Homes have become an investment in one's wellness.

Living in healthy homes and communities has increasingly become a priority for many, especially as the pandemic amplified the need to build well in order to live well.

A 2021 report by the Global Wellness Institute pointed out that the pandemic heightened interest in natural ventilation and air filtration systems; voice-activated doors and elevators; and UV light sanitation, among others. Critical elements of a healthy environment also include easy access to nature and green spaces; designs that are close to nature; wellness features that nudge residents to choose an active lifestyle; as well as parks, plazas and public spaces that encourage pedestrian behavior and help create a sense of community.

Four pillars of sustainability

Such elements, however, have long been essential components of Ayala Land's sustainability principles.

A pioneer of the sustainability movement in the Philippines, Ayala Land's projects are considered the gold standard in green, sustainable development, having integrated innovative practices that address economic, environmental, and social issues holistically. In building well, Ayala Land has enabled thousands of families and workers across the country to work well, live well and be well.

These efforts and practices are embodied in Ayala's four pillars of sustainability.

Site resilience

Ayala Land's residential developments have open, green spaces like parks and gardens that give you access to nature, fresh air and cooler spaces, while providing outdoor recreation areas where you can jog, read a book, or socialize with friends and neighbors.

More than just helping improve the residents' health and quality of life however, these spaces also absorb rainwater with some serving as catch basin and reservoir, and minimize air and noise pollution, thus protecting the community and improving its ability to withstand the ill effects of climate change.

As of 2022, Ayala Land has dedicated 957 ha of green space in 26 urban estates, including 46 parks in established estates and 11 in emerging estates.

Pedestrian mobility and transit connectivity

Pedestrian- and bike-friendly walkways, along with transit stops and terminals, continue to enhance the experience of the public in an Ayala development. These features ensure seamless connectivity, encourage an active lifestyle, and help curb emissions and pollution as these lessen the need to drive.

Ayala's most recent efforts include its malls and estates' collaboration with the Department of Transportation to provide commuters with premium point-to-point (P2P) buses and public utility buses. As of 2022, 25 P2P buses operated with an average daily passenger volume of 10,173. In November, Ayala Land opened One Ayala Avenue Terminal at the corner of Edsa and Ayala Avenue. This intermodal transport hub has covered, elevated walkways and three terminal floors that serve buses, Asian Utility Vehicles, and jeepneys that can cater to almost one million daily commuters in the Makati CBD. There is also a dedicated electric vehicle charging station at the PUV terminal.

Resource efficiency

With its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality and net zero, Ayala Land has in place initiatives to promote conscious consumption of materials, energy and water in its developments.

One of these is the adoption of the circular economy model to reduce waste sent to landfills. It involves segregating waste at the property level, and utilizing these by recycling and reprocessing them.

Since 2019, Ayala Land has collected 230 tons of clean and dry plastics from its malls, offices, and estates. These were repurposed as additives in Makati Development Corp.'s ready-mix concrete and eco products, which were used for sidewalks, perimeter fences and plastic pallets.

Local economic development

Lastly, Ayala Land ensures that it provides meaningful employment and spurs economic activities in the communities where they are located.

As of 2022, Ayala Land's business lines have created a multiplier effect on employment, with its construction business alone employing over 50,000 workers and its mall and office locators providing more than 500,000 jobs nationwide.

Its Alagang AyalaLand program also supported over 1,500 enterprises offering socially and ecologically sustainable products by providing rent-free space in AyalaMalls nationwide. This generated more than 20,000 jobs.

There is no doubt that Ayala Land has long been building sustainable estates, which have become the blueprint for healthy communities—safe, conducive environments that have not only allowed businesses to flourish, but have, more importantly, enabled residents to live well.