PH firms champion green spaces, sustainability standards

NEO’s buildings in BGC are BERDE-certified under PHILGBC’s green building rating system. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines — As the world grapples with the urgent threat of climate change, creating sustainable spaces has become imperative to protect the environment from waste and pollution and conserve vital resources.

Thus, the green industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green building, and waste management.

In the Philippines, a wave of innovative building projects is setting the standard for climate resilience and sustainability. These efforts are spearheaded by the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) through its “educate, advocate, and rate” campaign, which plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable building practices across the country. Local companies are not only adapting to climate change but are leading the charge by integrating robust adaptation and biodiversity strategies into their development projects.

NEO’s buildings in BGC are BERDE-certified under PHILGBC’s green building rating system.

PHILGBC and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) have established the Green Building Sector Skills Council (GBSSC) through A Future that Works, a program supported by the Australian Government that aims to bridge jobs and skills gaps by organizing industry leaders and experts through Sectors Skills Councils and communicating labor market needs to align them with education and training.

Projects like NEO’s BERDE-certified buildings and Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Lima Estates showcase the integration of green building principles, from energy efficiency to biodiversity conservation. The BERDE program was established by PHILGBC to develop the Philippines’ own national voluntary green building rating system to spur green building projects in the country.

Residential developments such as Mandani Bay Suites and Botanika Nature Residences are also leading the way in this field, blending urban living with nature through innovative designs and sustainable materials.

Aseana Holdings Inc.’s Parqal Mall exemplifies sustainable urban development by promoting mobility and featuring highly vegetated open spaces for community activities.

Beyond Metro Manila, projects like HTLand’s Mandaue development and Cebu Exchange are setting new standards for regional sustainability. By incorporating features like stormwater recycling, energy-efficient technologies, and urban agriculture, these projects contribute to climate resilience and promote a greener future.

Meanwhile, developments like Latitude Corporate Center and Parqal are redefining urban spaces by prioritizing green infrastructure and community engagement. These projects demonstrate that sustainable development can go hand-in-hand with creating vibrant and livable cities.

The future looks promising for green building in the Philippines, especially as the GBSSC ramps up its education activities. This initiative is expected to catalyze even more green building projects as more professionals are trained in sustainable construction practices, ensuring that the next wave of buildings not only meet current standards but set new benchmarks in environmental responsibility.

Australian Government Counsellor for Development Peter Adams (center) with PBEd deputy executive director Diane Fajardo and PHILGBC CEO Christopher dela Cruz

Under the guidance of the PHILGBC, these initiatives highlight how integrating biodiversity and sustainable practices into building and operational strategies not only addresses the immediate impacts of climate change but also ensures long-term environmental health and sustainability.

As these companies lead by example, they forge a path that hopefully many others will follow, securing a resilient and sustainable future for the next generations of Filipinos.