Green Buildings in the Philippines: Principles and Benefits
25th of June 2015, the Green Building Code, a referral code of the National Building Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 1096) was launched by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The code seeks to improve the efficiency of building performance through measures that promote site sustainability. Another purpose of this code is to minimize, if not fully eradicate, the negative impacts of the construction and operation of buildings on humans and the environment.
Nowadays, the demand for green buildings in the Philippines continues to increase. Property developers in the country have affirmed their readiness for a more sustainable method for real estate. While we have a long way to go in our sustainability journey compared to other Asian countries like Japan, which have shifted to the “green” method years before we did, we can say that there is now a greater awareness about this method and willingness of the developers to augment the responsible approach.
Principles
Section 4 of the Philippine Green Building Code states that:
4.1 The technical professionals, developers, contractors, property managers and building owners involved in the planning, design, construction and management of buildings have the opportunity and responsibility to help the government address the adverse effects of climate change by ensuring that buildings are planned, designed, constructed, operated and maintained to the required efficiency level.
4.2 Resources must be used efficiently to equitably meet the developmental and environmental needs of the present and future generations.
4.3 Occupants of green buildings will benefit from improved indoor environmental quality, which promotes higher productivity and better comfort.
Benefits
Almost 40 percent of global energy-related CO2 comes from the construction and maintenance of buildings. Developers that follow the standards set by rating systems like LEED and BERDE, whose system aligns with the latest building and environmental regulations, pave the way to solutions in meeting the goals in carbon reduction. The outcomes of their efforts highly contribute to revolutionizing the real estate industry, particularly the construction of green buildings. Here are the reasons they continue to create spaces for such methods that support our health, the economy, and the environment.
- Cost-effective and profitable
- Better life quality for humans
Recent studies have shown that green buildings have a positive impact on people’s health and well-being. An optimized environment that features natural lighting and improved air quality make buildings better places for people to reside in. While offices with biophilic design aim to bring nature indoors. It introduces living plants, sunlight and green walls that evoke mother nature. Biophilia also has a distinct psychological impact where it helps reduce stress and increase productivity in the workplace. Green buildings, therefore, are said to encourage exercise and physical activities too through a conducive environment for health.
- More jobs and stronger economy
Green building creates jobs. Developers must now hire skilled people in the trade to follow guidelines and help LEED-certified structures to meet certain criteria. It’s true that as the demand for green buildings continues, so as the demand for individuals and businesses who can provide the skills set, knowledge, and materials required for a sustainable approach to the design and construction of a building.
There are countless benefits to green construction and buildings, undoubtedly. Switching to its nature-friendly practices and methods can truly reduce expenses, create jobs and give our country its economic advantages.
Sources: https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/sites/default/files/laws_codes_orders/PgbcBooklet23March.pdf