The many ways to go green
As society increasingly embraces sustainable practices and places greater importance on conserving energy and resources, companies and local governments are also finding new ways to make sustainability part of their development and growth.
Here are some examples of those who have taken steps to promote sustainability through their initiatives and projects.
Innovation for Circular Economy hub
Pasig City
In January this year, the city government of Pasig inaugurated its Innovation for Circular Economy (ICE) hub, with senior diplomats from Nordic countries as guests.
The hub, which features waste segregation and composting facilities in one location, can process organic and recyclable materials to help reduce dependence on landfills.
As the country’s first LGU-led pilot project for circular economy, this hub serves as a flagship model for turning waste into valuable resources, offering an example for other cities and municipalities in the country to follow.
Trash to Cashback Program
Quezon City
In 2021, the Quezon City government launched the “Trash to Cashback” program to help reduce plastic waste and promote a greener city.
Under this program, Quezon City residents can exchange recyclable items such as paper, plastic and metal waste for Environmental Points. These points can then be redeemed for food products like sandwich spreads, canned fish and meat, rice, eggs, bread, fruits, vegetables and sugar, as well as other essentials like toiletries.
As of February 2026, the program had collected nearly 870,000 kg of recyclables and single-use plastics, equivalent to P2.8 million in Environmental Points.
ClimAdapt Initiative
Avida Towers Southpoint Makati
With its ClimAdapt innovation, Avida Land transforms “vulnerabilities into strengths,” offering peace of mind to homeowners seeking security and investors eyeing long-term appreciation.
This initiative prioritizes resilience, resource efficiency and the well-being of residents.
For one, ClimAdapt features turn rainwater into a valuable resource by filtering and redirecting it to irrigate the community’s green spaces. This allows homeowners to enjoy lush landscapes and thriving biodiversity while helping reduce water consumption and costs.
The development’s windows fitted with low-solar-heat-gain glass also help keep interiors cooler while allowing natural daylight to enter, making living spaces more comfortable throughout the day and reducing the need for airconditioning.
BRICK Hub Project
Aboitiz Power Corp.
To help manage and repurpose fly ash, a byproduct of its operations, AboitizPower, in partnership with various organizations, launched the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities with Kaibigans (BRICK) Hub project.
The initiative upcycles fly ash and plastic waste into high-value eco-bricks and eco-pavers.
In accordance with solid waste management guidelines, the company uses environmentally sound methods to collect and transport fly ash to BRICK Hub operators. The fly ash undergoes treatment to meet safety standards before being sent to partners for use as a raw material.
Through this initiative, AboitizPower aims to establish a closed-loop system that turns industrial waste into valuable resources.
Sources: Inquirer archives, ayalaland.com, avidaland.com, quezoncity.gov.ph, greeneconomy.ph, greenawards.ie, aboitizpower.com, facebook.com/PIO.LanaoDelSur
