Construction players push for ‘greenclusive’ industry

CEBU, Philippines — Stakeholders in the construction sector are joining hands to push for a green and inclusive construction industry joining the widespread campaign to promote green building practices.

Led by the Cebu Contractors Association (CCA), Habitat for Humanity's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Philippine Institute of Interior Designers-Cebu Chapter (PIID-Cebu), and the United Architects of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, these organization advocates held the first “Building a Greenclusive Construction Industry” forum to heighten awareness on responsible construction from homes to big township projects.

Held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on Saturday, June 24, 2023, the forum kicked off the joint “Greenclusive Construction Industry” campaign that brings together industry leaders for success and collaborates and shares innovations, best practices, innovative business models, as well as policies and regulations towards a greener and more inclusive construction industry to a much wider audience.

During the forum, Engr. Dean Ashton Plamenco, Engineering for Change Alumni Fellow presented his study that analyzes the current landscape of sustainable, green, and circular housing solutions in the Philippines, and expounds that while underserved populations continue to be adversely impacted by the effects of climate change, there is the need for a more sustainable housing sector that offers adequate, affordable, and sustainable housing.

Likewise, Engr. Crystal Comon of Mandaue City’s Office of the Building Official (OBO) shared how the Mandaue City government, through the support of its constituents, was able to demonstrate how urban planning and architecture can create sustainable, healthy, productive, and beautiful cities in her presentation entitled Mandaue City’s Green Building Code: Adopting the BERDE Certification.

Meanwhile Dir. Rowena Dineros, presently designated as Officer-in-Charge of the Public Housing and Settlements Service of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, discussed more about the national agency’s rollout of its program on green and inclusive housing microfinance.

In the panel discussion, construction sector leaders tackled innovative construction and housing solutions that help reduce the use of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy productive environments—from design, and materials to construction.

“Green Design” focuses on design elements that result in buildings that are resilient to natural disasters and climate hazards, the standards that are available in ensuring that the designs are “green,” and the business case for green design.

“Green Materials” explores examples of these green building materials; how the production, promotion, and distribution of these materials have impacted overall businesses; how these materials have advanced the construction industry in Cebu and Central Visayas towards sustainability; and how these green materials make business sense.

The promotion of the “Green construction” movement started with the understanding that the built environment can have effects, both positive and negative, on the natural environment as well as residents. Adequate planning, design, and safe construction should result in construction that is resilient to natural disasters and climate hazards.

The Greenclusive Cebu 2023 forum is one of the “green track” events during the three-day PhilConstruct Visayas Expo on June 22-24, 2023, held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. — (FREEMAN)