Green Buildings and Sustainable

Urban Transformation
Justin Jesse L. Seranilla
Environment and Energy Engineering Group
Institute of Civil Engineering
Part I
What is a green
building?
Green building

World Green Building Council:

“A ‘green’ building is a building that, in its design,

construction or operation, reduces or eliminates
negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on
our climate and natural environment. Green buildings
preserve precious natural resources and improve our
quality of life.”
Green building

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

“Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes

that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a
building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation,
maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. This practice expands and
complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility,
durability, and comfort. Green building is also known as a sustainable or
high performance building.”
Impacts of a built environment

Buildings and electricity

and heat production
combined contribute to
31% of global emissions
(IPCC, 2014).
Impacts of a built environment

Aspects: Consumption:
1. Siting 1. Energy
2. Design 2. Water
3. Construction 3. Materials
4. Operation 4. Natural Resources
5. Maintenance
6. Renovation
7. Deconstruction
Impacts of a built environment

Environmental Effects: Ultimate Effects:

1. Waste 1. Harm to human health
2. Air pollution 2. Degradation of environment
3. Water pollution 3. Loss of resources
4. Indoor pollution
5. Heat islands
6. Stormwater runoff
7. Noise
 What are the
features of a
green building?
 Green building features

Efficient use of water, energy, and

other resources
● Natural lighting at NIMBB, UP
Diliman
● Rainwater harvesting system in
Marikina
● Use of energy-efficient lighting
(LED, CFL), air-conditioning
(inverter)
 Green building features

Use of renewable energy

● Solar panels of SM
North EDSA
 Green building features

Pollution and waste

reduction measures
● School made of
plastic bottles (San
Pablo)
 Green building features

Use of materials that are

non-toxic, ethical, and
sustainable
● Model house of
Palawan Council for
Sustainable
Development (PCSD)
 Green building features

A design that allows

adaptation to a
changing environment
● Typhoon-proof
houses in Dapitan
Benefits of a green building

Economic: Environmental: Social:

1. Reduce 1. Reduce wastage 1. Improve quality
operating costs of water of life
2. Improve 2. Conserve 2. Minimize strain
occupant natural on local
productivity resources infrastructure
3. Create market 3. Improve air and 3. Improve
for green water quality occupant health
product and 4. Protect and comfort
services biodiversity and
ecosystems
Is the idea of a
green building
new?
The idea of a green building isn’t new.

Early cavemen lived in caves Native Ivatans (early Spanish

(natural dwellings), causing period) used native materials
minimal environmental like coral and limestone for
impacts. their houses.
Green building movement

Modern green building movement

started in 1970s in response to the oil
embargo!
Green building movement

USA:
● The motivation was to decrease the reliance on
fossil fuels.
● Green building movement focused on
minimizing energy consumption of buildings.
● Combined with the environmental movement of
the 1960s and 1970s, it led to the earliest
experiments on modern green building.
 Green building movement

American Institute of Architects ● U.S. Green Building Council

(AIA) formed the Committee on (USGBC) was founded
the Environment ● "Greening of the White House"
initiative launched

1992 1998

1989 1993
USGBC launched the
● Environmental Resource Guide
Leadership in Energy and
published by AIA, funded by EPA
Environmental Design
● EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy
(LEED)
launched the ENERGY STAR program
● First local green building program
introduced in Austin, TX
Energy STAR Program
LEED
Green building movement

Philippines:
● The Philippine Green Building Council (PGBC) was
incorporated on March 22, 2007.
● Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence
(BERDE) Rating System - the Philippines’ own green
building rating system.
● PGBC is a member of the WGBC - Asia Pacific Network.
Other green building councils around the world
 Green buildings in the Philippines

Arya Residences (Taguig)

● LEED Gold, 2016
● BERDE 5-star (on-going)

Features:
● Green pockets with local vegetation that
needs less maintenance
● Energy-efficient appliances and systems
● Use of low VOC paints and sealants
● Use of low-flow, low-flush fixtures
● Bicycle racks for cyclists
 Green buildings in the Philippines

Zuellig Building (Makati)

● LEED Platinum, 2013

Features:
● Pedestrian-friendly location and amenities
● Innovative all-glass façade using low
emissivity coating, which minimizes heat
while maximizing sunlight
● Stormwater collection
● Innovative wastewater systems
● Use of regional materials
 Green buildings in the Philippines

Laguna Lake Development

Authority Building
● BERDE 3-star
● First government
building with BERDE
certification
Main points

1. The idea of a green building existed since the ancient

times.
2. Contemporary green building movement started as a
means of decreasing reliance on fossil fuel.
3. Each green building may have a different design to suit
its purpose.
4. Green building rating systems allow the public to easily
identify energy- and resource-efficient buildings.
5. Countries have different green building standards based
on their own needs.
End of Part I