Hyundai Asia Resources Incorporated (HARI) inaugurates a new, state-of-the-art facility that promises to change the landscape of automotive industry property development in the Philippines. Located in the City of Calamba in Laguna, the Hyundai Logistics Center (HLC) is built to answer the call for sustainable development. HLC paves the way for an eco-friendly work environment, upholds the well-being of employees, and catalyzes growth in both the automotive and property development sectors.

One of HARI’s values in business is Environment Protection, and the Hyundai Logistics Center is a realization of this principle. Today, the environment yearns for better care, and HARI seeks to make a positive contribution by becoming an environment steward. With the serious need for green buildings and with capable technology at hand, HARI is bringing in HLC at an opportune time.

HARI has always been engaged in various environmental stewardship programs, but as President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo says, there is always something left to do. “We realized that we lacked this one thing: a concrete and unmistakable statement of our commitment as a business and a responsible corporate citizen to responsible innovation. And that is the Hyundai Logistics Center.”

With HLC, HARI sets a pioneering standard reflective of Hyundai’s Modern Premium brand identity and its commitment to the national agenda for sustainability. “We are building a case for responsible innovation that will revolutionize the local automotive industry not only with new car models that represent new thinking in green technology but also in green operations,” emphasized Ms. Agudo.

Green Revolution

Situated along the Mount Makiling Forest reserve and Tagaytay mountain ridge, HARI’s aim for HLC is to deliver efficiency and sustainability, while also bringing tranquility into the workplace.

The 10-hectare site, which previously housed a textile factory, was derelict and dark. The inspiration was to bring light into this darkness, to make old become new again. “One could already imagine the rewards of bringing in air and natural light, as if to bring back to life this giant that had fallen asleep in the forest, in order to create a place that would be a joy to work in,” said Architect Dominic Galicia, historic site conservationist, and lead architect for HLC.

To achieve this, the architects behind HLC employed the principle of adaptive reuse, which emphasizes sustainability, economy, and even history. The method considers the past uses of a structure; that a structure’s history adds to its unique identity and must be preserved, while enhancing it with a new use in mind. Architect Galicia explains, “It's the most intelligent thing to do because you already have the existing structure. You already have all the energy. All the resources have come in to create the structure, and then with creativity, with design, [it is] harnessed to create a new reality.”

HLC follows the standards of Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI), a group of professional development associations formed through the shared concern for the environment. “GREEEN is, with the three E's, stands for Geared for Resiliency and Energy Efficiency for the Environment,” explained Architect Mel Punsalan, Vice President for Technical of PGBI, on the rating system framework set by PGBI. “GREEEN has the highest level at Kamagong; Kamagong is equal to platinum if we're talking with the other rating systems.” As a testament of its commitment to its green design objective, HLC has received a special certificate from PGBI for having implemented design standards equal to that of Kamagong, the highest distinction for green buildings.

GREEEN Award from PGBI Hyundai Logistics Center 87.5% *

KAMAGONG 85 to 100%

MOLAVE 70 to 84%

YAKAL 55 to 69%

NARRA 40 to 54%

* This is a pre-final points rating from the PGBI, as of March 2015

According to the International Finance Corporation, energy consumption of buildings is projected to rise by 90% through 2030, further emphasizing the need for energy-efficient buildings, and making HARI proud to have a green structure as its new centerpiece.

HARI introduced HLC with “ECO: Experience ComeUnity” as its theme, wherein dealers and VIPs from both the business and government converged to launch this trend-setting development. Alongside HLC, HARI also introduced Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI), the new worldwide dealership standard of Hyundai, and new vehicles i20 Cross Sport and all-new Tucson.

Eco as can be

“HLC is a paragon. It's leading the way for businesses because this is going to be a model,” says Architect Mel Punsalan. HLC adheres to the guideline of PGBI for sustainable development, which includes energy-efficiency, sustainability, water- and energy-efficiency, and occupant well-being.

HLC saves energy with its various features in lighting and ventilation. The facility uses only LED lighting fixtures, which reduces energy consumption up to 52.2%. Plus, some areas like the Warehouse uses light monitors to capture natural light and use of artificial lighting during daytime. A number of solar panels are also installed in some areas of HLC, with more to be developed in future plans.

HLC also has its own water facility to cut on consumption. This facility enables HARI to reuse water from the car preparation areas, and also collect rainwater for use on siphoning, irrigation, or other uses. It also treats wastewater to reduce harmful chemicals that may harm the environment.

No trees were cut in constructing the HLC. Existing trees are incorporated to the design, while existing walls, trusses, and roads are all kept and refurbished. Materials used are also high-quality to minimize replacement.

Access to ventilation in the indoor spaces of HLC is also made optimal for a top quality air exchange within. The materials have zero or reduced volatile organic compound, giving the occupants a pristine working environment.

