TIGblogs - Christopher De la Cruz's TIGBlog

Environmental Awareness – A Key to Sustainable Development Symposium

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:01:00 -0500

The UAP Batangas Chapter, in cooperation with UAPSA and Batangas State University College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts shall hold a symposium on Green Architecture and Environment on January 17, 2009, Saturday, 1pm at the Batangas State University Alangilan Campus in Batangas City. The theme of the symposium is “Environmental Awareness – A Key to Sustainable Development”. Julius Pio A. Rana, President of UAP Batangas Chapter, once again invited me to join them in their green awareness campaign. Its a great opportunity to share with the youth challenges and experiences in the field in promoting sustainability. I hope I get to inspire the Batanguenos in increasing the uptake of green building in their city. Joining me in the symposium is Mark Mulingbayan an environmental engineer, he will be presenting issues on environment and sanitation. Congratualtions in advance to the organizers of this event for promoting sustainability in your city.

GreenBuild South Asia 2009

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:01:00 -0500

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3 – 5 March 2009, Grand Hyatt Singapore

Driven by government policy, regulations and incentives plus shifting market demand, we are seeing green buildings emerge as the only way to an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable built future. South Asia really is the hotspot region for the green building industry at present.

Enter GreenBuild South Asia, the only event to focus specifically on the emerging markets of India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, The Philippines and Vietnam. Packed full of local case studies and drawing on global expertise, anyone with a stake or interest in the South Asian property sector cannot afford to miss out on this definitive how-to event.

It is widely understood green buildings can be cost effective. Now the debate has moved on to how to make them most cost effective, differentiate them from conventional projects and provide added value and attractiveness in tight markets. Learn how to at www.greenbuildingsasia.com.

You may also contact the PHILGBC Secretariat at (+632)4896829 or send an email to secretariat@philgbc.org for details. 20% discount is extended to PHILGBC members, partners and friends.

CECOPHIL to host PSM Training Seminar

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:10:00 -0400

Mr. John Boyd, President of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) shall be the seminar presenter at the Project Sustainability Management Training Seminar hosted by the Council of Engineering Consultants of the Philippines (CECOPHIL) to be held on October 21-22, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.

4th Philippine Mixed Culture Symposium: Sustainability by Design

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:09:00 -0400

The University of Sto. Tomas - Interior Design Innovators (UST-IDi), recently held its 4th Philippine Mixed Culture Symposium: Sustainability by Design last September 8 at the Beato Angelico Building.

I remember a few years back when some of my friends in the industry and I are trying to push for green building in the country. The industry at large was quite slow in realizing that pushing for sustainability was the only way to do business. Nowadays, getting invited to speak to university students is getting quite common. The next generation is realizing that for them to succeed in the future, they have act fast in addressing climate change. They are constantly looking for ways to make sustainability a part of their design agenda.

Congratulations to the UST - Interior Design Innovators for a well managed and well received event.

Matthias Gelber - Featured Speaker at PhilGBC GMM

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:09:00 -0400

I'm extremely grateful Mr. Matthias Gelber accepted my invitation for him to deliver a presentation to the PhilGBC Membership. He delivered a presentation on Climate Change and Green Materials at the recently held PhilGBC General Membership Meeting. Matthias is an internationally recognized trainer, consultant, speaker and facilitator. A good friend of the Philippines, he has shared eco efficient ideas to Philippine companies. Recently he won the"Greenest Person on the Planet Competition 2008" of 3rd Whale.

He was project champion of the UK based project Acorn, which was an initiative of large UK companies to support the needs of their small suppliers. The experiences of he project resulted in the development and publication of BS 8555, the British Standard on phased implementation of Environmental Management Systems including the use of Environmental Performance Evaluation (EPE). A specific sector initiative was developed for the construction industry.

Matthias is as well member of the board of INEM, the International Network of Environmental Management Matthias has been working the last few years with the building industry to develop practical strategies for effective environmental and sustainability strategies and systems. He is a member of the Green Building Council in the Philippines and the IISBE, which is the International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment.

