Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence

The building and construction industry is growing at a very rapid pace.  The adverse impacts of increased activity have contributed to the alarming increase of energy use and green house gas emissions.  Philippine industry is also faced with mounting solid waste crisis, increased energy demand, water and air pollution.

There is need for industry to find a viable solution that will help promote environmental conservation and protection. Green building is recognized to improve the productivity of businesses. Healthier workspaces promote building occupants’ comfort and health and boosts employees’ morale.

In the past, the green building movement has encountered challenges – both real and perceived.  The PHILGBC is working extensively to increase the level of environmental education in industry to overcome perceived barriers.  Programs are created; technologies and strategies are promoted at the Council to address real-world challenges.

As we overcome barriers to the uptake of green buildings, industry increases the uptake of sustainable building strategies; they are now realizing that first costs are now very competitive. Accessibility to greener building materials, technology and information are accelerating the acceptance of green building. With a more mature market, businesses will be reaping the marketing benefits that are provided by green building.  This enables businesses to maintain competitiveness and improve their bottom-line.

The BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) Program was initiated by the PHILGBC to facilitate greener building.  Now a priority program of the PHILGBC, BERDE is designed to measure how much “above and beyond” existing environmental regulations and standards a building is performing. Best practice in design and construction, both local and international were observed and made part of the BERDE.

In the course of the development of BERDE, the Green Building Council Australia and the World Green Building Council has provided significant assistance through consultations with Green Star Professionals and tours to exemplars of green building in the region.

With BERDE, industry now has a common language for greener building.  BERDE addresses local environmental priorities through integrated design delivery and whole building design approach.  The public may now easily identify greener buildings in the market through a well balance, unbiased, and credible measurement of performance.