Green architecture

Written by Estrella Torres / Reporter

Wednesday, 11 March 2009 23:54

WITH concern over the negative impact of climate change rising, some real-estate developers now use green architecture and environment-friendly features as marketing strategies. But do these real-estate ventures really mean clean and green? The Green Architecture Movement (GAM) is preaching caution in dealing with such routine hyping of “green” property development, noting that many huge real-estate investment firms are now “exploiting” the people’s growing consciousness of the need to go green and be environment-friendly even in their real-estate-acquisition ventures. Architect Joven Ignacio, one of the conveners of the GAM, said a lot of real-estate developers have been seeking their groups cooperation and endorsement in order to boost their marketing component. But so far, none of the real-estate firms that approached them are really serious about fulfilling the requirements of producing environmentally-friendly infrastructure. Ignacio who also teaches at the College of Architecture of the University of the Philippines, listed 10 criteria in assessing whether a real- estate project is in line with the goals of sustainable development and does not aggravate the negative impact of climate change. 1.Habitat. The project must not put the habitat—that include all living creatures and species—in great danger. Most of the infrastructure projects in Metro Manila and other provinces have been causing mass displacement of existing species through cutting of trees, dying rivers and flattening of once forested areas. The destruction of habitat that has caused extinction of some species contribute to the effects of climate change. 2. Climate sensitivity. Construction materials such as roofs, walls and paint colors must be sensitive to the climate in the particular area and should not contribute to too much heat. This criterion seeks to encourage less use of energy, including air conditioning for homes. 3. Culture sensitive. Any infrastructure—whether a condominium unit, luxury townhouse or middle-income subdivision—must consider the culture of the communities around the area. The design should not be far off from the designs or existing architecture of the houses and structures of those who have been living in the area for many decades. 4. Passive vs. Active source of energy. The energy system to be installed in either condominium or housing units should not require huge energy levels. Clear walkways, gardens, well-ventilated kitchens reduce the amount of energy consumption from the light bulbs and cooling systems. 5. Embodied energy. Real-estate developers must also consider the amount of energy and natural resources that will be used in the production of construction materials. Architect Ignacio noted that materials such as cement and hollow blocks made from paper waste are good alternatives for building needs than conventional materials. 6. The use of sustainable materials. Materials to be used in the construction of housing and condominium units should easily be replenished for a short period. For instance, real-estate developers can boast of using narra wood in their interior, but buyers should bear in mind that it takes more than a decade to grow a narra tree, while bamboos can easily be replenished in five years. 7. Access to public transport and commercial establishments. To reduce dependence on energy-guzzling cars, developers should establish pathways that enable residents and visitors to walk from their houses to commercial establishments and nearby local offices. 8. Modular designs. Materials to be used in construction such as wood should not add to the growing wastage by encouraging modular designs. Construction designs should have modular grids to prevent excess materials. 9. Building shell. Proper choices of building colors and construction materials reduce heat. Developers must prevent colors that aggravate heat in the subdivision and instead choose colors and designs that will prevent tenants from using cooling systems excessively. 10. Renewable energy sources. Architect Ignacio said real estate and condominium developers should now take advantage of the availability of these sources of energy. These include energy source from methane gas, solar power and wind power, which are very helpful in sustaining energy needs of homeowners and condominium tenants without contributing to the negative effects of climate change.