ARCH Capital Management reaffirms its commitment with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Champion, becoming the first real estate private equity firm to make such a commitment in Asia. This partnership entails establishing a framework for greater collaboration in pursuit of their shared aspirations to move the real estate investment industry toward a lower-carbon, more resource-efficient path.
With over 160,000 square meters of ARCH’s portfolio currently certified or committed to certifying with EDGE, the investment firm is on track to deliver on its target of 200,000 square meters of EDGE certified buildings by 2026. ARCH Capital has been promoting sustainable design practices aiming to improve efficiencies in electricity, water, and embodied carbon in materials.
ARCH Capital’s investment in the Cebu Exchange, a development in partnership with ARTHALAND in the Philippines, is recognized as the company’s first EDGE certified project in its portfolio. This premium commercial office space in Cebu City, Philippines is currently certified as EDGE ADVANCED, which requires 40% reduction in energy savings. Buildings certified as EDGE ADVANCED are considered Zero Carbon Ready.
ARCH’s portfolio features additional EDGE-certified assets, including Pinnacle Cold Storage in Manila, along with projects currently undergoing the certification process. These projects encompass various property types, such as cold storage, residential, and data center infrastructure.
“We believe that investing in low-carbon and resource-efficient buildings not only creates real value for our investors and other stakeholders, but also demonstrates our commitment to sustainable management practices,” said Jonathan Umali, Chief Investment Officer at ARCH Capital. “By adopting the EDGE standard, we enhance the economic sustainability of our investments while responding to evolving regulatory landscapes and the increasing influence of investors on ESG practices. This approach enables us to deliver environmentally responsible spaces that also benefit communities.”
Members of ARCH Capital’s senior management visited IFC’s headquarters in the Philippines to highlight their partnership to promote sustainable building practices through EDGE.
“ARCH Capital’s commitment to EDGE certification demonstrates the potential impact of financial institutions, including investors and asset managers, in driving sustainable development in the Philippines,” said Jean-Marc Arbogast, IFC Country Manager for the Philippines. “It is the same commitment that underpins IFC’s track record and leadership in climate finance, and we look forward to working with the company towards promoting a greener built environment in the country.”
