PBCOM Tower, Makati City— PBCOM Tower, the country’s tallest office building and a longstanding icon in Makati’s central business district, has earned its EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Certification, underscoring the steady shift of major commercial developments toward more environmentally sensitive and cost-efficient operations for its tenants. The 52-storey tower—jointly developed by Filinvest Asia Corporation (FAC), a Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) Company and the Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM), continues to evolve more than two decades after it first rose along the prominent intersection of Ayala Avenue and V.A. Rufino Street. The building is also accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), making it one of the few premier office properties in Makati to hold this distinction.

The new certification reflects a series of deliberate improvements to enhance PBCOM Tower’s performance and environmental footprint. As a PEZA-accredited premier office development, the tower has invested in upgrades that support both efficiency and tenant competitiveness— starting with its upgraded chiller plant, developed with the Philippine DCS Development Corporation (PDDC), another Filinvest joint venture, which now operates at an impressive 0.782 TR/kWh efficiency level. This improvement is complemented by newly modernized high-rise and service elevators that consume 36% less energy than their earlier counterparts.

Aligned with the building’s sustainability initiatives, the reverse osmosis facility located at the basement supplies nearly 90% of the tower’s water requirements, supporting the domestic needs of the common areas as well as the chilled-water system. The shift to fully renewable energy through a long-term agreement with AC Energy further strengthened the tower’s environmental performance.

Together, these enhancements resulted in approximately 22% energy savings, 20% water savings, and a 60% reduction in embodied carbon in materials, reflecting a balance between operational reliability and resource efficiency across the property.

EDGE, an innovation developed by the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, sets a global benchmark for buildings that achieve substantial and independently validated reductions in energy, water, and embodied carbon. In the Philippines, the certification is verified by the Philippine Green Building Initiative, a voluntary network of professional organizations advocating sustainable practices in the built environment. PBCOM Tower’s achievement places it among the country’s established office developments that continue to adapt to evolving sustainability standards.

For companies operating in the building, these improvements offer practical advantages: reduced utility consumption, more efficient systems, and future-ready workplace environments that support long-term performance and well-being. The building’s progress also extends to a broader community impact, lower resource use, reduced carbon footprint, and a development strategy that responds to the needs of a rapidly changing urban landscape.

Maricel Brion-Lirio, President of Filinvest Cyberparks, Inc., the leasing arm of Filinvest Offices, noted that the certification affirms Filinvest’s approach to continuous improvement across its office assets. “PBCOM Tower’s progress reflects the kind of enhancement that creates lasting value for our locators while contributing to more resilient urban spaces. It is part of our broader direction to support the evolving way Filipinos work and thrive. Our efforts focus on purposeful upgrades that serve both business needs and the environment.”

Tristan Las Marias, President and CEO of Filinvest Land, Inc., shared that the tower’s achievement demonstrates the long-term impact of collaborative development and efficient operations. “Sustainability is integral to how we shape our developments and strengthen the places where people build their careers and aspirations. PBCOM Tower’s certification aligns with Filinvest’s commitment to Building the Filipino Dream, creating spaces that remain relevant, responsible, and future-ready for the communities we serve.”

Representing PBCOM Bank, Atty. Jane Lim-Laragan, Senior Vice President of PBCOM, emphasized the shared direction that guided the building’s improvements. “This milestone reflects the responsibility we hold as joint stewards of PBCOM Tower. The enhancements we implemented not only improve daily building operations but also strengthen our contribution to a more sustainable business district.”

As PBCOM Tower continues to welcome enterprises seeking a well-connected and future-ready workplace in Makati, its latest milestone reinforces its role as a landmark shaped not only by height, but by its ongoing relevance in the country’s evolving business and environmental landscape.

For leasing inquiries, email info@officesbyfilinvest.com and/or leasing@pbcom.com.ph.