Green architecture: More than just a fad

In today’s building and construction industry, a new movement is taking shape which advocates sustainable architecture and is widely known as the “green” architecture movement.

In an exclusive interview during the 8th Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, Architect Joven Ignacio, one of the advocates of the green architecture movement said that the green advocacy has been gaining interests not only from industry practitioners in the Philippines but as well as from most of their clients.

He said that advocacies concerning the sustainability of the environment have been among the platforms now a days of large developers in most of their projects in the country.

However despite its popularity, Ignacio pointed out the need for providing further education to the markets as well as to industry stakeholders so as not to mislead them into thinking that concerns on the environment is just a mere fad.

“Green architecture is about sustainability. It is not just about using green materials but it is the proper use of integrated designing wherein you can achieve efficiency. It’s the use of recycled materials and the careful study of the natural system, a combination of natural and artificial factors to lessen consumption,” Ignacio discussed.

Green architecture movement or GAM involves the construction design that is environmentally sensitive, in harmony with natural features of a particular project site, energy efficient that accentuates passive systems and contains materials that are ecological, recyclable and derived from sustainable sources that can be replenished or replaced so there is lesser wastage, he added.

“It’s using a holistic approach to going green and not just utilizing bits and pieces. Achieving green architecture should not be expensive because it’s an intelligent use of materials for the right purpose. The concept also means building structures that last longer and are easy to maintain” he said.

The green architecture movement in the country was formed by the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). It began as a committee as the result of the continuing advocacy on environmental awareness brought about by the United Conference on Environment (UNCED) or the Earth Summit.

Ignacio said that right now the movement strives to educate everyone including the consumers and their clients.

The movement has continuously sought ways and means to advocate green principles in any development initiative.

Even in the academe, they have been very much active on hosting forums, talks and symposiums that highlight the principles of green architecture and on how the industry and the community can achieve sustainability.

Ignacio said that right now, big and even small companies in the country are starting their own green architecture movement initiatives.

He said for one, Mr. Donut has been putting up their green store chains that showcase the holistic and integrated approach of going green.

“Concern for the environment is by choice and it is not a mere novelty or a fad but it is our responsibility so we can address the problems that have been caused by man’s destructive use of our natural resources,” he stressed.