Arthaland: Shaping a Greener Future with First EDGE Advanced School in PH

On October 26, 2023, real estate giant ARTHALAND officially turned over to Cebu City officials a newly revitalized school building in Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School (DVRMES) in Cebu City.

The completion and turnover of the massive project is considered a true stride toward sustainability- the fruits of a collaboration with like-minded partner donors who put safety, security, and environmental impact front and center.

The Project

In the aftermath of Typhoon Odette in 2021, DVRMES required more than repairs. It required a vision for a better future. In collaboration with like-minded partner donors, Arthaland stepped in to bring this vision to life. The outcome was not merely a rebuilt school, but one reimagined with sustainability as its core principle.

Jaime C. González, Arthaland’s Vice Chairman and President, emphasized, “DVRMES embodies Arthaland’s unwavering commitment to creating a lasting legacy. We are not just investing in physical infrastructure but in the future of students and the entire Cebu community. By setting a sustainability precedent in education, we aim to pave the way for a greener and brighter future.”

Green Upgrades

The school proudly boasts tangible green upgrades, including ceiling fans from Datem Inc. for improved ventilation. It also now has energy-efficient lighting upgrades by Econlite Philippines, and water-saving bathroom fixtures from Lixil Philippines. Weltanchaung Corp donated paint, resulting in a cleaner, fresher learning environment.

ARTHALAND is the only real estate developer in the Philippines with a residential and commercial portfolio 100% certified as sustainable by local and global organizations.

EDGE Green Building

Arthaland Prestige Property Solutions, Arthaland’s wholly-owned property management firm, led DVRMES towards achieving the prestigious EDGE green building certification. Acknowledging its importance, both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI) offer their wholehearted support to the project.

Oliver L. Chan, Arthaland’s Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted, “The EDGE Advanced certification stands as tangible proof of our resolute commitment to reducing energy consumption, conserving water, and minimizing embodied energy in materials. Nevertheless, our primary emphasis lies in the intangible advantages the project bestows upon students. This includes creating an enriched learning environment with improved lighting, well-ventilated spaces for enhanced comfort, and an overall healthier atmosphere conducive to learning.”

An innovation of IFC, a member of the World Bank, EDGE empowers emerging markets to scale up resource-efficient buildings in a fast, easy, and affordable way.

EDGE enables developers and builders to quickly identify the most cost-effective strategies to reduce energy use, water use and embodied carbon in materials. The strategies that are integrated into the project design are verified by an EDGE Auditor and certified by GBCI. GBCI administers EDGE certification in most countries around the world.

Community and Cooperation

DVRMES, under Arthaland’s guidance, stands as a symbol of hope and steadfast commitment to sustainable education. This is a testament to the potential that arises when community, sustainability, and vision converge.

And with the success of ARTHALAND’s first Edge Advanced school, there is no doubt, that with community, cooperation, and an open heart for those in need, this project will only grow to help even more Filipinos in need.