Subject Title: PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE COURSE

MANDATES OF GREEN BUILDING CODE AND ELEMENTS OF SUSTAINABLE SITING

MANDATES FOR PHILIPPINES GREEN BUILDING CODE

The Philippine Green Building Code, also referred to as the National Green Building Code of
the Philippines (PD 1096), was implemented in 2017. Its objective is to advocate for ecologically
responsible methods in the planning, building, and maintenance of structures within the nation.

A. Sustainable Site Planning and Management:

 The focus on protecting ecosystems and natural features shows how important it is for
buildings to fit in with their surroundings. This can mean doing things like protecting
existing plants, causing as little damage as possible to natural drainage patterns, and
thinking about how construction will affect the environment.
 Putting reflective materials on roofs and sidewalks is one way to lower the heat island
effect. The code tries to make the areas around buildings cooler by reducing heat
absorption and improving landscaping.

B. Water Efficiency:

 The requirement for water-efficient fixtures and systems is geared toward reducing
water consumption in buildings. This not only contributes to water conservation but
also helps lower operational costs for building owners.
 Rainwater harvesting and reuse align with sustainable water management. Capturing
rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation or flushing toilets can ease the demand
for traditional water sources.
C. Energy Efficiency:

 The incorporation of energy-efficient design and technologies is fundamental to

reducing a building's carbon footprint. This includes optimizing insulation, using
energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and adopting smart building
technologies.
 Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, aligns with
broader sustainability goals. It contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions and supports the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy
infrastructure.

D. Material resource efficiency:

 The focus on environmentally responsible materials reflects a commitment to

reducing the environmental impact of construction. This involves considering the life
cycle of materials, promoting the use of recycled or locally sourced materials, and
minimizing waste generation.

 By encouraging recycling and reuse practices, the code addresses the challenge of
construction and demolition waste. Efficient waste management not only benefits the
environment but also contributes to cost savings.

E. Indoor Environmental Quality:

 Prioritizing indoor air quality, natural lighting, and thermal comfort contributes to the
well-being and productivity of building occupants. Adequate ventilation, the use of
low-emission materials, and proper lighting design are essential elements in creating
healthy indoor environments.
 The emphasis on natural lighting not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but
also connects occupants with the outdoors, enhancing the overall user experience.

F. Innovation and Design Process:

  Allowing for innovative and alternative approaches encourages continuous
improvement in sustainable building practices. This flexibility acknowledges that
advancements in technology and design may present new opportunities to enhance
environmental performance.
 The encouragement of green building certification systems, such as Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Building for Ecologically Responsive
Design Excellence (BERDE), provides a framework for benchmarking and
recognizing sustainable achievements.

G. Waste Management:

 The focus on proper waste management during construction and demolition

highlights the importance of minimizing the environmental impact of these processes.
Efficient waste separation, recycling, and responsible disposal contribute to a more
sustainable construction industry.
 By promoting recycling and reuse of construction waste, the code supports the
principles of circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as
possible.

H. Commissioning:

 Commissioning ensures that building systems operate as intended, maximizing their

efficiency and performance. This process involves rigorous testing and verification to
identify and address any issues, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the
building.

 Proper commissioning not only enhances energy efficiency but also improves
occupant comfort and satisfaction.

THEORIES/ CONCEPTS OF RE-USE BUILDING

 Adaptive Reuse Theory:

 Concept: In the field of adaptive reuse, old buildings are used for new purposes while still
preserving their historical and architectural value. This idea says that buildings should be kept
alive by making changes to fit modern needs instead of breaking down.

 Biodiversity Conservation Theory:

Concept: Protecting biodiversity is an important part of sustainable siting, and reusing

buildings can help with this by keeping natural habitats and ecosystems from being disturbed.
Adaptive reuse of old buildings usually leaves less of an impact on the environment than
building something new.

 Historical Preservation Theory

Concept: The theory of historical preservation stresses how important it is to keep and
protect buildings that are important to culture and history. When historical buildings are used
again, they must be restored to their original state, and architectural features must be kept.
Preservation rules must also be followed.

 Theory of Sustainable Renovation:

Concept: The idea behind sustainable renovation is to make buildings better for the
environment by using eco-friendly materials and energy-saving techniques. This theory backs
up the idea that fixing up and renovating old buildings can be more environmentally friendly
than building new ones.

 Theory of Life Cycle Assessment:

Concept: Life cycle assessment theory looks at how a building affects the environment
throughout its whole life. This theory supports sustainable siting by looking at how long-lasting
existing structures are and whether they can be used again.

 Theory of Flexibility and Modularity:

 Flexibility and modularity are important when designing buildings because they help spaces
adapt to changing needs over time. This idea fits with sustainable siting because it encourages
designs that can change over time without major structural changes.

4 ELEMENTS OF PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

1. BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION:
 Biodiversity conservation means keeping the different kinds of plants and animals
that live in an area safe and healthy.
 Taking steps to protect natural habitats, helping native plants and animals, and
staying away from things that can damage biodiversity. Some things that can be
done to help with this are making wildlife corridors, protecting important habitats,
and encouraging the use of native plants in landscaping.
2. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
 Element: Managing natural resources in a way that doesn't harm the environment is
very important for protecting it.
 Responsible practices must be put in place to protect the soil, save water, and keep
the air quality high. This means reducing pollution, using sustainable farming and
forestry methods, and installing technologies that use less water.
3. ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
 The goal of ecosystem restoration is to bring back to life and heal ecosystems that
have been damaged or destroyed.
 To help natural ecosystems recover, this could include projects to plant more trees,
fix up wetlands, and get rid of invasive species.
4. SUSTAINABLE LAND USE PLANNING
 Sustainable land use planning means choosing how to use land while taking social,
economic, and environmental factors into account.
 Environmental protection and long-term growth should be emphasized in zoning
rules, land-use policies, and urban planning strategies. To make landscapes more
sustainable and resilient, this could mean making green spaces, setting up protected
areas, and using green infrastructure.