The current rate at
which individuals observe sustainability practices is far from halting climate
change. Whether it is reducing the use of disposable items or saving more
energy, environmentally conscious activities will only yield significant
results if everyone is “cast in the same mold,” so to speak. That said,
high-impact global sustainable development lies within the responsibility of the
government and large organizations—conglomerates among them.
Understanding such
a role, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of the largest integrated property developers
in Southeast Asia, has incorporated its sustainable practices in its
developments early on. Through SM
Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo Inc., a leader in the leisure resort
industry and the movers behind Hamilo Coast – this premium seaside complex in
Nasugbu, Batangas, fosters a tangible connection with nature. Marking its quindecennial
year, Hamilo Coast looks back at its milestones and achievements with its core
emphasis on sustainable development.
“Sustainability
has been at the forefront of our vision in providing a resort lifestyle. We
strive to practice both environmental and social sustainability in our
operations through our partners and commnunities,” Franklin M. Bolalin, Assistant
Vice President for Hamilo Estate Management, said.
Disaster
risk reduction
Every year, the
country deals with an average of 19 typhoons, with some often resulting in damages to properties and loss of
life. Coastal defenses such as seawalls
and breakwater structures are often implemented to resist storm surges. In the
case of Hamilo Coast, mangrove trees are the key.
Hamilo Coast’s 100,000
square-meter or equivalent to 10 hectares mangrove belt is one of the largest
mangrove areas in the municipality. The sustainable beach resort town has since
planted 50,000 mangrove propagules, protected hand-in-hand with the
conservation organization World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.
Biodiversity
conservation
Apart from disaster
mitigation, mangrove trees also benefit the climate by absorbing greenhouse
gases (GHGs) and carbon dioxide. This capacity nurtures the ecosystem and
biodiversity in the area, providing habitat for a wide array of species.
Hamilo is home to
rich marine life and abundant flora and fauna.
Its conservation programs and various sustainability initiatives have
nurtured and conserved its precious biodiversity. There are about 96 various bird species found
at the estate. Among these bird species are the rough-crested Malkoha and the
Philippine eagle-owl.
From growing local
plants to conducting regular coastal clean-up drives, coastal resource
conservation initiatives are active in Hamilo Coast. With the help of WWF, they
can increase their fisheries’ biological capacity and monitor their Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs)—the Pico de Loro, Etayo and Santelmo coves which are
among the three MPAs for Costa Del Hamilo’s Sustainable Development
Project. Hamilo has been working with
WWF since 2007 monitoring the health and viability of Hamilo Coast area.
In recognition of
its conservation efforts, Hamilo Coast was cited by the World Wide Fund for
Nature as its longest Sustainability Partner in 2020.
“Over the years, our partnership with SM significantly
contributed to the impact we are making in our work in Hamilo Coast. From
liquid waste and coral monitoring, to our present work on integrated waste
management and food sheds, we hope that this continuing partnership would help
us realize our vision of making Hamilo a holistic model of sustainability”,
says Katherine Custodio, WWF-Philippines’ Executive Director.
Green buildings
development
The path towards a
sustainable future is paved with many interventions, including zero waste,
dematerialization, zero emissions and resource efficiency practices. For its
part, Hamilo Coast makes its intention to be a premiere sustainability
community possible by making sure its buildings are designed with the
environment in mind.
Some of the
estate’s facilities are powered by alternative sources of energy. For example,
its lamp posts use solar power more than traditional ones to function. Natural
lighting and ventilation are also noticeable in some of its residential areas,
which benefits the environment as well as its tenants. Additionally, Hamilo
Coast implements a solid waste management plan that consists of recovery of
materials and vermicomposting, among others.
Sustainable living
At Hamilo Coast’s
core is how a distinct beachfront home can harmonize with its surrounding
environment. As people crave for a more relaxed environment, closer to nature
and the outdoors amid a work-from-home setup pushed by the ongoing pandemic, Hamilo
homes give access to invigorating landscapes, coves to explore and the calming
sea.
Fifteen years
later, Hamilo Coast has surpassed its reputation as a weekend respite. It is
now one of the best settlement options for people looking to live the coastal
life in a sustainable community.
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