To maximize its potential, the landscape architects of Espina, Perez-Espina and Associates tactically used the features of the Hyundai Logistics Center to fill it with greenery. First is through the roof gardens. These gardens reclaim the land that is occupied by the building footprint, and brings more insulation to the buildings, reducing temperature in the area by up to 5°C. The architects will also use the low maintenance, native grass Cogon in this garden. They also plan to re-use tires as containers of the said grass.

“Our inspiration for HLC landscape is the beautiful expanse of land around the site,” affirmed Architect Mary Ann Arañas-Espina, Founding Member of the Green Architecture Movement, and lead architect for HLC’s landscape design. “So we took the inspiration of the openness with the minimalist approach to the architecture to create a kind of tranquil landscape that we needed to partner with an industrial location; the kind of sense of relaxation that they can only get from the gardens.”

HLC also houses a chapel garden, which provides an outdoor room of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy facility. Its design capitalizes on the existing tall walls. These walls were vegetated to bring more greenery. The space also gives a sense of awe, an experience that corresponds to the chapel.

In the same way, with limited horizontal spaces, other walls were used for greening. The green walls in and around the stockyard are vegetated with vines, including flowers. The architects envisioned the green walls to create the harmony between the Hyundai Logistics Center and Mount Makiling.

The Hyundai Journey

The Hyundai Logistics Center is the new home for all Hyundai cars, and it features innovative facilities to take care of a Hyundai vehicle. As Arch. Galicia envisioned, when a car enters the HLC, it goes through a journey. By the end of this journey, the Hyundai car is commenced—ready for the road ahead.

The Complete Built Unit (CBU) Receiving Area is the temporary holding area for all cars before they undergo the journey. Next, the car is brought to CBU Preparation Area 1 for the first phase of the process. This includes Detailing, in which the vehicle is prepared according to local market specifications; and Washing and Drying, to keep the cars in pristine condition.

Next, the car is brought to CBU Preparation Area 2. This is the area for tests and final touches. The car unit is checked inch-by-inch and from every angle to ensure top quality. Every part of the car is inspected, including but not limited to engine, electrical circuitry, interior cabin, and body paint.

When a Hyundai car is ready for release, dealer representatives may wait at the Buy-off Area for the turnover of the car. Clients can relax at the lounge to keep themselves comfortable while waiting.

As the car leaves the Buy-off Area, it goes through the Circle of Benediction. This skylight is designed after the Hyundai logo. The embellishment of the logo through the natural light, which then shines on the car, signifies that it is complete and ready for the road.

If there is a need for parts, the Parts Warehouse is the complete hub for all genuine Hyundai parts and accessories. It caters to dealer and customer needs nationwide.

More than half of the Hyundai Logistics Center, or 6 hectares, is dedicated to the Stockyard. This is roughly equivalent to 9 football fields, and can accommodate more than 2,400 vehicles.

Outside of the car journey is the Prow, which houses the chapel on its ground floor, and in the future, the executive offices on the upper level. A cylindrical skylight will link these two facilities, expressing the connection of the corporate to the Divine.

Showroom to the World

HLC is also home to the Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) model showroom. GDSI is the new standard of Hyundai Motor Company for all dealerships worldwide, paving the way for a unified design for all showrooms in any part of the world.

The goal of GDSI is to strengthen the Modern Premium brand identity, and to provide quality customer service. The new GDSI dealerships will be labeled as “Centers of Excellence” of Hyundai.

Completing the Revolution

Now fully operational, the Hyundai Logistics Center still has future projects down the line. Phase 2 will feature structures dedicated to education, aiming to further up the ante on the advocacy of environment stewardship and preservation. One of these structures is the Hyundai Academy, which will hold Hyundai training facilities. The design of this structure is inspired by a light tower, acting like a beacon of light, thus symbolizing the cultivation and sharing of knowledge. Phase 2 will also include HARI’s Center for Climate Change, where environment advocates will converge for further dialogue and study to create solutions to the impact of climate change in the country.

The Hyundai Car Museum is also underway to complete the Hyundai experience. This will also have a green roof garden, and will have the contour of the Hyundai logo. This showroom will also display classic Hyundai cars, stirring up nostalgia while showcasing the Hyundai legacy.

Future plans include roofing of the stockyard with solar panels, proving HARI’s serious commitment to the environment.

With HLC, HARI seeks to set the standard for green architecture, especially among the country’s auto makers and distributors. Agudo says, “HLC is Hyundai's flagship contribution to the national agenda for sustainability.”

With the pioneering advocacy for the environment in place, HARI is also able to make significant industrial and economical contributions through HLC. Ms. Agudo adds, “[HLC] can generate jobs and new opportunities for the people of CALABARZON. What better way to express love for country, love for the Filipino people in this day and age?”

Through HLC, HARI takes the lead in inspiring change that shall set the wheels of progress rolling in the direction of responsible innovation and environment preservation. “HLC is our pioneer and flagship endeavor that shows that we are serious about addressing the impact of climate change,” affirmed Ms. Agudo. “It should set the standard for green buildings for the country’s automakers and distributors.”

The Hyundai Logistics Center is located along the Pan-Philippine National Highway in Barangay Makiling, Calamba City, Laguna.