Matthias is a board member and shareholder of Maleki GmbH which specializes in low carbon footprint / high performance building materials.

Matthias doesn't own a car even though he is a Director of a company - I consider this his best eco-credential.

ABMOCI Goes Green

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:09:00 -0400

The National Building Management Industry Week was recently celebrated by the Association of Building Managers of Ortigas Center, Inc. (ABMOCI) with the Theme ABMOCI Goes Green. The whole day affair was held last September 19, 2008 at the Astoria Plaza in Pasig City. ABMOCI Goes Green was largely participated by the property managers in the Ortigas Center. I was invited by ABMOCI President Cho Monchua to share the latest news on the green building campaign now being conducted nationwide. Architects Nestor Arabejo and Pabs Suarez also gave talks on Climate Change, Green Mark, and LEED. Its great to see that presently the property management sector is gearing up in making green building a part of their agenda.

Congratulations Cho Monchua for a very successful conference.

Building Ecologically Responsive Design for Excellence (BERDE) Project

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:09:00 -0400

The Philippine Green Building Council is presently developing the country's green building rating system. The proposed rating system is envisioned to facilitate green building action in industry and to enable the public to easily identify greener buildings. BERDE is presently being developed by a technical working group being formed by the PhilGBC. If your organization is interested in being part of the development of BERDE please contact the council at secretariat@philgbc.org.

What is Green Building?

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:09:00 -0400

For the past few years, Green Building is slowly evolving from being a trend to being mainstream. More Filipino Architects are utilizing eco-sound strategies in the way they build.

Green building is the practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. It focuses on the efficient use of water, energy and materials and the reduction of its negative impacts to the environment. Presently, there is an increased uptake of green building practices in industry. Green building promotes the implementation of cost effective and ecologically friendly practices to create healthier living and work environments.

As the campaign for the green building movement continues, the PhilGBC continues to receive inquiries about sound green building practices and strategies. Here are some ideas that you can use for your projects.

Tips for Decision Makers for Green Building Projects

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:09:00 -0400

The uptake of green building lies on the ability of key decision makers to make the right moves in implementing green building projects. Here are some tips to help jumpstart green building programs.

Keynote Message of Secretary Angelo T. Reyes During the SWITCH Movement Launch

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:07:00 -0400

Ms. Bianca Elizalde at BG08

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:07:00 -0400

The PhilGBC recently held its second green building awareness campaign via Building Green 2008 at the Glorietta. The ever gracious Ms. Bianca Araneta graced the occasion and delivered the opening speech. It was a welcome change. The PhilGBC usually brings in speakers whose expertise in green building is admirable. This year, Ms. Araneta delivered a speech from a consumers' point of view. Bianca shared her experience in her green building project. Its inspiration and its challenges. In this industry, we usually talk about the "why" but not enough of the "how". Creating green building awareness at the consumer level is a challenge for most Filipino Architects. Having a consumer talk about the challenges of being sustainable makes businessmen listen and act. The consumer is a powerful force in pushing for sustainability in the industry. Thanks Bianca for that wonderful and inspiring speech. I wish you all the best in your new green building project.

Ms. Bianca Araneta-Elizalde at BG08

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:07:00 -0400

Energy Summit 2008 Presentations

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:01:00 -0500

The Presentations at the 2008 Philippine Energy Summit is available at the Department of Energy Website. CLICK HERE

To download my presentation at the recently held summit please CLICK HERE

Ruth Rocker 1 by David Trubridge

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 03:04:00 -0400

A cool chair designed to be eco sensitive. The Ruth Rocker 1 is designed by David Trubridge. This chair is made of sustainably grown hoop pine plywood.

Solar-Powered Streetlights

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 02:04:00 -0400

Multi-Cell Semiconductor Lighting Technology Inc. will be installing energy-saving, solar-powered streetlights in Guangzhou, China. These new streetlights are based on Cree's (Nasdaq: CREE) award-winning Xlamp XR-E power LEDS. Multi-Cell will be installing 20 streetlights in the pilot project.

