September 29, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Sustainability Agenda chats with Italpinas Development Corp. (IDC) chairman and CEO Romolo Nati on what it means to be a sustainable developer in an evolving landscape. Below is an excerpt of the interview:
IDC is known as a green developer. How has it evolved since you started?
Romolo Nati: When IDC was founded in 2009, sustainable development and green design weren’t major topics in the Philippines.
We prefer using the term “sustainability” rather than “green” because sustainability encompasses more than just environmental concerns — it includes financial and social sustainability as well.
In our early days, my partner Atty. Jojo Leviste and I were seen as outliers, promoting green buildings, especially in provinces where sustainability was often dismissed as an exotic concept.
Despite initial skepticism, we were confident that the need for sustainable business practices would eventually be recognized.
Fast forward to today, the Philippines is fully committed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN, a clear sign of how the landscape has evolved.
IDC is proud to have been a first mover in advocating for sustainable development in the country.
What additional sustainability measures has IDC adopted over the years?
Nati: At IDC, sustainability isn’t just a product to be marketed — it’s a way of life and a mindset. For us, the real challenge is driving mass adoption of sustainable practices.
We ensure our products are not only green but also accessible in terms of price and long-term profitability for customers. We segment our market through IDC Homes, which offers affordable green housing and IDC Prime, which focuses on premium branded residences. Both uphold the same high standards of sustainability.
We focus on both passive and active green strategies. Passive strategies involve enhancing natural ventilation, shading, rainwater harvesting and water recycling. Active strategies include the use of solar panels for renewable energy.
We also use parametric software to design buildings that respond to local weather and site conditions, which enhances performance while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The result is better quality of life for our customers — more natural light, better airflow, reduced air conditioning usage and lower water consumption, all contributing to healthier, more cost-efficient living.
What are IDC’s plans for the future as a developer?
Nati: IDC is currently in a period of expansion. After the contraction caused by the pandemic, we’re on a growth trajectory. Over the past year and a half, we’ve forged five joint ventures, with plans for five more by the end of this year. Despite this growth, our commitment to sustainability remains our core value.
We are expanding in Cagayan de Oro and its surrounding areas. The Primavera City project in Uptown CdO is nearing completion, and Phase 4 will include a high-rise managed by Citadines, a global brand under the Ascott Group. Other projects in CdO include Verona UpTown and Verona Gusa, which are green, cost-efficient communities. In Luzon, we are wrapping up Phase 1 of Miramonti Green Residences and preparing for Phase 2, which will also feature Citadines-managed properties.
We are also starting the Baia Verde resort-style community in Bataan and a residential/resort project in Palawan. Our long-term vision is to become the leader in sustainable development across the Philippines.
Do you believe sustainability and business can truly co-exist?
Nati: Absolutely. Sustainability and business not only co-exist but can reinforce each other. Companies today are rewarded for incorporating sustainable practices, both by investors and consumers. A more inclusive and sustainable approach to business is not just a moral imperative — it’s profitable. It benefits investors, clients, the community and the environment.
For businesses, this is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while driving economic gains.
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