Sustainable Development Takes a Multi-Dimensional Approach at NUVALI

Now more than ever, corporate entities are realizing that sustainable practices are not just a fashionable trend. Rather, sustainability is a business imperative that can spell the success or failure of a company. We live in enlightened times after all; a period when a progressive clientele demands that the businesses they support and patronize aspire for more than just a hefty profit. And thus, many corporations and individual business owners are falling all over themselves to join the ‘sustainability bandwagon.’

However, it will not suffice for business to merely pay lip-service. When technology has educated the public to become most keenly discerning and exacting, there are certain quarters which view the concept of “sustainable development” as an oxymoron. In fact, there is a growing sentiment among the more informed, more ecologically-conscious citizens that the concept of ‘sustainability’ has been bandied about merely to increase the acceptability of development projects—even when the reality is that these fail to truly address matters of environmental justice, and adopt a primarily anthropocentric view of the environment. Plainly speaking, certain businesses profess to adhere to the tenets of sustainability because it is the popular thing to do. They claim it even if they do not practice, much less understand, the concept fully. For the more devious of these, it is the popular, convenient, politically correct mask to hide their true motives. For such corporate Shylocks, claiming sustainability is a means to deflect suspicion from purely self-serving interest.

A constant striving for excellence

This cannot be said about Ayala Land. Throughout the years, this highly respected developer has scrupulously proven its expertise and sincere motivation for excellence with consistently master-planned, dynamic and progressive projects.  Because it continuously strives to improve its planning expertise through intelligent and forward-looking insights combined with exceptional engineering, Ayala Land’s communities continue to be unrivalled in value appreciation. They have become a top investment choice for a discerning clientele. As the largest, most experienced and highly trusted company in its field, Ayala Land is an undisputed leader so that its prime residential, office, leisure and commercial developments are sought-after.

NUVALI: An exciting ‘eco-community’ development’

Among the most exciting of these Ayala developments is NUVALI the 1,860 hectare master-planned township development, spanning the cities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba, and the municipality of Cabuyao in Laguna. This is envisioned to be the Philippines’ first and largest ‘eco-community development,’ where residential, commercial, business, educational and recreational developments can co-exist in an economically prosperous setting. It is “where community building will be enhanced in an ecologically sound and sustainable environment.”

Addressing the 3 Pillars of Sustainable Development

“NUVALI has been very vigilant in all of its sustainability efforts, not only with regard to environmental protection but with social or community development, and economic growth as well,” confirms Aniceto “Jun” Bisnar, Jr., Ayala Land VP,  NUVALI SVP and GM. He explains that they were especially mindful that programs implemented in the NUVALI project give equal importance to the three recognized pillars of sustainable development: The convergence of nature, people and technology.

The developer’s vision is to make full use of the area’s environmental; economic and social capital to achieve  “EVOLIVING“, a coined term by NUVALI where there is a seamless weaving of life, nature and technology to sustain and secure ones future, an observance of responsibility, harmony and diversity, enabling people to live the way they choose.”

“We made sure that each area within NUVALI represents a specific purpose or role,” Bisnar elaborates. “Key developments like residential subdivisions, retail centers, offices, schools, leisure parks and attractions are so placed and linked strategically to each other to encourage NUVALI residents to live a well-balanced lifestyle.” Places of work are within easy access to homes. Parks and leisure attractions have been built in to serve as areas for social congregation, and retail areas have been designated to supply the residents’ various needs.

An environmentally attentive development
“Buffer areas within NUVALI are also committed to be left open and preserved as a natural wildlife corridor for flora and fauna to flourish. The Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is meant to encourage the public to appreciate and experience nature.” Hopefully
this will persuade residents, office employees and visitors to sincerely and conscientiously adopt a lifestyle that is environmentally attentive.

Apart from maintaining approximately 50% balance between built and open areas, other environmental sustainability features include bio-swales and permeable surfacing to help recharge groundwater aquifer, double piping for use of recycled water and a multi-purpose lake feature for rainwater harvesting; fire reserve; and recycled water reservoir for use in landscaping irrigation and other uses which do not require potable water. In addition, low flow water fixtures have been installed in NUVALI structures together with efficient lighting fixtures, appliances, and equipment.

To reduce dependence on private vehicles, an efficient privately managed transit system like electric vans are in place to shuttle people within and around the development. Launched in November 2011, NUVALI’s transport terminal links NUVALI to other town centers and regional hubs.

Some of the ecologically sound schemes implemented throughout NUVALI include maintenance of tree to house ratio for better environmental air quality, reduce soil erosion, and improved water retention; tree-lined pedestrian and bike lanes to encourage walking and a healthier lifestyle, while reducing emissions from use of motor vehicles; and sewer treatment plants for better sewer management and waste water reclamation. One advantage of NUVALI is that it enjoys the proven estate management expertise of Ayala Property Management Corp. (APMC.)  Among other advantages, this translates to an efficient waste management system from segregation at source to disposal.

Social Sustainability entails looking out for everyone

The “live-work-relax-grow” lifestyle balance should be a cinch for NUVALI homeowners in their well-planned communities. There is, after all that excellent development design that promotes a more stress-free environment. By interacting with their neighbors and communities through open spaces, parks and recreational areas, it is hoped that residents will develop a sense of community spirit that will encourage them to work for the continuous well-being of their neighborhoods.

But at NUVALI, the aspiration for social sustainability extends beyond the perimeters of the development. Apart from hiring majority of its workforce for property management from residents of surrounding communities, partnerships have been forged with non-governmental organizations to train neighboring communities on values, marketable skills, leadership and community structures.

There is, for example the Alay sa Komunidad Program conceptualized to support the local communities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba, to uplift their living standards by providing employment opportunities, support in starting their own businesses, extending outreach programs and encouraging them to apply sustainable practices in their everyday lives.

May Kabuhayan, a combined employment and livelihood training program for the communities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba, is designed to provide training on basic skills in the industries of paper weaving, pavers and hollow blocks making, and landscaping.

Noteworthy is Xavier School-NUVALI’s target to provide scholarship to 25% of its total student population who live in the neighboring communities.

Looking forward to becoming a key economic center

NUVALI is looking forward to becoming the most advanced business district in Calabarzon.  With generous open spaces in a campus setting, this economic center will be unlike any of the existing business districts in the country today.

Currently available to investors is the Lakeside Evozone, the 46-hectare, FAR (floor area ratio) 4 development that is PEZA-registered which allows its locators to enjoy tax incentives and advantages to enhance business competitiveness.  Evozone is highlighted by recreational amenities such as the multi-functional lake, the Greenway, and dedicated bike and pedestrian lanes.           Facilities and infrastructure that will boost business productivity at NUVALI’s Lakeside Evozone include telecom redundancy including hi- speed internet and connectivity through a well thought out road network inside NUVALI that conveniently connects to adjacent areas. A dependable and efficient transport system for employees commuting to work is also prioritized and put into practice.

 “It all begins with a revolution in our way of thinking, a vision not just for today but for the years to come. A forward-looking mindset that embraces sustainability as key towards shaping our future. Nurturing the welfare of our environment is steadfastly linked to assuring a solid future for generations to come.” This is what NUVALI is all about. Clearly, it also aspires to be a place of opportunity for all