2022 October – BDO Unibank reinforces its commitment to sustainability as it continues to provide financing to notable projects that facilitate climate resilience and promote inclusive growth. As a key contributor in helping boost the Philippine economy, the Bank recognizes the importance of supporting environmental-friendly infrastructure and green buildings to reduce carbon footprint.
Green buildings. Menarco Tower at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (right photo) and BDO Corporate Center Ortigas in Pasig City are both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified.
Menarco Development Corporation (MDC), a multi-awarded and internationally recognized real estate developer and property management company, takes a leading role in driving a more sustainable environment.
MDC’s first project, Menarco Tower, a commercial building located at the 32nd Street in Bonifacio Global City, is the embodiment of Menarco’s commitment to people and the planet. Menarco is built better with its efficient use of water and energy through a combination of passive and active measures which includes motion sensors, energy recovery for outdoor air supply, double glazed glass, greywater recycling, and drip irrigation for its edible garden. It can also withstand the strongest typhoons and earthquakes with its solid structural integrity.
“Menarco Tower is not just green but also healthy. A building focused on sustainability and on the well-being of the people is key to a united vision which leads to a strong company, to nation building and to preserving the planet for future generations,” says Carmen G. Jimenez-Ong, CEO of Menarco Development Corporation.
Menarco Tower is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified and has been awarded as Best Green Development at the Southeast Asia Property Awards and Philippine Property Awards. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. Menarco is the only developer in the Philippines which currently has five international certifications.
“It was during the pandemic when we realized that we needed the help of a bank for our cash management requirements. Our previous loan was not structured according to the asset and BDO provided the right loan package to match loan repayment. BDO listens and truly finds ways! Our Chairman Emiritus (Menardo Jimenez) can be demanding and precise with his needs and wants. BDO took good care of their relationship with the family to keep him content.” shares Jimenez-Ong.
The CEO of Menarco cites, “A good relationship with a bank is like sustenance. Knowing that they are around to support our next endeavor provides assurance. We rely on our bank relationships to help us with our daily activities, maximize assets, and now with digitization processes—it makes us dependent on banks to ensure our payments are done on time. We know that BDO wants us to succeed in our business and they are our partner in finding a win-win situation,” concludes Jimenez-Ong.
BDO Unibank has the same vision as Menarco Tower. The Bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is evident as its BDO Corporate Center (BDO CCO) Ortigas’ 47-storey office structure is also LEED certified. It is the first high-rise office commercial building in the Philippines to achieve a LEED Gold “New Construction Category” Certification.
BDO CCO’s building has automated monitoring and control systems such as CO2 sensors, occupancy sensors, daylight dimming and timer switches to conserve energy. It also has dual piping in the plumbing system which uses recycled water for flushing.
BDO Unibank supports sustainable companies as it is a great way to give back to the environment, and the Bank’s funding of green buildings present opportunities for economic growth.
