PHILIPPINES, 2015-9-15 — /Travel PR News/ — In an important milestone, Hamilo Coast, SM Prime’s premier beach resort community in Nasugbu, Batangas was recently conferred the Bronze Benchmarked status through EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism.
Hamilo Coast’s operations and sustainability programs were quantitatively evaluated and appraised against local and regional industry baseline and best practices. After thorough assessment, Hamilo Coast was granted the bronze benchmarked recognition indicating that it passed EarthCheck’s sustainable operation standards, making it the first residential resort development in the country to be awarded such.
“This achievement underscores our goal to make sustainability a priority in our masterplan and development. We want Hamilo Coast to be proof that development and preservation can co-exist” says Rona Torres-Tan, Hamilo Coast’s Senior Vice President.
With sustainability at the forefront of its vision, Hamilo Coast’s masterplan is based on a thorough study of location, topography and natural features. Land use, geology, marine habitat and watershed mapping were all part of a study that ensured development was done in the most efficient and ecologically sustainable way possible.
Sustainable design and architecture were also factors to ensure long-term sustainability. These included implementation of energy efficient structures, use of renewable energy and focus on solid waste management within the development. Regular coastal and terrestrial resource management is conducted to ensure the biodiversity of the coast, on top of consistent activities that support the local community. To date, three out of Hamilo Coast’s thirteen coves have been declared marine protected areas (MPA’s).
Hamilo Coast is also in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Philippines) and the SM Foundation, who help ensure that environmental and social sustainability are top priorities in its operations.
Stewart Moore, CEO of EarthCheck, said that Hamilo Coast has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.
Mr. Moore said, “I would like to congratulate the whole team on their achievement. Hamilo Coast is an advocate of sustainable tourism who dare to make a difference.”
By working with EarthCheck, Hamilo Coast has joined other industry leaders who are taking meaningful steps towards resolving some of the very real issues that face the planet.
It is a commitment that extends to being able to provide the community with a premier beach destination. While the latter is certainly a considerable factor, what Hamilo Coast hopes to achieve is a way by which future generations can continue to enjoy everything it has to offer—the leisurely ideals and active pursuits at the heart of the grandness of nature.
Costa del Hamilo Inc is the developer of Hamilo Coast, the premier beach resort town of the SM Group in Nasugbu, Batangas. Hamilo Coast is now only 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com
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Pico de Loro Cove, the maiden development of Hamilo Coast puts environmental and social sustainability at the heart of its operations. It was also declared a marine protected area (MPA).