Learning lessons from the past, and moving forward with more understanding

Property is the physical structure made from earth’s finite resources — soil, stone, wood, steel, glass, etc. — where we live, study, work, buy, play, rest, and even rest eternally. Therefore, the way a property is built influences our lifestyle. To illustrate it simply, a building with stairs promotes walking, as opposed to a building where an elevator welcomes you at the lobby. Or, for example, a mall with more windows conserves more energy rather than one that is enclosed with full concrete walls.

What one must take note of is the word “finite” in the previous paragraph. All these resources, in one way or another, may vanish in the future if humanity continues with its wanton ways of wastage. There’s a scientist who said that how humanity consumes and wastes resources today would require at least three earths. Last we’ve checked, we still have only one earth.

With regards to use of resources, the property industry is a “mixed bag.” The rise of modernity, with buildings, roads and highways, villages, etc. taking over once vast plain landscapes, pushed governments and businesses to extract as much resources from the earth. The race to progress has undeniably affected nature — destroying mountains, cutting trees, polluting oceans in the name of industrialization.

In the Philippines, the early parts of the 20th century are a time of reconstruction after the war. Homes are generally eco-friendly, utilizing abundant resources and adaptable to the climate, to the point that experts have recognized the “bahay kubo” as the original sustainable house. But progress has crept its way and soon, we began to imitate structures and architectural designs from foreign lands, recognizing them as “superior” than the humble bahay kubo. It was a grave mistake that we continue to feel its effects — as, for example, most modern homes require an air-condition during summers since we are a tropical country.

As resources are finite, there was a general consensus in the ‘80s that called for the judicious use of resources.

Sustainability is not new. Although the word “sustainable” emerged in the ‘90s, the concept of sustainability has always been part of our lives. Saving resources, recycling materials, or living an eco-friendly lifestyle is part of “sustainability.” A general agreed upon term by experts consider sustainability as the “ability of a system or process to be maintained or sustained over time without depleting resources or causing negative impacts on the environment.”