Sustainable Design: The Key to Green Building in the Philippines

In the ever-evolving world of construction and architecture, the term "green building" has become a buzzword. But what exactly is green building, and why should it play a key role in creating a more sustainable path for the Philippines???

We share our thoughts on this and the significance of sustainable design in green building below.?

Defining Green Building

Green building, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly building, strives to reduce the potential harmful impacts of buildings on the natural environment, whilst amplifying the positive impacts throughout the lifecycle of a building. Developments are purposefully crafted to minimise their environmental footprint while delivering functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that are also beneficial to the health and wellbeing of building occupants.??It is centred around energy use and emissions, material selection and natural resources, water use, indoor environmental quality, waste, and effective operation and maintenance. Green building is not just a construction approach; it is a strategic commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. It is also not just a global trend; it is a lifeline for places like the Philippines, where rapid city growth and weather patterns are a challenge.?

Philippines Context

The Philippines as an archipelago, is composed of various landscapes, including 21,000 miles of coastline, white sand beaches, mountains, rich valleys, and fertile plains which is often juxtaposed against its high-density urban areas. Some of the cities within the Philippines are often cited as having the highest population density in the world. This, coupled with environmental challenges, including rising temperatures, increasingly hard hitting typhoons, car dependency, ?lack of recycling, and rising levels of air and water pollution, are taking its toll and making the country increasingly vulnerable.

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Overcoming these challenges is complex, however sustainable design can aid from the built environment aspect by limiting harmful impacts and creating more resilient developments that can cater to occupiers needs for years to come. Adopting a holistic approach, incorporating sustainable design from planning through to construction is the key pillar for Green Building. There are many benefits that come as a result of green building, which we see as the way forward for the Philippines:

Minimised Pollution and Strain on Resources

Through early design, buildings can plan to reduce strain on resources through material efficiency and reuse. Building with reused, recycled, or carbon storing materials, are common in many green buildings. Similarly, the systems set in place are designed to minimise pollution during the building's life cycle which limit water and energy consumption.

Energy Efficiency

We all know electricity bills in the Philippines can be sky-high! Sustainable design utilises, where applicable, renewable energy, natural lighting, ventilation, and smart metres, which result in reduced operational costs, lower electricity bills, and cooler spaces, even in the tropics! With advances in technology, we expect there to be even greater efficiencies in the future.

Weather-Proofing

In a nation prone to typhoons and rising sea levels, sustainable design incorporates features like enhanced drainage systems, flood-resistant foundations, and durable, weather-resistant materials such as concrete, steel, and impact-resistant roofing materials. These elements collectively reinforce structures against the harshest weather conditions, ensuring safety and longevity for homes and buildings.?

Health and Wellbeing

Our wellbeing has never been more crucial, sustainable design ensures spaces are well ventilated and that sources of air pollution are removed which has been proven to improve workplace productivity and overall wellbeing. This can be achieved through innovative solutions including advanced ventilation systems, air purifiers, and green walls. ?

Less Mess

Green buildings are champions of cleanliness; they significantly minimise pollution and waste. Beyond recycling programs, sustainable design achieves this by reducing waste generation, emphasising energy-efficient processes, and responsible material sourcing, creating a smaller environmental footprint.?

We acknowledge that there are some challenges with implementing sustainable design, some of which are detailed below, however the benefits significantly outweigh this.

Upfront Investment

A green building can sometimes cost more upfront, but think of it as an investment — the extra costs often pay off with lower energy bills and less maintenance down the road.?

Knowledge is Power

Not everyone in the construction world knows the ins and outs of sustainable design. More education and training are needed to make “green building” the norm.?

Rules and Support

Laws that encourage green building practices to allow for more sustainable cities.

Our Journey to a Sustainably Built Environment

Where the environment is a treasure, sustainable design is not just a choice — it is a must. Green building, with its ability to save resources and improve wellbeing, is our ally.??

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At Hearn & Hearn Consulting, we have a unique and efficient take on green building to help your business address key sustainable concerns, while harnessing the benefits of the most prominent green building certifications: LEED, WELL, BERDE. We are on a mission to spread the word about sustainable design and green building practices. By embracing these super-powered ideas, we can make our beloved Philippines more resilient and eco-friendlier for everyone, now and in the future.??

Together, we are building a greener and brighter tomorrow for the Philippines.