Builders, buyers to enjoy benefits of sustainable practices

If all new constructions in the Philippines were to follow ecologically-sound building standards starting this year, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) estimates that businesses and consumers can save up to P35.2 billion by 2030.

By ecologically-sound building standards, the DPWH meant that structures to be constructed or retrofitted must have features or designs that take into account energy efficiency, proper water and wastewater management as well as solid waste management, materials sustainability, site sustainability, and indoor environmental quality.

“As developers we support the initiative for the housing industry to follow an approved ecologically-sound building standards. People think it costs too much to incorporate ecological measures into homes or buildings. But the truth is, residents actually save money in the long run. Savings can come in so many ways. For example, residents will be able to enjoy drastic reductions in monthly electricity and water bills if they live in homes that allow more natural light and fresh air to come in as well as use water-saving faucets and toilet flushing systems,” said Armenia Ballesteros, president of Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA).

The significance of such ecologically-sound building standards will be one of the highlights of SHDA’s upcoming 2nd Housing Expo that will be held at the SM Megatrade Hall 1 in Mandaluyong City from July 16 to 19.

Business forum

On July 16, the 2nd Housing Expo has scheduled a business forum titled “Greening the Housing Road Map” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Imagine if this standard will be applied to all the 1.58 million socialized housing (homes valued at P450,000 and below) units that need to be built by 2030 (based on SHDA’s New Housing Needs profile). Filipino families will not only be able to save more money but also enjoy more productive and healthy life,” said SHDA chair Ricky Celis. He added that developers and homebuyers should start considering building a sustainable society.

Celis said: “One of the main challenges facing the house building sector in the near and distant future is the need to respond to climate change, both to cope with its ongoing effects (flooding, increasing the frequency and severity of weather events, soil erosion and landslides). Adapting to the changing climate will impact on the design, construction, location, cost and operation of these new homes and other residential buildings in the next few decades.”

According to him, the 2nd Housing Expo hopes to bring greater collaboration between governments and civil society organizations and businesses.

Other activities

“Aside from the business forum, the 2nd Housing Expo will also hold a housing fair (from July 16 to 19), which will showcase our member’s latest projects together with suppliers, partner banks and allied government agencies,” said Ballesteros.

She added that the Housing Fair would enable homebuyers to shop around and even compare similar projects as to prices and offerings.

Also throughout the four-day event, the 2nd Housing Expo will hold sales agent Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) registration as well as a Continuing Professional Development Seminar (July 12, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) that will award sales personnel the required 12 CPD credit units required by the Professional Regulation Commission.

Ballesteros said the 2nd Housing Expo is just one of the organization’s major events lined up this year. On Sept. 17 to 18, SHDA has slated its annual convention, which will be held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.