ARC1413:

Theory of Architecture 2

Formative Assessment 7: A Critic on “Glass Buildings” in the Philippines

Submitted by: Asuncion, Kurt Matthew S. (2022073601)
Section 8
May 8, 2023

Are the towering glass-façade buildings in key CBDs in Metro Manila energy efficient?

Sustainable architecture refers to a design approach that aims to mitigate the impact of
humanity on the environment (Hohenadel, 2022). It encompasses everything from the designing
and construction process of a building including choosing building materials, designing in
consideration of HVAC systems, and integrating the building into its natural landscape. One of
its main concerns is energy efficiency which means that every aspect of the building, both in
construction and design, must require less energy consumption.

According to Pinoy Builders (2021), buildings and their construction are responsible for
39 percent of all the carbon emissions in the world; 28 percent comes from operational emissions
while the other 11 percent comes from materials and construction processes. This is why
organizations in the Philippines such as the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) and
the Department of Energy (DOE) have collaborated to create a project that aims to promote and
integrate energy efficiency and sustainability in various commercial and residential projects in
the country especially those constructed in urban areas such as Central Business Districts
(CBDs) where most carbon emissions are produced.

There are various buildings constructed in CBDs that are Building for Ecologically
Responsive Design (BERDE) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
certified (Pinoy Builders, 2021). This means that these buildings are assessed, measured,
monitored, and certified to be sustainable and energy efficient in accordance with existing
national and local environmental laws, regulations, and mandatory standards. One example of
this is the Zuellig Building, a 33-story office tower in Makati. This building is encased with
28,000 square meters of low-emissivity glass (Salazar, 2013). The type of glass used in this
building reflects heat while still being transparent minimizing the infrared and ultraviolet light
that penetrates the glass, without reducing the amount of natural light that comes through. With
this type of glass, the amount of energy consumption for HVAC systems such as air-conditioning
 ARC1413:
Theory of Architecture 2

does not have to be increased while also reducing the energy consumption used for artificial
lighting. Other eco-friendly features of this building are its premium drainage and irrigation
system and centralized paper recycling facility. Due to its excellence in exemplifying
sustainability, the Zuellig Building has received the LEED premium certification.

Another example is the Arya Residences, a two-tower condominium complex in

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It has also received a LEED certification of gold and it is also
BERDE certified. Its design and materials are very well-thought with consideration to
sustainability; its equipped with water-conscious landscape design, energy-efficient appliances
and systems, bicycle racks for cyclists, low volatile organic content paints and sealants, high-
quality sustainable materials, and utilization of natural lighting and ventilation.

With the rise of awareness regarding climate change and global warming and the
significant contribution of the construction industry to its aggravation, sustainable and energy-
efficient designs have become the norm when it comes to designing high-rise buildings. Aided by
the high-paced development of technology, more and more sustainable methods in construction
and design are progressing and emerging. Although I agree that the most sustainable method of
building is not building at all, in a developing country like ours, the erection of new buildings is
inevitable. Given the buildings mentioned above, it conveys that most, if not all, glass-façade
buildings in key CBDs in Metro Manila are or aim to be sustainable.

References:
Hohenadel, K. (2022). What Is Sustainable Architecture? The Spruce.

https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-sustainable-architecture-4846497

Pinoy Builders. (2021, July 9). Building ‘green’: Sustainable buildings in the Philippines.

https://pinoybuilders.ph/building-green-sustainable-buildings-in-the-philippines/

Salazar, T. R. (2013, July 27). Building puts PH in green world map | Inquirer Business.

INQUIRER.net. https://business.inquirer.net/134847/building-puts-ph-in-green-world-

map