Sara encourages more green buildings

MAYOR Sara Duterte wants more green buildings in Davao City with the local government pushing environment friendly programs particularly on new investments.

“We commend you for using solar power for this building as initiatives like these are in line with the local government’s advocacy on the usage of energy saving lighting technology, may Tolentino 2020 set an example for other investors in the city to utilize eco-friendly initiatives in their business endeavors as well,” Mayor Duterte said in her speech during the formal blessing of the Tolentino 2020 building held on Jan 18.

The Tolentino 2020 owned by the family of lawyer Raul Tolentino Sr. is a five-story building located in Ecoland, which uses solar technology to provide power to the building. During Sundays when most of the business establishments in the buildings are closed, the excess solar power produced is reverted back to the grid.

The City Council passed in 2018 the Green Building Ordinance that requires future buildings to adopt green technology and utilize energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management, site sustainability and indoor environmental quality.

Mayor Duterte also cited Tolentino 2020’s parking facilities, particularly its underground parking that can provide convenience to the building visitors and also help ease traffic in the area.

“I saw the parking space is big and I thought it’s a good idea to have a basement parking, but usually its expensive but you did not cut cost… thank you for helping the city government of Davao,” the mayor commended the owners of the new building over the parking facilities.