DMCI Homes is seeking green building certification for Fortis Residences, its 37-story residential tower in Makati City, as the Consunji-led property developer continues to incorporate energy- and water-saving features into the upscale project ahead of its scheduled turnover in December 2027.

The company is pursuing Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification for the development along Chino Roces Avenue, which will be equipped with solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and a rainwater harvesting system. EDGE is a green building certification system developed by the International Finance Corporation, the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, that recognizes projects achieving measurable reductions in energy, water, and construction material use. Certification under the system involves a design-stage review and an on-site audit of the completed building, with final certification awarded only after construction is finished.

Fortis Residences is the second project under the DMCI Homes Exclusive brand, following Oak Harbor Residences in Parañaque City. The tower rises within the Makati Southwest Gateway, a mixed-use zone designated by the local government for business and commercial development in Makati, one of Metro Manila’s principal business districts.

“At DMCI Homes, it’s not all about rebar, glass, and concrete. Of course, we’d like to give back to nature,” Francis B. Villagonzalo, lead designer for Fortis Residences at DMCI Homes, said during the unveiling of the project’s rooftop amenities on Wednesday.

Under the plan, solar panels will be installed above the Sky Lounge to generate electricity for common facilities, while the rainwater harvesting system will supply water for landscape irrigation. EV charging stations will be provided as well.

The project also incorporates DMCI Homes’ Lumiventt Technology, a design approach that uses sky patios to improve natural lighting and cross-ventilation. Mr. Villagonzalo said the development’s windows are 20% to 25% larger, while extended balconies and ledges are designed to reduce solar heat gain and prevent rainwater intrusion.

DMCI Homes recently completed the tower’s multilevel roof deck amenities ahead of the property’s target turnover.

“We completed the roof deck ahead of schedule so homebuyers can already see one of the property’s standout features and get a better feel for what Fortis Residences will offer once it’s completed,” DMCI Homes President Alfredo R. Austria said in a statement.

“One of the strengths of Fortis Residences is the amount of space available to residents. That’s hard to find in Makati. It’s something we placed a premium on, from the unit layouts to the amenity spaces. That makes Fortis Residences unique in a market where residential developments are making the most of a limited space,” he added.

The multilevel roof deck features a swimming pool, an enclosed Sky Lounge, and a landscaped outdoor walkway. The project’s parking facilities have been placed underground to free up additional open space at ground level.

DMCI Homes said the ground floor will include approximately 6,000 square meters (sq.m.) of open space and amenities, such as lounges, swimming pools, and a children’s play area.

“We can safely declare that we would have 50% to 75% open space for the ground floor. That is very rare in developments here in Makati or even in Metro Manila,” Mr. Villagonzalo said.

Fortis Residences will be linked to the adjacent One Fortis Plaza, a Grade A office development along Chino Roces Avenue, through a sky bridge on the 25th floor.

The residential tower offers one- to three-bedroom units ranging from 55.5 sq.m. to 154 sq.m. Residents will also have access to property management, concierge, and leasing services, along with a mobile application for administrative transactions.

The development sits near major transport routes, including Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, the South Luzon Expressway, and the Metro Manila Skyway. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales