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The largest construction trade show series, PHILCONSTRUCT 2024, recently concluded its Luzon leg at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. Held by the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc., the event provided building and construction businesses a platform to display their latest offerings—from large vehicles to essential materials.
This year’s theme of “Building Tomorrow with Sustainable Practices and Technology Innovations” is a nod to the growing awareness of eco-friendlier building practices. Aside from featuring suppliers, the trade fair also included a forum that discussed strategies for sustainable urban development, with representatives from the infrastructure, transportation, and energy sectors.
How construction activities impact the environment
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the building and construction industry is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 37% to the global total. Manufacturing and the use of materials like aluminum, cement, and steel contribute to this massive carbon footprint. Here are some environmental effects of this sector:
- Air pollution
Construction sites generate dust and particulate matter, which lower air quality and pose respiratory health risks. Heavy machinery and equipment emit pollutants like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
- Water pollution
Improper disposal of chemicals, such as paints and solvents, can contaminate water sources. Clearing land for construction, excavating, and altering natural slopes can result in soil erosion, contributing to flooding and the pollution of natural bodies of water.
- Habitat destruction
Construction activities can displace wildlife and disrupt local ecosystems. Moreover, removing trees and vegetation can damage natural habitats, causing biodiversity loss.
- Resource consumption
Construction significantly eats into natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals. Its processes demand a lot of energy, which speeds up the depletion of non-renewable energy sources.
- Waste production
Construction and demolition waste, including concrete, metals, plastics, and wood, can end up in landfills if not properly managed.
- High water consumption
Building projects often require large amounts of water to mix concrete, suppress dust, and clean sites. According to the World Economic Forum, finishing tasks require regularly washing tools, which use tremendous volumes of fresh water. This transforms the water into liquid waste that’s typically discharged into sewage systems.
Reducing construction’s environmental impacts
Launched in 2015, the Philippine Green Building Code aims to promote sustainable building measures in the construction industry. Its goals include:
- Environmental protection
- Boosting the health and safety of building occupants
- Resource efficiency
- Lowering operational costs through efficient designs and construction practices
When building design, construction, and operation minimize environmental impacts, infrastructure can be sustainable and climate-resilient.
Government agencies support the country’s climate goals by offering benefits and incentives. For instance, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas encourages banks to provide loans or funding for sustainable programs, including transition financing for reducing carbon emissions. These measures include increased lending capacity and a lower reserve requirement rate for bank-issued sustainable bonds.
To advance sustainable development and encourage social responsibility among investors, the Securities and Exchange Commission has introduced Green and Social Bonds guidelines that support projects that care for the environment and society. Issuers are required to detail the ecological and community impacts of the bond earnings.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy promotes sustainable and energy-efficient workplaces by offering tax breaks, lower fees, and subsidies to enterprises that rely on renewable energy sources. Such incentives can help businesses lower costs while maximizing environmental gains.
Some LEED-certified buildings in Luzon
The construction of buildings certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is proof of the country’s heightened environmental consciousness. LEED is the global green building rating system, offering a framework for creating safe, optimized, cost-effective green structures. A LEED certification signifies international recognition of sustainability excellence, as displayed by these buildings.
- Arya Residences
Taguig City
The first residential condominium in the Philippines to achieve LEED Gold certification features local plants that require minimal maintenance and water, using paints and sealants with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and energy-efficient systems.
- Citi Plaza
Taguig City
A recipient of the LEED Platinum certificate, Citi Plaza boasts water efficiency, conserving over 23 liters of water annually. Through LED light bulbs and a smart lighting system that adjusts to daylight, the building also saves over a million kilowatt-hours of electricity yearly.
- Unilever Bayanihan Project
Taguig City
This building earned a LEED platinum certification for its energy efficiency, marked by a 35% decrease in lighting power density. Also, 90% of its equipment are ENERGY STAR qualified, which equates to less energy consumption.
- Bench Tower
Taguig City
Certified gold in 2016, the Bench Tower was recognized for its reduced water and energy use, sustainable development, waste management, and responsible use of materials.
- Zuellig Building
Makati
The Zuellig Building is the first in the Philippines to achieve a LEED Platinum certification. It features double-glazed Low Emission (Low E) glass, rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow plumbing fittings, and additional sustainable elements.
- Sun Life Centre
Taguig City
This P2-billion investment garnered a LEED Gold certification because of its sustainable features, including rainwater harvesting, electricity consumption regulation, and the elimination of indoor pollutants with CO2 sensors.
Bottomline
By incorporating sustainable measures and complying with environmental regulations, the construction industry can significantly reduce its negative impact on the environment. This proactive approach not only minimizes ecological damage but also promotes more sustainable development, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.
Source: PHILCONSTRUCT LUZON 2024 puts spotlight on sustainable practices and innovations