Measures
Implementation of a national green building code to promote a sustainable commercial built environment
The Philippine Green Building Code (GB Code) was first launched in 2015, with the objective of improving building efficiency through a set of standards that will enhance sound environmental and resource management, without a significant cost increase. The mandatory compliance to the GB Code is currently limited to buildings above a minimum. With the proposed measure in the SET scenario, introducing the GB Code for all new commercial buildings from 2023 onwards may allow an estimated energy demand reduction of 1.6 ktoe, and a reduction of GHG emissions of 8.5 ktCO2-e. In addition, the adoption of the Department Circular 2020-12-0026, which calls for the use of solar PV and/or other RE systems in meeting minimum 1 per cent of the projected requirements, further reduces the need for imported electricity.
The GB Code also stipulates a set of standards for areas including water efficiency, material sustainability, site sustainability and indoor environmental quality. Active promotion of a sustainably-built environment could lead to indirect socio-economic benefits – for example, a growing green building industry in the city and increased employment. From the building owners’ and operators’ perspectives, benefits come in the form of increased building value and reduced electricity bills. Socially, sustainability-guided building designs also promote better well-being and health as well as increase work productivity (WorldGBC, 2021).
The Philippine Green Building Code (GB Code) was first launched in 2015, with the objective of improving building efficiency through a set of standards that will enhance sound environmental and resource management, without a significant cost increase. The mandatory compliance to the GB Code is currently limited to buildings above a minimum. With the proposed measure in the SET scenario, introducing the GB Code for all new commercial buildings from 2023 onwards may allow an estimated energy demand reduction of 1.6 ktoe, and a reduction of GHG emissions of 8.5 ktCO2-e. In addition, the adoption of the Department Circular 2020-12-0026, which calls for the use of solar PV and/or other RE systems in meeting minimum 1 per cent of the projected requirements, further reduces the need for imported electricity.
The GB Code also stipulates a set of standards for areas including water efficiency, material sustainability, site sustainability and indoor environmental quality. Active promotion of a sustainably-built environment could lead to indirect socio-economic benefits – for example, a growing green building industry in the city and increased employment. From the building owners’ and operators’ perspectives, benefits come in the form of increased building value and reduced electricity bills. Socially, sustainability-guided building designs also promote better well-being and health as well as increase work productivity (WorldGBC, 2021).
Group
Scenario