Ateneo and Arthand Collaborate to Advance Sustainable Housing Development

Ateneo de Manila Forges Major Partnership with Arthaland, Bolstering Sustainability and Student Welfare

Manila, Philippines – July 29, 2025 – Ateneo de Manila University has officially cemented a notable partnership with Arthaland Corporation, a move poised to advance environmental sustainability and foster innovation within teh academic community. The landmark collaboration, formalized through a signing ceremony today, includes a ample ₱5 million donation from Arthaland to support crucial initiatives for Ateneo’s student-athletes.

This substantial contribution from Arthaland underscores its dedication to nation-building through education and sustainability, aligning with Ateneo’s core values. The funds are earmarked for the enhancement of training programs, the provision of scholarships, vital equipment upgrades, and thorough wellness initiatives designed to nurture the development of Ateneo’s aspiring athletes. This investment in student-athletes is not merely about athletic prowess; it’s about cultivating well-rounded individuals equipped with discipline, resilience, and a commitment to excellence – qualities that will serve them and the nation long after their academic careers.

Beyond financial support, the partnership heralds a tangible improvement in campus accessibility and community integration. A dedicated walkway will be constructed, directly linking Arthaland’s residential development to the Ateneo campus. This thoughtful development promises to offer a safe, convenient, and seamless transition for residents, fostering a stronger sense of community and encouraging greater interaction between the university and its surrounding neighborhood.

Further demonstrating its commitment to the Ateneo community, Arthaland later hosted an exclusive session for Ateneo employees. Held at the Ching Tan Lecture Hall in the JGSOM Building,the event showcased tailored flexible homeownership options specifically designed to benefit the university’s dedicated staff.

This multifaceted collaboration between Ateneo de Manila and Arthaland signifies a shared vision for a future that is both sustainable and inclusive.It exemplifies how strategic partnerships between educational institutions and forward-thinking corporations can yield significant benefits, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate stakeholders, shaping a more responsible and vibrant society for generations to come.The long-term impact of such alliances lies in their ability to cultivate surroundings-conscious leaders and provide robust support systems that empower the next generation of innovators and community builders.

How will teh Ateneo-Arthaland partnership contribute to the development of a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable housing initiatives in the Philippines?

The Partnership: Bridging Academia and Practical Request

Ateneo de Manila University, a leading Philippine university – historically an ateneo meaning a place of learning and scholarship (Treccani, 2024) – has entered into a critically important collaboration with arthaland Corporation, a pioneer in sustainable real estate development in the Philippines. This partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of green building practices and innovative solutions for affordable, sustainable housing. The core focus is on research, development, and implementation of strategies to address the growing need for eco-friendly and socially responsible housing options within the country. This collaboration represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for Philippine urban development.

Key Areas of Collaboration: A Multi-Faceted Approach

The Ateneo-Arthaland partnership isn’t a single project, but a framework for ongoing collaboration across several key areas:

Research & Development: Joint research initiatives focusing on sustainable building materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management in housing. This includes exploring locally sourced, renewable materials and optimizing building designs for the Philippine climate.

Curriculum Integration: Integrating sustainable design principles and practices into Ateneo’s architecture, engineering, and business curricula. This ensures future professionals are equipped with the knowlege and skills to drive sustainable development.

Innovation hub: Establishing an “Innovation Hub” within Ateneo, dedicated to prototyping and testing new sustainable housing technologies. This hub will serve as a platform for students, faculty, and Arthaland’s experts to collaborate on real-world solutions.

Community Engagement: Developing and implementing community-based sustainable housing projects,focusing on affordability and social impact. This involves working directly with local communities to understand their needs and preferences.

Green Finance & Investment: Exploring innovative financing models to support sustainable housing development, including green bonds and impact investing.

Sustainable Building materials: A Focus on Local Resources

A significant component of the collaboration centers around identifying and utilizing sustainable building materials readily available in the Philippines. This reduces reliance on imported materials, lowers carbon footprint, and supports local economies. Examples include:

Bamboo: A rapidly renewable resource with high tensile strength, ideal for structural components and finishes.

Timber from Sustainable Forests: Utilizing responsibly sourced wood from certified sustainable forests.

Recycled materials: Incorporating recycled plastics, glass, and other waste materials into building components.

Natural Fibers: Exploring the use of coconut coir, abaca, and other natural fibers for insulation and composite materials.

Pozzolanic Materials: Utilizing volcanic ash (pozzolan) as a cement replacement, reducing the carbon footprint of concrete.

Arthaland’s Expertise: Bringing Vision to Reality

Arthaland brings to the table a proven track record in developing certified sustainable properties. Their projects, often achieving EDGE (excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification, demonstrate a commitment to:

Energy Efficiency: Implementing passive design strategies, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, and incorporating renewable energy sources like solar power.

Water Conservation: Utilizing rainwater harvesting systems,greywater recycling,and water-efficient fixtures.

Green Spaces: Integrating green roofs, vertical gardens, and landscaped areas to enhance biodiversity and improve air quality.

Indoor Environmental Quality: prioritizing natural ventilation, daylighting, and the use of non-toxic materials to create healthy indoor environments.

Benefits of Sustainable Housing Development in the Philippines

The Ateneo-Arthaland collaboration directly addresses several critical needs and offers substantial benefits:

Reduced Environmental Impact: Lowering carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and minimizing waste.

Improved Public Health: Creating healthier living environments with better air quality and reduced exposure to harmful materials.

Economic Growth: Stimulating local economies through the use of locally sourced materials and the creation of green jobs.

Increased Resilience: Building homes that are more resilient to climate change impacts, such as typhoons and floods.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Providing affordable, pleasant, and sustainable homes for Filipino families.

Case Study: Arthaland’s Velaris Residences – A Model for Sustainability

Arthaland’s Velaris Residences in Quezon City serves as a prime example of sustainable housing development in the Philippines.This project achieved EDGE certification and incorporates numerous green features, including:

43% reduction in energy consumption compared to a conventional building.

38% reduction in water consumption.

Use of low-emitting materials to improve indoor air quality.

* Green roof and landscaped areas to enhance biodiversity.

This project demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of integrating sustainable practices into high-rise residential developments. The learnings from Velaris will directly inform