Setting New Standards for the Next Generation: Eco Utopia Community in Taiwan

Best in Building HealthFitwel AmbassadorsFitwel ChampionsHealthy Building Profiles

Jul 12

**Eco Utopia Community**
Taiwan | Image Courtesy of Five To The Tenth/Hung Kuo Group

Congratulations to Fitwel Champion Green Matrix Consulting Company for achieving another Best in Building Health award, adding to their impressive accolades in recent years. This year, in partnership with Hung Kuo Group, they’ve earned the prestigious award for Highest Scoring Project of All-Time (Design) for Eco Utopia Community in Yilan County, Taiwan. True to its name, this 1,601,241-square-foot mixed-use development masterfully implemented a triple bottom line by planning with sustainability in mind. Unique features include energy-saving building design and maximized greeneries to help create pedestrian-friendly and health-oriented public spaces while reducing environmental impact and providing affordable housing that contributes to social welfare. This remarkable achievement underscores Green Matrix Consulting's unwavering commitment to sustainable development and sets a new benchmark for healthy communities worldwide.

AT A GLANCE

**Name:** Chia Ming Huang
**Award**: Fitwel Impact Award: Highest Scoring Project of All-Time (Design)
**Certification Project Teams:** Green Matrix Consulting Company, Five To The Tenth, Hung Kuo Group
**Project**: Eco Utopia Community
**Location**: Wujie Township, Yilan County, Taiwan

Learn more about this ground-breaking oasis-like project directly from Chia Ming Huang, who is also recognized again this year as one of our Top 20 Ambassadors! Chia was also part of the inaugural group of Top Ambassadors last year.

What motivated the project team to pursue Fitwel Certification?
CMH: In recent years, Hung Kuo Group, renowned for developing the iconic TAIPEI 101, launched its sustainable lifestyle brand Five to the Tenth (FTTT). The brand aims to promote a lifestyle where individuals can be inspired to comfortably cohabit with nature and to further raise awareness in the built industry. FTTT recognizes strategies that promote health and well-being through the built environment and can also bring value to the community. To bring this vision to life, the group initiated the Eco Utopia project, which focuses on providing natural surroundings, a healthy lifestyle, and environmentally friendly buildings to its residents. With the help of the Fitwel Standard, Eco Utopia's concept was elevated through evidence-based guidance in designing a desirable living environment with a holistic approach and further gaining global credibility. It also demonstrates the group's commitment to sustainability and well-being

What are your ESG goals for 2024 and how have they evolved in response to market demand and regulations?
CMH: At Green Matrix Consulting Co. (GMC), we're committed to collaborating with our clients to develop businesses that are both sustainable and health-oriented. We believe that ESG considerations are equally important. Our mission to fight for the next generation underscores our dedication to ensuring that future generations inherit environments that prioritize health and well-being, alongside traditional sustainability goals like reducing energy consumption and waste.

Take the Next Step: Become a Fitwel Ambassador
Ambassadors are meeting the demand for healthy buildings and taking their careers to the next level. Learn more and enroll today at fitwel.org/amabassadors.

What remains GMC’s greatest challenge to accomplishing and generating value from its ESG strategy?
CMH: Our greatest challenge lies in shifting the market's mindset. Many see ESG as just a certification, plaque, or report, but it's actually an integrative plan with the potential to drive sustainable development for businesses, countries, and the world. The strategies within the Fitwel Standard hold far greater value than just a certification. It's crucial to educate clients on the importance of pursuing certifications due to the impactful strategies they entail. This mindset shift is essential for realizing the true potential of our ESG initiatives.

Who made this year’s Best in Building Health list? Visit fitwel.org/bibh and reserve your copy of our popular spin-off series, Building Health Vol. 4.

About Green Matrix Consulting Company

Green Matrix provides consulting services for green building and healthy building certifications and uses limited resources to make the best sustainable decisions. Green Matrix Consulting introduced Fitwel into the Taiwan market in 2019 as a means to support customers’ ESG goals. Learn more at https://www.greenmatrixes.com.

About Hung Kuo Group
Hung Kuo Group, is a conglomerate headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It comprises affiliated entities in hospitality, education, property management and social enterprise. Learn more at https://www.hungkuogreen.com.

About Five To The Tenth
Five To The Tenth is a subsidiary brand of Hung Kuo focused on developing best in class commercial and residential properties, providing users exquisite experience with the emphasis on well-being and environmental sustainability. Learn more at https://www.fivetothetenth.com.

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Janelle Decarreau

Setting New Standards for the Next Generation: Eco Utopia Community in Taiwan

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