• Improving digitalization and enhancing supply chain sustainability identified as the two biggest areas of planned investment
• 98% of PH companies have established sustainability targets, with 22% planning to invest at least USD 1M or more into sustainability in the next 2 years
• In Asia, sustainability is a high priority for 60% of business leaders, and nearly half have established comprehensive strategies and targets

Schneider Electric, a pioneer in the digital transformation of energy automation and management, released the results of its yearly Green Impact Gap study. It highlights the sustainability journey of Asia Pacific. 98% of PH companies, according to the poll, have set sustainability targets, and 22% want to devote at least USD 1 million or more over the next two years to their sustainability strategy. Additionally, the primary focus for this investment includes prioritizing digitalization as a key driver of their sustainability strategy.

Schneider Electric conducted interviews with 4,500 executives in nine different nations to learn about their viewpoints as business leaders in the Asia Pacific area. Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the markets. Milieu Insight, a market research firm, collaborated on the poll.

Digitalisation at the Forefront of Sustainability Efforts in Asia

Digitalization is emerging as a critical component of Asian organizations’ sustainability journeys. With 93% of companies currently leveraging digital tools, the survey found that technology is at the center of efforts to meet sustainability goals. The most common applications of digitalisation for sustainability are paperless operations (35%), followed by risk and opportunity management (33%) and supply chain digitisation (31%). For the Philippines, digitalization methods implemented include going paperless (42%) and limiting travel to/from office (39%).

“Digitalization is now becoming a priority for local businesses. While there are still challenges on our digital infrastructures that hinder digital inclusion and economic development, we are seeing significant shifts in terms of prioritization. Businesses now understand that digitalization will help drive operational resiliency and address achieve their sustainability agenda,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Sustainability: A Top Business Imperative

The survey also underscores the growing importance of sustainability in Asian companies, with 60% of business leaders now considering it a high priority. This is particularly strong in Thailand (83%), Vietnam (73%), and Indonesia (71%).

In the Philippines, while 98% have sustainability goals, only 52% of companies have implemented comprehensive sustainability strategies. Business leaders cite regulatory or economic uncertainty and internal company resourcing as key barriers to progress. When asked about their familiarity with the Philippines’ Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285), results show that the local business leaders are only “very to moderately familiar” with the policy. Most business leaders also expressed that they are moderately confident (44%) in meeting the terms of the policy.

Despite progress, the survey also reveals a persistent ‘Green Impact Gap’ in Asia—a misalignment between regional companies’ declared sustainability goals and the tangible actions taken to achieve them.

Navigating the Path to Net Zero

A notable difference between companies that have implemented sustainability strategies and other organizations lies in their commitment to supply chain sustainability. Nearly half (49%) of companies that have implemented strategies in Asia have identified supply chain sustainability as a key investment focus for the next two years, compared to around a third (34%) of other companies. This distinction translates into significantly higher rates of collaboration with suppliers to ensure sustainable sourcing practices and reduce environmental impact throughout the supply chain.

Survey results show that 41% of Asian firms that are implementing sustainability strategies plan to invest $1 million or more in the next two years, compared to 31% of other organizations. These efforts include navigating emerging standards and regulations.

The results also reveal that energy supply and demand volatility (56%) and fluctuating energy prices (51%) are the top energy risks for Philippine companies. In response, the companies are taking steps by adopting technologies such as energy/resource efficiency measures (49%) and digitalization of systems/operations (47%) to address these challenges and meet their energy goals.

“There is a substantial opportunity to accelerate progress and close the gap between ambition and action. This involves reassessing organizational priorities and strategically allocating resources to achieve resilience through digital transformation. We believe that sustainability drives business growth, value creation, and should be at the heart of every firm’s business strategy,” Catane added.

Schneider Electric is a leading global provider of electrification, automation, and digitalization solutions for future-proof data centers, smart industries, robust infrastructures, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. It has been a part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for 13 years running, having been named the “World’s Most Sustainable Company” by Time Magazine in 2024.

Ms. Che Diaz, Executive Vice President for Commercial, and Atty. Karlo Marco P. Estavillo, Chief Operating Officer of Shang Properties receive the BCI Asia Top Developers award presented by BCI and Daikin Philippines.

One of BCI Asia’s Top Developers for 2024 is Shang Properties, Inc. (SPI), a renowned developer and manager of premier properties in the Philippines.

Top developers, contractors, and architectural firms from Asian countries—Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—have been featured by BCI since 2005. The award, which is given based on strict criteria, emphasizes and weighs a developer’s total worth of ongoing projects, commitment to sustainability, and contributions to the built environment of the area.

“BCI’s recognition of the work we do in the Philippines is a testament to years of thoughtfully building our portfolio,” said Atty. Karlo Marco P. Estavillo, SPI’s Chief Operating Officer. “Every project that we unveiled in the past year is also proof of our optimism about the market. We are looking forward to the momentum that comes with urban renewal and an improving macroeconomic and interest environment.”

The BCI recognition comes after SPI’s successful launch of Shang Summit, an 80-storey residential tower in Quezon City, Metro Manila,  Shang Bauhinia Residences, its first venture into Cebu, and LAYA, a 67-storey tower in Pasig that is made for a market of creative tastemakers, professionals, and young families.

SPI entered the residential market in 2002, working with internationally acclaimed architects, designers, and artisans to make spaces that embody luxury, attention to detail, and creative refinement. Since then, it has launched and managed successful projects in prime locations across Metro Manila.

Shang Properties Inc. proudly receives the BCI Asia Top Developers 2024 plaque.

Shang Properties Inc. proudly receives the BCI Asia Top Developers 2024 plaque.

Meanwhile, SPI’s other ongoing project, Shang Residences at Wack Wack in Mandaluyong, is nearing completion and is poised to boost the developer’s lived-in portfolio and its residential segment’s income.

 “We are happy to see SPI’s strategy validated by peers from BCI and by the market. We promise to continue doing the difficult but rewarding work of creating living spaces with timeless elegance,” added Maria Rochelle S. Diaz, SPI’s Executive Vice President – Commercial.

A few of SPI’s well-known projects are One Shangri-La Place in Ortigas Center, Horizon Homes in Bonifacio Global City, Shangri-La Plaza, The St. Francis Shangri-La Place, The Enterprise Center, The Shang Grand Tower, Shang Salcedo Place, The Rise in Makati, and Assembly Grounds at The Rise. Currently one of the newest five-star international hotels to open in the Philippines, Shangri-La at the Fort is owned by SPI.

Go to https://www.shangproperties.com/ for additional details.

Alsons Dev receives the Sapphire Award and the Most Compliant Award  at BDO Home Loan’s Top Developer Partners for 2023, recognizing their commitment to excellence in the industry

At the BDO Annual Developers’ Appreciation Event, the leading real estate firm in Davao City, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), was recognized as one of BDO Home Loan’s Top Developer Partners for 2023. Officially receiving the Most Compliant Award and the renowned Sapphire Award, Alsons Dev demonstrated their commitment to serving the changing real estate demands of Mindanaoans and offering outstanding customer service.

This is the first time the developer from Davao has been recognized by BDO on the esteemed list. Being the only recipient from Davao and Mindanao, Alsons Dev demonstrated its distinctive impact and dedication to quality in the real estate market, reinforcing its standing as a leader in the region’s sector.

Please visit https://alsonsdev.com/ to learn more about Alsons Dev.