“By using the Cree XR-E LED in Multi-Cell’s MZSLB-130 streetlight, we have significantly improved the performance of these products,” said Peng Zhoulong, Multi-Cell general manager. “The Cree XR-E is very bright and efficient but also exceptionally consistent and stable. Its package design is especially beneficial to the mass-production assembly line, providing a streamlined manufacturing process.”

“The revolution in LED lighting offers the globally vital benefit of energy savings from an environmentally friendly technology. As a result, especially in geographies of the world where conserving energy is a high priority, the demand for LED streetlights is growing rapidly,” said Norbert Hiller, Cree general manager and vice president for XLamp power LEDs. “Cree is proud to help drive the revolution in light and power.”

Cree is a market-leading innovator and manufacturer of semiconductors and devices that enhance the value of solid-state lighting, power and communications products by significantly increasing their energy performance and efficiency.

The BioTubeBench

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 02:04:00 -0400

The BioTubeBench by designer Julian Lwin. A new great way of using garden furniture. This bench biodegrades as it is exposed to elements and it turns in to an instant mulch.

Cardboard Coffee Table

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 01:04:00 -0400

A great design from Leo Kempf. This coffee table is made of 100% corrugated cardboard.

Great Green Chair

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 01:04:00 -0400

The DROOG RAG CHAIR by Tejo Remy - A unique chair made of used clothes. It's really a great idea, but I find the price very steep - $3,325.00!

Yesterday's Solutions, Today’s Strategies

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:03:00 -0400

Green building has been promoted in the past few years as the only logical way to design and build. It offers a host of strategies that enable the building to harmoniously coexist with the natural environment. It emphasizes the need to take advantage of renewable resources, the reduction of raw material use and energy used and other techniques that assists in the conservation and preservation of the natural environment.

Public acceptance of green building has increased over the years due to its obvious benefits. It leads to improved occupant health, reduced environmental impacts, projects a positive image for the project’s stakeholders, and reduced operating costs due to lower utility bills.

However, at present most building designers and constructors are preoccupied at looking for strategies that utilizes state of the art technologies. Thus, giving the impression that green building is expensive. Furthermore, in this process, when traditional design and building techniques are neglected, it has the potential to endanger existing cultural contexts. The significance of a place should be respected and preserved. Heritage conservation is green building. It should not be treated as two separate issues.

In the

Philippines

, green building practices have been utilized in the past. The bahay kubo is the perfect example. A modest house made of indigenous materials which is easy to construct and easy to repair. The house is raised from the ground. It does not disturb the condition of the site. As a passive cooling measure, there are vents above the windows, protected by the roof eaves that allow free passage of air in even when it's rainy. Small shuttered windows below the large windows, called ventanillas, may be left opened when the large windows are closed at night. Its windows, when opened, serve as an awning to shield the interior from the elements. Its high ceiling clearance allows good internal circulation. Its high pitched roofs made of nipa serves as a natural insulation material to lower the temperature inside the house and it easily drains rainwater away from the main house. And the house is basically a one room affair. Its main room serves as the living, dining, and sleeping area. Its small size makes it easy and cheap to maintain. This compact house adapts to the climatic conditions of the area and makes use of locally available materials.

Another example from the past is the bahay na bato. This housing model used by the Spaniards after they learned that their housing model from

Spain

didn't last very long in an earthquake-prone country. The bahay na bato is properly designed for earthquakes, heat, heavy rainfall and to the tropical climate. Made of volcanic stone (adobe) and hardwoods, it is more resistant to fire and it allows the principalia and ilustrados to utilize stylistic elements from Europe and Asia. This 17th century house had two storeys, a ground floor with very thick walls and an upper storey made of wood with overhanging balconies (volada). The thick adobe walls were sturdy enough to support the second floor and serve as a thermal insulator that effectively lowers the temperature at the lower floor. The lower floor houses the zaguan. The space was used to store the family carriage and a processional cart used during the feast of the patron saint. Chinese traders who used the bahay na bato used the zaguan as an office, workshop or as a store. The volada on the second floor receives much of the sunlight during the day with the main living areas basking in the ambient natural light. Large windows are installed on all sides with ventanillas to allow free passage of air. These windows whose panes were made from capiz (a flat translucent shell), allow diffused natural light to the main living areas even when it is shut. The azotea is a hanging garden and a recreation area where people may relax and have tea in the afternoon. A cistern called aljibe is constructed adjacent to the azotea. Rainwater is filtered with sand and gravel before being stored in the aljibe.

