Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) was conferred the Environmental Stewardship Award by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the 2024 Excellence in Ecology and Economy (E3) Awards held in Mariott Grand Ballroom, Pasay City.

The PCCI is the country’s largest business organization representing various sectors, with a mission to foster a healthier Philippine economy. PCCI established the E3 Awards (Excellence in Ecology and Economy) to honor companies that excel in environmental performance and develop innovative sustainability initiatives. The award recognizes businesses of all sizes that successfully embed sustainable practices into their operations. Through this program, PCCI encourages the business community to pursue strategies that promote balance between environmental responsibility and economic growth.

“This award affirms anew the direction we have taken in our pursuit of green building standards and responsible management practices. With this additional accolade, we are strengthened in our resolve to providing Grade A commercial spaces that meet the evolving needs of businesses while respecting the environment and promoting resilience,” said Maricel Brion-Lirio, FILRT President and CEO.

Shift to Renewable Energy and Conservation Initiatives

FILRT has transitioned 16 of its 17 office properties to operate on 100 percent renewable energy, namely —Vector One, Vector Two, Vector Three, iHub 1, iHub 2, Filinvest One, Filinvest Two, Plaz@ A, Plaz@ D, Plaz@ B, Plaz@ C, Plaz@ E, 5132, Filinvest Three, Axis Tower One, and Filinvest Cyberzone Cebu Tower 1.

The shift brings 94 percent of FILRT's total office portfolio by GLA under renewable energy sources, significantly reducing carbon emissions. (Read more)

FILRT has also switched from compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) to LED lighting systems and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in all its properties, reducing energy consumption further by 40 percent and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent.

District Cooling System

The District Cooling System (DCS) in Northgate Cyberzone, Alabang – where majority of FILRT’s portfolio is located – is the largest of its kind in the country. This is a partnership between the Filinvest group and France-based renewable energy company, Engie.

The DCS circulates chilled water throughout Northgate Cyberzone for the air conditioning requirements of 16 buildings, resulting to significant reduction in collective electricity consumption by up to 40 percent. Additionally, the DCS decreases water usage and cuts greenhouse gas and carbon emissions by 20 percent, saving an estimated 11,500 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Solid Waste and Hazardous Wastes

All FILRT office properties are equipped with materials recovery facilities and actively implement and enforce solid waste segregation practices. With the successful completion of LED lighting conversion in 2022, the properties have eliminated the production of fluorescent bulb waste.

In 2023, the only hazardous waste generated were used oils and batteries, in line with FILRT's directive to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable waste management practices.

Circular Economy

FILRT has also partnered with ABS-CBN Foundation on the “Bantay Baterya” and “Bantay Langis” programs, which are dedicated to the effective recycling of used oil and lead-acid batteries.

Through these initiatives, FILRT aims to prevent hazardous waste from entering landfills, significantly reducing landfill burdens and mitigating potential harm to soil and water resources.

It also promotes responsible disposal practices within the community.

“We are dedicated to embedding sustainable practices into the very core of our operations. The shift to renewable energy, alongside our conservation and waste management efforts, reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact and creating a positive legacy. These initiatives not only support the needs of our tenants but also align with the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),” said Nathaniel Nañasca, SAVP – Property Head of ProOffice Work Services, Inc. (PWSI), the property arm of Filinvest dedicated for FILRT buildings in Northgate Cyberzone.

The collaboration aligns with the company’s vision of advancing sustainable practices and fostering long-term environmental stewardship, focused on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and honoring the conditions of our green certifications.

Recently, Filinvest One has achieved the EDGE Zero Carbon Certification, the highest recognition from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Six other office properties—Filinvest Two, Filinvest Three, Vector One, Vector Two, Plaza A, and Plaza D—have also secured EDGE certifications.

FILRT’s portfolio also includes two LEED® Gold-certified buildings—Axis Tower One and Vector Three—while Filinvest City holds LEED® v4 Gold for Neighborhood Development Plan and 3-Star BERDE certifications.

“Our success stems from two core commitments: advancing green certifications for our buildings and making a transformative shift to renewable energy—from 22 percent in 2021 to 100 percent in 2024. These initiatives underscore our dedication to sustainability, which I believe resonate strongly with the PCCI,” said Bienvenido Cruz, COO at PWSI.

This recent recognition from PCCI further motivates FILRT to build on its achievements and strengthen its position as the leading sustainable office space provider. FILRT remains committed to enhancing the sustainability performance of its properties, ensuring that tenants, investors, and surrounding communities benefit from these efforts.

For more information about FILRT’s sustainable office buildings, visit www.filinvestreit.com or reach out at info@filinvestreit.com