieving zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050. This partnership with IFC resonates with their dedication to this cause.
The agreement was signed by key representatives from both organizations, including Eileen Escobido, AVP, Senior Director, and Sustainability Lead, AHRC; Javier Hernandez, Head of Hotels Group; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Senior Vice - President, Leasing and Hospitality Head, Ayala Land, Inc.; IFC Country Manager Jean-Marc Arbogast; Serra Ekinci Oz, IFC Senior Investment Officer; and Angelo Tan, Edge Country Head.
Jean-Marc Arbogast, IFC Philippines Country Manager, expressed his pride in supporting Ayala Land in their pursuit of EDGE Zero Carbon certification. "Ayala Land is a longstanding partner of IFC, and we hope this latest commitment will spur more partners from the hospitality industry to translate their net zero commitments into concrete climate action."
"While we will initially target EDGE Zero Carbon Certification for 11 of our hotel buildings with 2,826 rooms, the view is to add more to this in the future," revealed Javier Hernandez, Head of Hotels Group. This indicates Ayala Land's intention to expand their sustainability endeavors in the future.
This move is a significant milestone for AHRC, serving as a testament to its advocacy of sustainable tourism. The hotel group has been sourcing its energy from renewable sources since 2021, continually amplifying its efforts in sustainability and fulfilling its commitment to environmental responsibility.
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development finance institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. It operates in more than 100 countries, leveraging its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities.
IFC has invested more than $12 billion in green buildings from its own account and mobilization, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.
IFC’s EDGE program has certified 60 million square meters of floorspace globally. It is a testament to the program's influence and effectiveness in promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.
In conclusion, AHRC's commitment to achieve EDGE Zero Carbon certification is a groundbreaking step in the Philippines' hospitality industry. The move not only sets a high standard for sustainability in the sector but also serves as an inspiration to other industries to make bold commitments towards a more sustainable future.
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