As Empire East Land Holdings Inc. marks its 30th year in the real estate industry, it is taking a big step forward by fully committing to sustainability and making environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice a key part of how it operates.
Over the next five years, Empire East plans to invest P25 billion in projects that will build more resilient, sustainable and accessible communities aligned with customer needs and global environmental standards.
“Our sustainability journey is no longer exploratory—but embedded in how we plan, build, and grow,” Empire East president Charlemagne Yu said during the company’s virtual annual stockholders’ meeting in 2025.
Building green
Empire East’s environmental efforts became more visible in 2024, with the implementation of the 5S Waste Management Framework, the use of eco-efficient construction materials and the expansion of green spaces such as the Highland Forest in Empire East Highland City. These initiatives support the sustainability programs of its parent and affiliate companies—Megaworld’s MEGreen and Alliance Global’s SustainAGIlity.
“Our sustainability journey is no longer exploratory—but embedded in how we plan, build, and grow,” Yu said.
“We are committed to building communities that are not just livable, but also resilient, inclusive, and low-impact by design,” Yu said.
Empire East is also enhancing its ability to monitor its carbon footprint and is working on scalable solutions for green architecture, eco-friendly transportation, and biodiversity-conscious developments.
Going digital
Sustainability also drives Empire East’s digital transformation. In 2024, the company launched over 100 automation programs that streamlined internal operations and improved customer service.
New tools like the “Ask About Your Home” portal and a partnership with Pilipinas Teleserv gave homebuyers faster access to documents and updates—cutting down on paperwork and increasing transparency.
The company’s ESG vision extends beyond buildings and systems. It invested in its employees’ mental wellness and professional growth, while also promoting inclusivity within its workforce.
Its Adopt-a-School Program and localized waste education campaigns showed how Empire East is engaging with communities—raising awareness while building stronger, more sustainable neighborhoods.
Eyes on the future
Empire East’s P25-billion investment plan will support developments aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“ESG is no longer a reporting requirement—it’s the foundation for value creation,” said Yu. “From our design choices to our corporate partnerships, Empire East is advancing a business model that thrives by uplifting people and protecting the planet.”
To date, the company has 11 towers under construction and four more in advance stage of development. It also holds 426-hectare land bank.
