Why sustainability matters in ‘property’...

In the context of the property industry, sustainability refers to the design, construction, and management of buildings and properties in ways that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially equitable.

There are several reasons why sustainability is important in the property industry. Foremost, the built environment is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation. In the US, for example, buildings account for almost 40 percent of energy consumption and 36 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.

In the Philippines, the construction boom in the late ‘90s and the one fuelled by the BPO expansion in the early 2000s contributed to the massive consumption of resources. With this situation, it is understood that we can reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change if we make properties more energy efficient — from building it up from the ground up to its opening and how it is utilized on a daily basis.

In addition to its impact on the environment, sustainability is also important for economic reasons. Properties that are “green” have been shown to have lower operating costs and higher occupancy rates. Studies have shown that green buildings (e.g. those with wider windows to let the light in, have more air vents to promote circulation, or those that provide access to nature and open spaces) often have lower energy costs, as well as improved indoor air quality, which can lead to increased productivity and employee wellness.

In order to achieve sustainability, there are several strategies that can be implemented. As a start, a developer must design and construct properties that are energy-efficient and use renewable energy sources. This can be achieved through the use of highefficiency HVAC systems, insulation, and lighting, as well as the use of solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity. Additionally, it is important to use water-efficient fixtures and to manage stormwater in a sustainable manner. These are the basics and we are glad to report that major developers in the Philippines, such as Ayala Land, Megaworld, SMDC, Filinvest, RLC Residences, AlphaLand, Federal Land, Vista Land, Rockwell, etc. are all aware of the need to implement sustainability when it comes to their projects.

In the Philippines, there are several industry certifications that measure sustainability. These provide a way for property owners and developers to demonstrate that their projects meet certain standards and have been independently verified. Some of the important certifications include Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE), Green Building Initiative (GBI), WELL Building Standard, and EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies).

These certifications can be earned by a property after an assessment and evaluation process, which is based on the performance of a building in various sustainability criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and material selection.

For example, BERDE is a green building rating system developed by the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings in the country. The system assesses buildings based on several criteria. Buildings that meet the requirements of the system are awarded a BERDE certification, which is valid for three years.

Energy efficiency is one of the key aspects. Buildings must have efficient lighting and HVAC systems, as well as to use renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. It also encourages the use of energy-saving technologies such as double glazed windows and insulation. By reducing energy consumption, buildings can help decrease the country's dependence

Sustainability is also important for economic reasons. Properties that are 'green' have been shown to have lower operating costs and higher occupancy rates.