These old design practices must be revisited in the promotion of green building.

Why it is Romantic...

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 08:03:00 -0400

When the sun sets, the distance between the viewer and the sun is at the most farthest. Colors have different wavelengths. Blue being the shortest wavelength, is "attenuated" leaving mostly the longer wavelenghts orange and red to reach us. The clouds in the sky and other atmospheric effects (pollution included) contributes to this phenomena.

Just a random thought, that additional shade of red and orange, as it hits the face of a love one, really does wonders. It's enough to make somebody look lovelier;)

Sustainable Tourism and Green Building

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 06:03:00 -0400

According to the Department of Tourism, international visitor arrivals to the Philippines hit a record high of 2.843 million in 2006. This year the number is expected to rise by 8-10 percent. At this rate, the industry has an immense impact on the economy. It is estimated that around Php50,000 pesos is spent by every tourist when visiting the country and this roughly amount to around Php130 billion pesos on an average year. That amount helps create jobs for the Filipino.

This renewed interest by other countries in the Philippines is largely due to our remarkable natural resources. With around 36,000 square kilometers of coast line, the Philippines is considered one of longest coastlines in the world. This natural feature offers a tremendous amount of opportunity for investors both foreign and local. Coastal tourism is considered to be one of the fastest growing areas of present-day tourism.

Hotels and restaurants are being developed along our coastlines in an effort to capitalize on the country's beautiful natural features. These developers will choose the location that best showcase the beauty of our coasts. Unfortunately, these developments have also caused negative impacts to the environment. The increased amount of tourists are exerting a significant amount of pressure on our coastal areas, along with existing residents in our coastal towns that are also relying on the sea for their daily sustenance. Our coasts is often the first to experience the detrimental impacts of tourism. Lack of enforcement of building and environmental regulations has accelerated the degradation of the coastlines. The tourism industry must ensure eco-friendly practices are in place to ensure sustainable growth. The beauty of the surroundings that attracts visitors may not be there in the future, potentially losing the income for the business community - if the unsound building practices persists.

The introduction of sustainable tourism contributes to the conservation of our natural heritage. It allows the harmonious coexistence of business interests with our natural environment. Solid waste management, waste water management and cleaner production practices are essential tools to conserve and preserve our natural resources. Presently, several foreign funded organizations have introduced these tools to aid in the rehabilitation of the environment. But one tool is missing - "Green Building". It is widely known that buildings account for one-sixth of the world's fresh water consumption, one quarter of its wood supply and two-fifths of the material and energy resources. As hotels and restaurants are continually developed, with their close proximity to the sea, these structures should be prioritized in being designed and constructed in a sustainable fashion.

The major hotels, in an effort to remain competitive, regularly renovates older rooms to attract new visitors. In an area identified as a major development area, at any one time, almost every hotel has recently been renovated, is under renovation, or is waiting for renovation. Product innovation is considered a crucial and essential requirement in the hospitality industry. The positive forecasts by the Department of Tourism may encourage the expansion of existing hotels, the development of new restaurants, and the introduction of new investments. These activities may damage natural systems if its planning, development and operation are not properly managed.

The impact ecologically unsound design and construction practices, continually exert pressure throughout the life of the building. Start your project right. Go green!

Design Manual on Ecological Solid Waste Management Facilities-NOW AVAILABLE

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 05:03:00 -0400

The Design Manual on Ecological Solid Waste Management Facilities was developed to provide technical information needed to efficiently design solid waste management facilities for buildings.

