Sustainability is so much more than just a buzzword. It may not be entirely apparent to many, but the impact of sustainability on every individual is real, immediate and tangible, and it can improve the quality of your life in more ways than one.
In some modern quarters of the metro for example, you'll find pockets parks where you can hang out and kids can safely play; wide pedestrian lanes that enable you to walk without fear of getting hit by a rushing car; clusters of retail, office and residences that make it convenient for you to go from one place to another without needing to drive a car. And because more people are walking than taking their cars, and there are lots of open spaces, you could breathe in fresher air—despite the fact that you're in the middle of a city. In the process, you find becoming healthier.
These are just among the concrete examples of how a sustainable city can very well help improve your life. Imagine if you can transform every city in the country into a sustainable city— the long list of benefits would be massive and astounding.
SUSTAINABILITY THE AYALA LAND WAY
Take the case of Nuvali— Ayala Land's vibrant 2,290-ha "eco-city" in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The country's first and largest eco-city and mixed-use development is an excellent archetype of how a sustainable city should be built. Here, you'll find offices, prestigious schools, shopping centers and commercial strips, a mountain bike trail, a multi-functional lake, hiking paths, a wildyourself life and bird sanctuary, as well as teambuilding and camping grounds, apart from the different residential communities—all of which are within convenient distance from one another.
It also has a pioneering multi-functional lake that serves as a catchment for stormwater run-off, a water reservoir and rainwater catchment basin, a fire reserve, and a medium for alternative transportation in the estate. On other days, it also serves as a beautiful leisure spot for guests in the area.
Bonifacio Global City, also an estate by Ayala Land, is another prime example. Once a military base, it's now a dynamic financial and lifestyle center that offers a healthy mix of residences, retail shops and offices. Here, you can easily and safely walk around, grab a bite
in the many restaurants located at the ground floor of offices or the commercial hubs, and find your needs in the curated retail shops. You'll also find pocket parks where you can stay with friends, bike around, or enjoy some quality time alone.
DYNAMISM, VIBRANCY, CONNECTIVITY
The Makati central business district, Ayala Land's most established estate today, serves as an impressive model of sustainability. While it has been built decades ago, it remains dynamic, able to change with the times, attuned to the evolving needs of its occupants. Constant reinvention and innovation allowed it to cater to the changing preferences of the market, while remaining sustainable every step of the way.
For example, Ayala Land has built at a prominent corner of Ayala Ave. and Edsa a modern gateway—the firstof-its-kind intermodal transport facility for the commuting public. Further down at the heart of the country's busiest financial and business district is the sprawling 65,000-sqm Ayala Triangle Gardens. Here, Ayala Land has state-of-theart, sustainable office spaces and a retail podium, set amid a lush garden, which the public can readily enjoy for free.
Although there are already pedestrian underpasses, elevated walkways were added, enabling the public to safely and conveniently walk to different points of the Makati CBD— from the residential quarters here to the offices, parks, schools, malls, and transport terminal. It thus can be said that Makati CBD, as a pioneering integrated estate, has early on offered that much sought live, work, play lifestyle.
Essentially, this is how Ayala Land envisions a sustainable city—one that is healthy, accessible, and spacious yet inclusive, dynamic and vibrant, replete with all the modern creature comforts that urban dwellers need, want and look for.