Building Sustainable Communities: The Future of Cities
• 5 min. read
As cities continue to grow, they need to be more resilient to climate change and provide adequate public spaces, infrastructure and public transportation to encourage eco-friendly mobility and reduce carbon emissions. A well-planned city, according to UN-Habitat, should be compact, integrated and connected, thus enhancing quality of life and accommodating population growth sustainably.
Ms. Sy shares some key principles and practices for sustainable urban development.
“Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” says Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) and SM Development Corporation (SMDC).
Efficient Land Use
Mixed-use development minimizes land consumption and urban sprawl. “Our property developments are designed to blend retail, residential, commercial and leisure spaces within efficiently managed areas. They rejuvenate urban landscapes and create new communities that act as economic and cultural hubs, emphasizing inclusivity, environmental protection, and heritage preservation,” shares Sy.
Transportation Systems
Sustainable urban planning prioritizes public transportation, cycling, and walking over private car use. SMDC developments are located in central business districts and near transport terminals to allow residents to have easy access to life’s everyday essentials, including access to economic opportunities. SMDC integrates land use planning with transport planning, thereby reducing the need to generate unnecessary trips using one’s private car. This, according to Sy, is combined with the Company’s efforts to introduce the concept of a 15-minute city where essential daily needs and services are within a 15-minute walking or cycling radius.
Green Spaces and Biodiversity
Incorporating parks, green roofs, and green walls into building design enhances biodiversity, improves air and water quality, and provides recreational areas for residents. SMDC aims to create thriving places for local biodiversity by planting and conserving native species with healthy habitats, by selecting diverse native and naturalized tree species and locally sourced landscape materials. These are combined with efforts to align Park Connectors and non-motorized priority routes with natural edges and open space, creating multiple encounters for residents to appreciate nature and biodiversity.
Energy Efficiency
Developers need to provide innovative and efficient renewable energy solutions to keep up with the demands of rapid urban growth. SMDC has partnered with franchise holders to systematically manage energy use and move towards net-zero emissions. Through partnerships, the Company hopes to work toward an “integrated smart energy management system” that is proactive, organized, and systematic in managing energy use in buildings and infrastructure to satisfy both environmental and economic requirements.
Water Management
With the country’s high rainfall intensity, rain gardens and vegetated swales are applicable for small catchment areas. Combined with detention and detection tanks and ponds, these can reduce the flow velocities and slow down water runoff, provide effective pre-treatment for cleaning stormwater runoff, beautify the surrounding landscape and provide for a cost-effective natural drainage system.
Resilience and Adaptation
In a climate-vulnerable country like the Philippines, disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience are priorities. SMPHI developments include elevated construction, robust water management, flood prevention, and earthquake-resistant designs. For instance, SM City Masinag features a rainwater catchment system that prevents flooding by collecting rainwater from the mall and surrounding areas.
Community Engagement and Equity
Inclusive planning processes involve community members in decision-making. The hallmark of an SMDC property is its vibrant community. Its well-thought-out properties provide residents with easy access to essential services; its resort-style amenities and hotel-like lobbies allow for, and encourage social interaction. SMDC regularly conducts community engagement activities to provide avenues for social connections and opportunities for networking and community service and, most importantly, build a culture of neighbourliness and altruism.
What makes a city thrive, according to Sy, is a combination of how its dwellers live, how it is managed locally, and how developers create opportunities for movement, synergy, and prosperity. It is a combination of celebrating life to its fullest capacity with the community at its very heart.
Enjoy sustainable community living at SMDC Lush Residences located at the corner of Bagtikan and Kamagong Streets, Brgy. San Antonio, Makati City.