It also aims to provide design techniques to small communities and barangays on material recovery facilities.

The United Architects of the Philippines-Manila Corinthian Chapter (UAP-MCC), the Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines (SWAPP), and the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI), conducted a series of round table consultation workshops between architects and building managers to raise and discuss issues and concerns of building managers regarding the implementation of RA 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Information gathered was translated into general design principles, spatial relationships and design criteria for Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) facilities.

The material has been made available to architects, engineers, developers and small communities to adopt as a guide in implementing RA 9003. The design data presented in this document can assist decision makers in planning and designing ESWM facilities. It may be utilized in the establishment of preliminary space allocations used in formulating studies for preliminary proposals. It also seeks to increase awareness among architects about basic ESWM concepts and principles that will greatly affect planning strategies and concerns. It is presented in a manner that both technical designers and laymen can understand and appreciate. This design manual discusses planning and design alternatives to aid architects in formulating plans that will ensure compliance to RA 9003 and other existing building rules and regulations.

The Manual is now available at the SWAPP office, Unit 9 Citiland 8, #98 Sen. GilPuyat Avenue, Makati City. They can be contacted at (632)830-0005 for details.

Green Roofs

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 04:03:00 -0400

Lately, around green social circles, I find it interesting to see the sudden interest in Green Roofs. I'm always asked regarding it's use in the Philippines and it's applicability. Here's my short (promise I'll keep this short) rundown of the pros and cons of implementing green roofs.

Pros:

Opportunity to utilize wasted or otherwise unused space;
Reduces storm water runoff;
Reduces the heat island effect;
Reduces airborne toxins;
Reduces energy costs for the building;
Longer roof life;
Reduces noise pollution.

Cons:

Could cost more (initial cost);
At the moment, there are no building regulations in the Philippines that explicitly support the utilization of green roofs. Depending on the approving authority, it may be difficult to procure building permits.
May limit the architectural expression of the designer. But, in my opinion I see this as an opportunity for the architect to be more creative.

Examples of Sustainable Building Practices and Strategies

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 04:03:00 -0400

Site

The site selected must be accessible to mass transport.
Protect, restore and maintain the biodiversity if natural systems. Select locally available planting materials that have low water and pesticide requirements.
Use compost and mulches.
Restore and maintain the natural character of the site.
Use paving materials with recycled content.

Water Efficiency

Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a graywater system that recovers rainwater or other nonpotable water for site irrigation.
Rain water may be harvested for yard cleaning and landscaping irrigation.
Minimize wastewater by using ultra low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, and other water conserving fixtures.
Use recirculating systems for centralized hot water distribution.
Install point-of-use hot water heating systems for more distant locations.
Use state-of-the-art irrigation controllers and self-closing nozzles on hoses.

Energy Efficiency

Lighting

Implement design strategies to provide natural lighting. Studies have shown that it has a positive impact on productivity and well being.
Install high-efficiency lighting systems. Motion sensors may be installed along hallways and foyers. Dimmable lighting may be used to fully control amount of lighting needed. Task lighting reduces general overhead light levels.

Cooling

Use a properly sized and energy-efficient cooling system (air conditioning system).
Install thermal insulating blankets along the building shell to control heat buildup.
Orient the building along east and west to reduce to minimize solar exposure.
Maximize the use of light colors for the building shell to reflect solar radiation.
Orient window openings along Northeast and Southwest to maximize natural ventilation.

Electricity

Minimize the electric loads from lighting, equipment, and appliances.
Consider alternative energy sources such as photovoltaics and fuel cells that are now available in new products and applications. Renewable energy sources provide a great symbol of emerging technologies for the future.

