RP lags behind other nations in green architecture practice

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines still lags way behind most countries in terms of implementation of green architecture on construction projects.

Even as practitioners in the construction industry are already starting to embrace the concept, developers and property owners as well as the consumers are still not keen on adapting to the concept.

United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Green Architecture Movement chairman Architect Edgar V. Reformado said, during the opening of the 17th CebuCon ’09 (Construction Show Cebu), the concept of green architecture is already widely practiced abroad but the Philippines is way far behind.

He said that there is still a huge hesitance in the side of developers and property owners because green architecture is usually viewed as expensive.

“Initially, it can be more expensive compared to the traditional practice but if you calculate the benefits, practicing green architecture actually provides more savings and return of investments to a company because it does not need maintenance,” said Reformado.

He said that in implementing green architecture, the budget cost would likely be 15 percent higher than that of a regular construction project, however this is very minimal compared to the huge benefit it provides in the long term.

Reformado said that the concept of green architecture is holistic as it is practiced not only in the design aspect but also on the construction products used and the manufacture of these products that are to be utilized in the project.

“Green architecture is a principle that embodies sustainability not only in the design aspect but also in the orientation and in using environmentally-friendly materials. Those who practice this will also have to consider the existing culture and tradition of the community,” said Reformado.

He said that although green architecture is not yet widely practiced in the country, there are already existing models that have employed the concept such as the previous projects of the Ayala group, SM’s Mall of Asia and the RCBC Tower in Manila, among others.

Reformado said that some of these buildings have participated in green architecture competitions within the Asia Pacific region but failed to garner the top awards because other participating countries like Singapore are already more sophisticated in their practice of green architecture because it is being implemented in their legislation.

He said that UAP- GAM will soon be releasing a rating system for those who practice and are looking at patronizing green architecture to attract more people to practice the concept.

He said that the rating system, which is targeted to be ready by next year will rate how green a particular establishment is and how builders, developers and property owners practice the concept in their projects.

Reformado said that this particular project is in coordination with the Green Building Philippine Council and the government entity National Eco-Labelling System, which aims to push the concept of green architecture further for wide acceptance and practice in the country.