From blueprints to greenprints

Friday, September 26, 2008

“Build and destroy” — in life, it leads to achieving greater things. However, when applied to real estate, it paints a grim picture of depleting natural resources, worsening pollution, and thinning forests.

Aside from destroying the vegetative footprint of construction sites, commercial and residential spaces holds a host of other environmental impacts. Worldwide, buildings account for 17% fresh water withdrawals, 25% wood harvest, 33% carbon dioxide emissions and 40% material and energy use.

This “inconvenient truth” prompted the real estate industry to revisit its current paradigm and create ecologically sound and sustainable practices by increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources and at the same time, reducing impacts on human health and the environment. Green buildings gained popularity in countries like the United States where as of 2006, 50% of builders are focusing their attention on environmental issues.

Locally, different institutions and private organizations are working towards upholding the tenets of green building. An ideal example is Hunter Douglas, the pioneering leader in window fashions and architectural products, who recently held a design competition entitled “EcoArt, EcoBuild, EcoWatch”. The competition convened students, interior designers and architects to expand the clamor for green buildings in the country.

“As an international group, Hunter Douglas has a global responsibility to protect the environment. We are promoting global awareness to designers, builders, and end-users in conserving natural resources and preserving nature by sharing our eco-friendly products,” said Gigi Lapira, Hunter Douglas Philippines president and general manager.

Hunter Douglas is the world market leader in window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products. For more information on Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, visit their showroom at #33 Jade Place, Visayas Avenue , Quezon City or call (02) 924-0220.