Green Materials

The use of permeable pavements (porous concrete, block pavers, porous asphalt, etc.) allows the recharging of water tables.
Earth bags may be utilized in the construction of building walls; it has a very low embodied energy.
Implement dimensional planning strategies. It reduces the amount of building materials needed, wastage and cuts construction cost.
If possible, reuse and recycle construction debris. Inert materials such as demolished concrete may be reused as site filling materials and/or as base material for parking lots, walkways and other landscaping features.
Select sustainable construction materials and products by evaluating several characteristics such as reused and recycled content, zero or low off gassing of harmful air emissions, zero or low toxicity, sustainably harvested materials, high recyclability, durability, longevity, and local production. Such products promote resource conservation and efficiency.
Require plans for managing materials through deconstruction, demolition, and construction.
Design with adequate space to facilitate recycling collection and to incorporate a solid waste management program that prevents waste generation.

Reuse and Recycling of Construction and Demolition Debris

Instead of hauling demolished concrete to the landfills, reuse it for site filling and/or base material. Network with other constructors and invite them to haul your construction and demolition debris as filling materials. You save on hauling costs, they save on material expenses.
Drywall scraps and used coco lumber may be grinded and used as soil amendment.
Rather than demolishing a building, try deconstructing it. Orderly dismantling building components promotes reuse. At the end of a building’s life, there are still lots of components that may be reused for future projects. It also saves on demolished material disposal costs.

Interior Environmental Quality

To improve indoor air quality, the building must be easy to keep clean, easy to control moisture and with ample ventilation.
Utilize low-VOC or no VOC paints. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) diminish air quality, and may be detrimental to your health. At present, available are alternative paint products that release low or minimal VOC pollutants and are virtually odor free.
Provide views that allow the user to have a connection to the natural environment.

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Solid Waste Management for Buildings

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:03:00 -0400

A plethora of crisis has plagued solid waste management in Metro Manila. An estimated amount of 5,000-6,000 tons of solid waste is being generated daily. A recent study has estimated that it has escalated to 8,000-10,000 tons per day. If this remains unabated, we can only expect public health to deteriorate and our environment spoiled.

In an attempt to address the dilemma, our government has enacted the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The Act mandates the adoption of a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program, which shall utilize environmentally sound methods to maximize the utilization of valuable resources and encourage resource conservation and recovery.

Non-government organizations and private businesses, in their efforts to support the objectives of the government, began educating the public on the merits of integrated solid waste management. In haste, many designed and constructed solid waste management facilities to be compliant with the new law. Many building managers facilitated the construction of additional waste management facilities within their jurisdictions not taking into consideration other existing building regulations. On the other hand, architects not aware with the new law, continue to use old design standards making their designs obsolete before it is even constructed.

Implementation Issues and the Building Industry

Efforts to implement the provisions of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act have been met with stiff opposition, participation and operational problems by the building industry.

This stems from the fact that ESWM is not a major priority in the building industry. With the current economic situation, levels of compliance vary greatly.

In Metro Manila, seldom do we see properties with spaces allotted for “future expansion”. When all of the building components are already in place, it is difficult to install ESWM facilities in spaces previously allocated for other purposes. Retrofitting, though required, is the least effective and least economical way to implement RA 9003. Taking into consideration ESWM concerns at the conceptual stage of the design greatly affects the success of an ESWM friendly building.

At the barangay level, siting issues are common. Material recovery facilities may be considered a nuisance especially if aesthetics are not considered during the design stage.

The building industry is yet to resolve the financial viability of retrofitting existing buildings, seven years after the law has been enacted.

Solid waste problems are not the only issues competing for attention and funds.

Inefficient engineering and architectural design strategies on ESWM shifts the burden to building administrators. With limited operational resources, decisions are oftentimes difficult. On the other hand, electing the best design options may resolve present ESWM problems and it may save funds for other operational concerns.

The lack of awareness on ESWM of architects contributes to the complexity of ESWM implementation problem. Lack of proficiency in the criteria that must be considered and other factors that affect facility design deeply worsens the problem.

In an effort to address the problem, the Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines, the Ayala Foundation Inc. and the United Architects of the Philippines - Manila Corinthian Chapter published the Design Manual Solid Waste Facilities. Copies are available at the Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines.