World Green Building Week 2018
The Philippine Green Building Council welcomed the opening of World Green Building Week 2018 with its annual conference held last Sept. 21.
At the Building Green 2018 conference, the industry confidently benchmarked on building better together, synergistically advancing with greater industry collaborations and global cooperation for sustainable and greener environments.
The conference featured three key sessions namely Government Green Programs and Initiatives; Local and International Cooperation for Energy Efficiency and Green Buildings; and Green Homes, which showcased greening efforts in housing from the government and private sector, as well as products and technologies that promote green homes.
In his opening remarks, Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) chair Ramon Rufino emphasized that green- ing starts at home.
“We really want people to realize that even in our homes, we can start to see the benefits and the value of sustainability and going green. Each one of us doesn’t have to look very far. Even within our own immediate homes and communities, we can really try to do a lot to push sustainability,” Rufino said.
Speaking in behalf of Sec. Emmanuel De Guzman of the Climate Change Commission, Montserrat Romulo reiterated the partnership between the government and private sector in ensuring a sustainable future.
“It is our collective responsibility to future generations to ensure that the buildings within which they live and dream are built in harmony with the Earth,” Romulo said.
Featured at the BG2018 are greening projects and efforts from both the public and private sector, in line with the global celebration of World Green Building Week, which emphasizes on building on actions for greener built environments starting with our homes.
From the private sector, Arthaland Corp. presented its residential green building development, the Arya Residences, which achieved a Gold rating under LEED and a BERDE 4-Star certification from PHILGBC.
On the side of the public sector, the National Housing Authority (NHA), through Ar. Benita Regala, shared on the actions taken for socialized housing. She presented the different directives and programs of the NHA utilizing their Green Guide for Socialized Housing.
Complementing the session on green homes were presentations on best practices in the construction industry, as well as products relevant to efficient energy consumption, green buildings, smart grid and efficient cooling, among others.
As BG2018 came to a close, participants were enjoined to participate in activities and initiatives happening during World Green Building Week.
Participants were also encouraged to support the campaign in social media on #HomeGreenHome and were asked to share on their commitments on actions to green their built environments, starting with their own homes.
Audrey Belle Po, chair of the PHILGBC National Convention Committee, said in her closing message said: “As we close to- day’s Building Green 2018 conference, we recognize the role each of us play in this global economy. And as we endeavor to build better communities for people and the environment, we recognize the need for continued collaborations between various players from both government and the private sector, both locally and in the international arena. Building Green is not just the responsibility of government nor is it just for the private sector to push for. Cooperation and Collaborations are important to drive greener environments and greener communities. Our concerted efforts will bring about a global greener economy for everyone.”