Toho Leo Begins Joint Experiments with the University of the Philippines to Address Urban Environmental Challenges

- Verifying the environmental value of urban parks and flood mitigation effects of water-retentive infrastructure in Metro Manila -

, /PRNewswire/ -- TOHO LEO CO. (Head Office: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President: Minoru Yoshikawa) has commenced joint experiments with the School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Philippines, to improve the urban environment in Metro Manila through green infrastructure initiatives.

This initiative focuses on:

1. Verifying the flood mitigation effects of permeable pavement and water-retentive foundations on public roads, and developing flood simulation models
2. Visualizing and quantifying the environmental value of green spaces in urban parks, including CO2 absorption and air pollution control, along with surveying public awareness on environmental issues

Through these studies, we aim to develop scientific and practical solutions to enhance urban resilience. In selecting the research sites, we are collaborating with local government units (LGUs) to establish a multi-sectoral partnership among academia, government, and industry.

• Significance and Future Outlook

In recent years, Metro Manila has been facing serious environmental challenges, including the rapid decline of green spaces due to accelerated urbanization and increased urban flooding caused by extreme weather events.

This initiative aims to leverage Toho Leo's expertise in green infrastructure to demonstrate regionally tailored solutions and propose a vision for urban development that harmonizes with nature.

By incorporating nature-based solutions that also encompass traditional grey infrastructure functions into urban policy, we aim to contribute to the realization of sustainable city development.