In pursuit to fight climate change, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), has propelled itself to the forefront of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The company has implemented several projects and programs aimed to promote sustainability, with more in the pipeline set to positively impact the lives and futures of Filipinos.
Between 2018 and 2019, HARI’s 42 dealerships in the Philippines will gun for top GREEN ratings from the Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI). Buildings designated GREEN are those recognized as “geared for resilience and energy efficiency for the environment.” The ratings represent the strictest standards for energy and water efficiency, as well as occupant well-being, for buildings in the country.
HARI’s flagship 10-hectare facility, the Hyundai Logistics Center (HLC) in Calamba, Laguna has already received PGBI’s highest distinction for sustainability and environmental efficiency, that of Kamagong.
HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo outlined HARI’s plans for HLC, which was designed by architect and historic site conservation Dominic Galicia and inaugurated in 2015.
“HLC was envisioned to go beyond housing Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles and upgrades are in the pipeline. These upgrades include the Hyundai Academy training center, the HARI Center for Climate Change, and the Hyundai Car Museum.”
The HARI chief furthered that Hyundai’s future initiatives will be built on a foundation of solid progress in sustainability and conservation efforts over the years. Which is why HARI’s nationwide dealership network is also fast-tracking their “GREEEN” revolution.
“Seeing our dealerships nationwide also receive the GREEEN designation will cement Hyundai’s place as a champion of Philippine sustainability.” Hyundai Cainta, GenSan, Naga, Cebu South, and Alabang count among the pioneer GREEEN dealerships in HARI’s extensive network,” said Agudo.
The concept of sustainability is further advanced through HARI’s corporate social investments through its HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI).
In March 2017, HFI, with partners Better World and NGO Institute for Global Education Exchange and Internship, Inc. (IGEEI), implemented the pilot Rain Water Harvesting System in Tanay, Rizal. The Rain Water Harvesting System is a filtration method that also stores potable water gathered from roof gutters. The system, developed by the Seoul National University Engineering College professor Han Moo Young, can deliver potable water to the community of Tanay, including the students of the local elementary school.
In the same month, HFI inked an agreement with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) to form a three-year partnership and make Hyundai the first and only champion for ASEAN biodiversity in the Philippine automotive Industry.
The Hyundai New Thinkers Circuit program, HFI’s continuing collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has yielded a batch of scholars who can take the lead in building a climate change resilient Philippines in the years to come. HNTC throws a ray of hope on a country that remains among the 10 most vulnerable to recurring catastrophes due to climate change (Global Climate Risk Index 2018).
On HARI’s over a decade of proactively engaging in public-private partnerships for sustainability, Agudo holds a bullish outlook for 2018 and beyond. “Our goal here is to strengthen our lifelong partnership with the Filipino while also continuing to be effective stewards of the environment,” she said.